HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13367, Hard
搓
cuō
to twist
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13367, Hard
搓
cuō
to rub or roll between the hands
HSK 7, v, 12 strokes, radical 扌, rank #13367, Hard
cuō(cuo1) T1
1to rub or roll between the hands or fingers
2to twist
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March 24, 2026
搓cuō(cuo1)
The verb '搓' (cuō) means to rub or roll something between the hands or fingers, often used in contexts like kneading dough or shaping materials. It can also imply twisting or manipulating an object through motion. This word is commonly used in both culinary and crafting contexts.
Strokes12Radical扌Frequency#13367DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '搓' is particularly relevant in the context of making traditional foods like dumplings or noodles, where the technique of rolling and kneading is essential for texture and taste.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef named 'Cuō' who is expertly rolling dough in his hands. The shape of the character '搓' resembles hands working together to knead and twist the dough, emphasizing its meaning of rubbing and rolling.
Meanings of 搓
cuō(cuo1)
1to rub or roll between the hands or fingers
2to twist
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 搓
搓Simplified
12Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13367Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 搓
Podcast: 搓
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AI Study Notes for 搓
Quick Contrast
搓 (cuō) vs 揉 (róu) — use 搓 for a more vigorous, twisting action, while 揉 implies a gentler, kneading motion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef named 'Cuō' who is expertly rolling dough in his hands. The shape of the character '搓' resembles hands working together to knead and twist the dough, emphasizing its meaning of rubbing and rolling.
Usage Notes
'搓' is often used in informal contexts but can also be appropriate in casual conversations about cooking or crafting. Common collocations include '搓面团' (to knead dough) and '搓澡' (to scrub oneself clean). Learners should be cautious with its pronunciation, ensuring to maintain the first tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '搓' connects to other verbs related to physical actions and manipulation. Students should focus on practicing its usage in various contexts, such as cooking or crafting, to grasp the nuances of the verb.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '搓' is particularly relevant in the context of making traditional foods like dumplings or noodles, where the technique of rolling and kneading is essential for texture and taste.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '搓' with '揉' (róu), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我在搓洗手' (I am rubbing my hands) should be '我在洗手' (I am washing my hands) instead, as '搓' implies a specific action of rubbing between hands.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 搓
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Grammar Patterns of 搓
搓 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 3 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 5
Complete the Sentence
这位老农民正把稻草____成绳子.
The old peasant is twisting pieces of straw into a rope.
The old peasant is twisting pieces of straw into a rope.
2
他想到自己将赚到那么多钱就高兴得直搓手。
tā xiǎng dào zì jǐ jiāng zhuàn dào nà mó duō qián jiù gāo xīng dé zhí cuō shǒu。
He rubbed his hands in glee as he thought of all the money he would make.
3
他把3根绳子搓成一根非常结实的绳子.
tā bǎ3 3 gēn shéng zǐ cuō chéng yī gēn fēi cháng jié shí de shéng.
He twisted the three ropes to make one very strong rope.
4
用几股麻搓成了一段绳子.
yòng jī gǔ má cuō chéng le yī duàn shéng zǐ.
Twist a length of rope from strands of hemp.
5
窗外的雪不住的在下,扯棉搓絮一般, 绿瓦上匀整的堆砌上几道雪沟.
chuāng wài de xuě bù zhù de zài xià, , chě mián cuō xù yī, bān , lǜ wǎ shàng yún zhěng de duī qì shàng jī dào.
Outside the windows snow fell like balls of cotton wool, piling over the green - glazed roof - files.
Cultural Notes for 搓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, '搓' is particularly relevant in the context of making traditional foods like dumplings or noodles, where the technique of rolling and kneading is essential for texture and taste.
Word Family of 搓
Words Containing This Character6
搓cuōto twist
揉搓to rub
搓洗to scrub
搓揉to knead
搓麻将to play mahjong搓麻將
搓板washboard
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 搓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搓
'搓' can be used in a sentence like '我在搓面团' (I am kneading the dough).
'搓' is generally informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations rather than formal writing.
'搓' can be synonymous with '揉' (róu), which also means to knead or rub.
