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March 24, 2026
挠(撓)náo(nao2)
The character 挠 (náo) primarily means 'to scratch' but can also imply 'to thwart' or 'to yield.' It is often used in contexts where something is being disturbed or interrupted, whether physically or metaphorically. Its versatility allows it to convey a sense of annoyance or interference in various situations.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#8069DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, scratching is often seen as a sign of irritation or discomfort, particularly in social situations where maintaining harmony is valued. The act of 挠 can symbolize a disruption in that harmony, reflective of deeper cultural norms around behavior.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat (the left radical 手, meaning 'hand') scratching (the character itself) at a door, trying to get attention. The sound 'náo' resembles the noise of an annoying scratch that you want to stop, making it easier to remember the action associated with the character.
Meanings of 挠
náo(nao2)
1to scratch
2to thwart
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挠
挠Simplified
撓Traditional
9Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8069Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 挠
Podcast: 挠
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AI Study Notes for 挠
Quick Contrast
挠 (náo, to scratch) vs 抓 (zhuā, to grab) — use 挠 when referring to scratching or irritating, while 抓 is for seizing or grasping.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (the left radical 手, meaning 'hand') scratching (the character itself) at a door, trying to get attention. The sound 'náo' resembles the noise of an annoying scratch that you want to stop, making it easier to remember the action associated with the character.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 挠 can carry a slightly negative connotation, especially when used to describe disturbance or annoyance. It is often used in informal contexts, so in formal writing, consider alternatives like 扰 (rǎo) for 'to disturb.' Also, be careful with tone; the second tone should be pronounced clearly to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 挠 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it can be a useful word for learners at intermediate levels who are expanding their vocabulary related to actions and emotions. Focus on its usage in sentences to grasp different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, scratching is often seen as a sign of irritation or discomfort, particularly in social situations where maintaining harmony is valued. The act of 挠 can symbolize a disruption in that harmony, reflective of deeper cultural norms around behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挠 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 扰 (rǎo) instead of 挠 (náo) when referring to scratching can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you understand the context to use the correct term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挠
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Grammar Patterns of 挠
挠 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
它____得我后脖梗儿的绒毛直痒痒。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
Example Sentences for 挠 (10)
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1
它挠得我后脖梗儿的绒毛直痒痒。
tā náo dé wǒ hòu bó gěng ér de róng máo zhí yǎng yǎng。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
2
送信人弯下腰来，挠着膝部被绑腿磨红的地方。
sòng xìn rén wān xià yāo lái， ， náo zháo xī bù bèi bǎng tuǐ mó hóng de dì。
The messenger bent and scratched at his knee where the strapping chafed.
3
老人撩起开襟毛衣挠了挠身体的一侧。
lǎo rén liāo qǐ kāi jīn máo yī náo le náo shēn tǐ de yī cè。
The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side.
It must have galled him that Bardo thwarted each of these measures.
10
我曾以为我永远不能再给自己挠痒了.
wǒ zēng yǐ wéi wǒ yǒng yuǎn bù néng zài gěi zì jǐ náo yǎng le.
I thought maybe I'd never be able to scratch myself again.
Cultural Notes for 挠
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, scratching is often seen as a sign of irritation or discomfort, particularly in social situations where maintaining harmony is valued. The act of 挠 can symbolize a disruption in that harmony, reflective of deeper cultural norms around behavior.
Word Family of 挠
Words Containing This Character13
挠náoto scratch撓
阻挠zǔnáoto thwart阻撓
不屈不挠unyielding不屈不撓
挠头tricky撓頭
百折不挠to be indomitable百折不撓
抓挠to scratch抓撓
抓耳挠腮to tweak one's ears and scratch one's cheeks (as an expression of anxiety, delight, frustration etc) (idiom)抓耳撓腮
挠痒痒to tickle撓癢癢
挠曲to bend撓曲
痒痒挠backscratcher (made from bamboo etc)癢癢撓
挠钩iron hook at the end a long pole撓鉤
屈挠to surrender屈撓
挠率the torsion (of a space curve)撓率
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 挠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挠
You might hear 挠头 (náo tóu), meaning 'to scratch one's head,' which signifies confusion.
Generally, 挠 is considered informal. In formal contexts, it’s better to use words like 扰 (rǎo) instead.
Yes, it can describe emotional disturbances or frustrations, not just physical scratching.
