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March 24, 2026
搦nuò(nuo4)
The character 搦 (nuò) primarily means 'to grasp or seize,' often used in contexts where something is physically held or taken. Additionally, it can imply challenging or provoking someone, making it a versatile term in both literal and figurative language. Its usage tends to be more literary, so it may not be common in everyday conversation.
Strokes13Radical扌Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, the act of gripping or seizing can symbolize determination and courage, often appearing in poetry to depict a character's resolve in adversity. This reflects the cultural value placed on strength and willpower.
Memory Tip
Imagine a hand (the radical 扌) grasping a rope (represented by the character's other components) tightly – this rope symbolizes a challenge that you are prepared to seize. The sound 'nuò' can be remembered by thinking of 'no' as a challenge, like saying 'no' to an opponent.
Meanings of 搦
nuò(nuo4)
1to grasp, to seize; to challenge, to provoke
2(literary) to hold (in the hand)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 搦
搦Simplified
13Strokes
扌Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 搦
Podcast: 搦
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AI Study Notes for 搦
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a hand (the radical 扌) grasping a rope (represented by the character's other components) tightly – this rope symbolizes a challenge that you are prepared to seize. The sound 'nuò' can be remembered by thinking of 'no' as a challenge, like saying 'no' to an opponent.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 搦 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā) which means 'to catch' or 'to grab.' It is more formal and literary, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 搦手 (grasp the hand) and 搦战 (challenge to battle).
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the HSK curriculum, 搦 can be linked to higher-level vocabulary related to physical actions and challenges. Focus on understanding its literary context and usage in written texts to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, the act of gripping or seizing can symbolize determination and courage, often appearing in poetry to depict a character's resolve in adversity. This reflects the cultural value placed on strength and willpower.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 搦 as a direct synonym for 抓 (zhuā) without considering the nuances; for example, saying 搦猫 (nuò māo) instead of 抓猫 (zhuā māo) when meaning 'to catch a cat.' Always check the context to ensure proper usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 搦
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Cultural Notes for 搦
🏮Cultural insight
In classical Chinese literature, the act of gripping or seizing can symbolize determination and courage, often appearing in poetry to depict a character's resolve in adversity. This reflects the cultural value placed on strength and willpower.
Word Family of 搦
Words Containing This Character2
搦战to challenge to battle搦戰
搦nuòto challenge
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 搦战 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搦
You can say 搦住了他的手 (nuò zhù le tā de shǒu), meaning 'I grasped his hand.'
No, it is more often found in literary contexts rather than everyday speech.
While it can mean 'to challenge,' it's typically more formal, so use it in appropriate contexts.
