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March 24, 2026
捺nà(na4)
The character 捺 (nà) means to press down firmly with the fingers, often describing a specific action in writing or drawing. It can also refer to the movement of pressing down in a more general context. This term is often associated with calligraphy and the proper formation of characters.
Strokes11Radical扌Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese calligraphy, the technique of 捺 is essential for creating dynamic strokes that convey strength and rhythm, reflecting the cultural importance of writing as an art form.
Memory Tip
Imagine your hand pressing down firmly on a piece of paper, creating a strong impression. The character 捺 has a 'n' sound, which can remind you of 'nail' pressing down. The left part (扌) represents a hand, emphasizing the action of pressing.
Meanings of 捺
nà(na4)
1to press down firmly with the fingers
2(downwards-right concave character stroke)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 捺
捺Simplified
11Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 捺
Podcast: 捺
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AI Study Notes for 捺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your hand pressing down firmly on a piece of paper, creating a strong impression. The character 捺 has a 'n' sound, which can remind you of 'nail' pressing down. The left part (扌) represents a hand, emphasizing the action of pressing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 捺 with similar characters that involve different actions, like 拍 (pāi, to pat). This word is usually informal and can be used in both everyday conversation and calligraphy contexts. Pay attention to the tone when using it in sentences.
HSK Study Tips
While 捺 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help enhance your writing skills, particularly in calligraphy. Focus on associating it with the action of pressing as you encounter similar verbs in your studies.
Cultural Note
In Chinese calligraphy, the technique of 捺 is essential for creating dynamic strokes that convey strength and rhythm, reflecting the cultural importance of writing as an art form.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 捺 with the character 撇 (piě), which is a different stroke type. For example, writing 捺 as a straight downward line instead of its concave shape is a common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捺
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Practice writing 捺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 捺
捺 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 1
Complete the Sentence
尽管已经是老经验了，我还是在四分之一决赛的时候按____不住发了脾气，差点就被罚出场。
For all my experience, I blew a fuse in the quarter-final and could have been sent off.
Example Sentences for 捺 (1)
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1
尽管已经是老经验了，我还是在四分之一决赛的时候按捺不住发了脾气，差点就被罚出场。
jìn guǎn yǐ jīng shì lǎo jīng yàn le， ， wǒ huán shì zài sì fēn zhī yī jué sài de shí hòu àn nà bù zhù fā le pí， qì ， chà diǎn jiù bèi fá。
For all my experience, I blew a fuse in the quarter-final and could have been sent off.
Cultural Notes for 捺
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese calligraphy, the technique of 捺 is essential for creating dynamic strokes that convey strength and rhythm, reflecting the cultural importance of writing as an art form.
Word Family of 捺
Words Containing This Character3
按捺不住to be unable to hold back
捺nàpress down firmly
按捺to restrain
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 按捺不住 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捺
捺 specifically refers to a downward-right concave stroke, while other strokes may have different directions or purposes.
Yes, although it is more common in informal settings, it can still appear in formal calligraphy.
Focus on the pressure and direction of your brush or pen, ensuring that the stroke starts strong and ends with a slight curve.
