Meanings of 镊
By ear
Play it, then pick what 镊 means.
About 镊
Podcast: 镊
Podcast: 镊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 镊
镊 (niè) vs 钳 (qián): Use 镊 when referring specifically to tweezers or forceps designed for delicate tasks, while 钳 refers to pliers, which are used for gripping or bending larger objects.
Be mindful that 镊 is more formal and specific than just using the word for 'tool'. In informal contexts, you might hear people simply refer to it as 'tweezers' in a conversational setting. Common collocations include '镊子' (the noun form for 'tweezers') and '用镊子' (to use tweezers).
Although 镊 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK 3 words like '用' (to use) and '工具' (tool), which are relevant in practical conversations. Focus on understanding its usage in medical or beauty contexts to enhance vocabulary depth.
Learners often confuse 镊 with other similar-sounding characters, like '捏' (to pinch), due to similar actions but different tools. Remember, 镊 specifically refers to tools used for picking or gripping, not just any action of pinching.
Pronunciation of 镊
Drill the tone of 镊, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 镊 to you
Let me explain 镊 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 镊 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 镊?
Learning Lab
Knowing 镊 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 镊
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 聂 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鑷.
metal
Origin
镊 = 钅 + 聂. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 镊
Parts
Which of these is part of 镊?
How to say tweezers, forceps, pliers; to nip, to pluck in Chinese
“tweezers, forceps, pliers; to nip, to pluck” in Chinese is镊
The character 镊 (niè) refers to tweezers or forceps, tools commonly used for picking up small objects or for delicate tasks. It can also mean to nip or pluck, indicating a gentle action often associated with precision. This term is frequently used in medical contexts, as well as in beauty and craft settings.
When to use 镊
Be mindful that 镊 is more formal and specific than just using the word for 'tool'. In informal contexts, you might hear people simply refer to it as 'tweezers' in a conversational setting. Common collocations include '镊子' (the noun form for 'tweezers') and '用镊子' (to use tweezers).
镊 or something close to it
镊 (niè) vs 钳 (qián): Use 镊 when referring specifically to tweezers or forceps designed for delicate tasks, while 钳 refers to pliers, which are used for gripping or bending larger objects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 镊 with other similar-sounding characters, like '捏' (to pinch), due to similar actions but different tools. Remember, 镊 specifically refers to tools used for picking or gripping, not just any action of pinching.
Write 镊
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 镊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 镊
镊 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 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
用____子拔掉蜜蜂的螫刺。
Remove the bee sting with tweezers.
Example sentences for 镊 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 镊?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 镊
Words with 镊
What does 镊子 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 镊
The pronunciation is 'niè', with a falling tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 镊?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.