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March 24, 2026
挪nuó(nuo2)
The character 挪 (nuó) means 'to shift' or 'to move' and is often used in contexts involving physical relocation or changing the position of objects. It can also imply a sense of gently adjusting or rearranging something, rather than forcefully moving it. Common usage can be found in everyday situations, such as rearranging furniture or shifting responsibilities.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#4999DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of moving or adjusting space is often associated with feng shui principles, emphasizing the importance of harmonious arrangements in living and working environments. The character 挪 is frequently used in discussions about optimizing space for better energy flow.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 挪 as someone gently nudging or shifting a large rock (the radical 扌 suggests action by hand). Imagine a friendly giant (the character's rounded top) softly moving the rock to help a friend pass by, emphasizing the gentle nature of 'to move'. The pronunciation 'nuó' sounds like 'no' combined with 'aw' — imagine the giant saying 'No, don’t push hard, just shift it gently!'
Meanings of 挪
nuó(nuo2)
1to shift
2to move
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挪
挪Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4999Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 挪
Podcast: 挪
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AI Study Notes for 挪
Quick Contrast
移动 (yídòng) - use 挪 for a gentler, more careful movement, while 移动 implies a more general or forceful action.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 挪 as someone gently nudging or shifting a large rock (the radical 扌 suggests action by hand). Imagine a friendly giant (the character's rounded top) softly moving the rock to help a friend pass by, emphasizing the gentle nature of 'to move'. The pronunciation 'nuó' sounds like 'no' combined with 'aw' — imagine the giant saying 'No, don’t push hard, just shift it gently!'
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 挪 with other characters that imply forceful movement, such as 移 (yí), which means 'to transfer' or 'to relocate'. In formal contexts, 挪 is appropriate for discussing adjustments in plans or responsibilities, while in informal settings, it can describe casual actions like moving items around a room. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning completely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 挪 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to movement and change, such as 移动 (yídòng, to move). Students should focus on how to use 挪 in various phrases and practice its application in idiomatic expressions to enhance their fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of moving or adjusting space is often associated with feng shui principles, emphasizing the importance of harmonious arrangements in living and working environments. The character 挪 is frequently used in discussions about optimizing space for better energy flow.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挪 with 移, using it incorrectly in contexts requiring a more forceful term. For example, saying '我需要挪这个桌子到那边' (I need to shift this table over there) is correct, but using it for moving a whole office would be more appropriate with 移.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挪
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Grammar Patterns of 挪
挪 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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
一名前主管____用了3,400万美元的公司资金。
One former director embezzled $34 million in company funds.
He edged closer to the telephone, ready to grab it.
3
我站在那儿呼吸着挪威新鲜的空气。
wǒ zhàn zài nà ér hū xī zháo nuó wēi xīn xiān de kōng qì。
I stood there breathing in the fresh Norwegian air.
4
像往常一样，挪威人比其他所有人都提前两小时进山。
xiàng wǎng cháng yī yàng， ， nuó wēi rén bǐ qí tā suǒ yǒu rén dū tí qián liǎng xiǎo shí jìn。
Typically, the Norwegians were on the mountain two hours before anyone else.
5
挪威的捕鲸人说昨天他们用捕鲸叉捕获了一头雌性小须鲸。
nuó wēi de bǔ jīng rén shuō zuó tiān tā mén yòng bǔ jīng chā bǔ huò le yī tóu cí xìng xiǎo xū jīng。
Norwegian whalers said yesterday they had harpooned a female minke whale.
6
她把那捆报纸挪到合适的地方。
tā bǎ nà kǔn bào zhǐ nuó dào hé shì de dì fāng。
She moved the sheaf of papers into position.
7
想要挪动地毯又不让它损坏是不可能的。
xiǎng yào nuó dòng dì tǎn yòu bù ràng tā sǔn huài shì bù kě néng de。
It is not possible to reposition the carpet without damaging it.
8
牡丹花不宜挪移，最好别去动它。
mǔ dān huā bù yí nuó yí， ， zuì hǎo bié qù dòng。
Peonies react badly to being moved and are best left undisturbed.
9
她用手杖尖翻拨挪动东西。
tā yòng shǒu zhàng jiān fān bō nuó dòng dōng xī。
She poked and shifted things with the tip of her walking stick.
10
罗伊小心地把腿挪下沙发，坐了起来。
luó yī xiǎo xīn dì bǎ tuǐ nuó xià shā fā， ， zuò le qǐ。
Roy swung his legs carefully off the couch and sat up.
Cultural Notes for 挪
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of moving or adjusting space is often associated with feng shui principles, emphasizing the importance of harmonious arrangements in living and working environments. The character 挪 is frequently used in discussions about optimizing space for better energy flow.
Word Family of 挪
Words Containing This Character8
挪nuóto shift
挪用to shift (funds)
挪威Norway
挪开to step aside挪開
挪动to move挪動
腾挪to move騰挪
挪借to borrow money for a short time
挪窝儿to move (house)挪窩兒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 挪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挪
Yes, 挪 can be used in both contexts, but it is more common in informal situations when talking about moving objects.
While 挪 generally refers to physical movement, it can metaphorically describe shifting responsibilities or roles in a project.
挪 implies a gentle shifting motion, while 移 suggests a more forceful or complete relocation.
