Meanings of 捺
By ear
Play it, then pick what 捺 means.
About 捺
Podcast: 捺
Podcast: 捺
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 捺
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 捺
Drill the tone of 捺 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 捺 to you
Let me explain 捺 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 捺 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 捺?
Learning Lab
Knowing 捺 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 捺
hand
Origin
捺 = 扌 + 奈. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 捺
Parts
Which of these is part of 捺?
How to say to press down firmly with the fingers in Chinese
“to press down firmly with the fingers” in Chinese is捺
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.
When to use 捺
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 捺
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 捺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 捺?
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 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 捺
Words with 捺
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 捺?
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.