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March 24, 2026
拈niān(nian1)
The character 拈 (niān) primarily means to pick up or grasp something lightly with the fingers. It is often used in contexts where someone is selecting or manipulating small objects, such as drawing lots or fiddling with items. This verb conveys a sense of delicacy and control in handling objects.
Strokes8Radical扌Frequency#26752DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of picking flowers (as in 拈花) can symbolize beauty and delicacy, often referenced in poetry and art. It reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the aesthetic in everyday life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a nimble cat with nimble fingers picking up a tiny toy, carefully grasping it. The '扌' radical (hand) suggests action with the hands, while the '念' part can remind you of 'neat,' as in handling things neatly with care.
Meanings of 拈
niān(nian1)
1to pick up with the fingers; to draw lots
2to nip
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 拈
拈Simplified
8Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 拈
Podcast: 拈
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AI Study Notes for 拈
Quick Contrast
捏 (niē) vs 拿 (ná) — choose 拈 when emphasizing a delicate or light touch, whereas 捏 implies squeezing or pinching, and 拿 indicates a more general act of taking or holding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a nimble cat with nimble fingers picking up a tiny toy, carefully grasping it. The '扌' radical (hand) suggests action with the hands, while the '念' part can remind you of 'neat,' as in handling things neatly with care.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; it can be confused with similar-sounding words. This term is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common collocation is 拈花 (niān huā), which means to pick flowers.
HSK Study Tips
Though 拈 is not included in HSK vocabulary, it connects with other action verbs related to handling objects. Focus on similar verbs that describe movements with hands to build your vocabulary around physical actions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of picking flowers (as in 拈花) can symbolize beauty and delicacy, often referenced in poetry and art. It reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the aesthetic in everyday life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拈 with other similar verbs like 拿 (ná, to take), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying 拈东西 (niān dōngxi, to pick up things) is incorrect; it should be 拿东西 (ná dōngxi).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拈
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Grammar Patterns of 拈
拈 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 5 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 2
Complete the Sentence
她老公绝对不是个____花惹草的人。
Her husband was not a womaniser by any stretch of the imagination.
Example Sentences for 拈 (2)
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1
她老公绝对不是个拈花惹草的人。
tā lǎo gōng jué duì bù shì gè niān huā rě cǎo de rén。
Her husband was not a womaniser by any stretch of the imagination.
Up to 75 per cent of married men may be playing around.
Cultural Notes for 拈
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of picking flowers (as in 拈花) can symbolize beauty and delicacy, often referenced in poetry and art. It reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the aesthetic in everyday life.
Word Family of 拈
Words Containing This Character4
拈niānto nip
拈花惹草fig. to womanize
拈香burn incense
手到拈来fig. easy to do手到拈來
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 拈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拈
It is pronounced as 'niān' with a rising tone. Make sure to practice the tone to avoid confusion.
It's more commonly found in formal or literary contexts, so it's good to know, but may not be used frequently in casual talk.
A common phrase is 拈花 (niān huā), meaning to pick flowers, which can be used metaphorically in literature.
