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March 24, 2026
钮(鈕)niǔ(Niu3)
The character 钮 (niǔ) primarily means 'button' or 'knob', often referring to small, round fixtures used for fastening clothing or operating machinery. Additionally, it is a surname, Niu, which is less commonly encountered in everyday usage. In contexts, it can signify both physical objects and metaphorical buttons that initiate actions.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#12945DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese clothing, buttons often have significant cultural meanings, with specific styles representing different social statuses or occasions. 钮 is commonly found in discussions about fashion, reflecting both functionality and aesthetics in Chinese garments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a round button (钮) that you press to start a machine. The character itself has a metal radical (钅) on the left, suggesting something metallic or functional, while the right side looks like a hand pushing a knob down, linking the pronunciation 'niǔ' with the action of pushing.
Meanings of 钮
niǔ(Niu3)
1button, knob; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钮
钮Simplified
鈕Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钮
Podcast: 钮
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AI Study Notes for 钮
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a round button (钮) that you press to start a machine. The character itself has a metal radical (钅) on the left, suggesting something metallic or functional, while the right side looks like a hand pushing a knob down, linking the pronunciation 'niǔ' with the action of pushing.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 钮 with similar characters like 扭 (niǔ), which means 'to twist'. Use 钮 in contexts involving buttons, knobs, or mechanical features. It's generally neutral in register, but avoid using it in overly formal writing where specific terms for buttons or mechanisms might be preferred.
HSK Study Tips
Although 钮 is not on the HSK list, learners should connect it to related vocabulary involving clothing or mechanisms, such as 按钮 (ànniǔ - button) and 扭 (niǔ - to twist). Focus on recognizing its usage in everyday contexts to enhance vocabulary retention.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese clothing, buttons often have significant cultural meanings, with specific styles representing different social statuses or occasions. 钮 is commonly found in discussions about fashion, reflecting both functionality and aesthetics in Chinese garments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钮 with 扭, leading to incorrect phrases like 钮动 (niǔ dòng) instead of the correct 扭动 (niǔ dòng) which means 'to twist'. Ensure you distinguish their meanings clearly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钮
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Grammar Patterns of 钮
钮 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 5
Complete the Sentence
自动曝光按____安装在镜头脱卸按钮下面，十分不便。
The autoexposure button is awkwardly placed under the lens release button.
I entered the lift and pressed the button on the fifth floor.
8
新郎和男傧相的钮孔上都戴了一朵白色的康乃馨.
xīn láng hé nán bīn xiāng de niǔ kǒng shàng dū dài le yī duǒ bái sè de kāng nǎi xīn.
The bridegroom and the best man wore white carnations in their buttonholes.
9
这种折叠伞伞架有8根,开合伞的按钮在伞柄中.
zhè zhǒng zhē dié sǎn sǎn jià yǒu8 8, gēn , kāi hé sǎn de àn niǔ zài sǎn.
This telescopic umbrella has 8 close button is fitted into the handle.
10
那些男人, 吃得直打饱嗝, 解开了背心的钮扣.
nà xiē nán rén, , chī dé zhí dǎ bǎo, gé , jiě kāi le bèi xīn de.
The men, gorged with food , had unbuttoned their vests.
Cultural Notes for 钮
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese clothing, buttons often have significant cultural meanings, with specific styles representing different social statuses or occasions. 钮 is commonly found in discussions about fashion, reflecting both functionality and aesthetics in Chinese garments.
Word Family of 钮
Words Containing This Character5
按钮push button按鈕
钮niǔsurname Niu鈕
钮扣button鈕釦
旋钮knob (e.g. handle or radio button)旋鈕
电钮push button (electric switch)電鈕
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 按钮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钮
Common phrases include 按钮 (ànniǔ - button) and 钮扣 (niǔkòu - button on clothing).
While it can be used in formal contexts, it is more often found in everyday speech and descriptions.
钮 refers specifically to buttons or knobs, while 扭 means 'to twist', indicating different actions.
