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March 24, 2026
躡niè(nie4)
The character 躡 (niè) means to tip-toe or to walk quietly, often used to describe a stealthy approach. It conveys the idea of moving carefully and silently, which can be applied in contexts such as sneaking up on someone or moving quietly in a library.
Strokes25Radical足Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, moving quietly can be seen as a sign of respect, especially in settings like temples or during ceremonies where silence is valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat (the top radical, '足' meaning foot) tip-toeing (the character itself) to catch a mouse. The sound 'niè' can be remembered as the cat silently 'neighing' as it walks quietly.
Meanings of 躡
niè(nie4)
1to tip-toe, to walk quietly
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About 躡
躡Simplified
25Strokes
足Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 躡
Podcast: 躡
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AI Study Notes for 躡
Quick Contrast
轻声 (qīngshēng, quietly) — use 躡 when emphasizing the stealthy aspect of movement, while 轻声 focuses on the volume of sound.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (the top radical, '足' meaning foot) tip-toeing (the character itself) to catch a mouse. The sound 'niè' can be remembered as the cat silently 'neighing' as it walks quietly.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 躡 is more formal and literary than everyday vocabulary. It often appears in written contexts rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include 躡手躡脚 (to move stealthily).
HSK Study Tips
Although 躡 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be linked to other characters related to movement and action, such as 走 (to walk) and 跑 (to run). Focus on recognizing the character's components and practicing its pronunciation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, moving quietly can be seen as a sign of respect, especially in settings like temples or during ceremonies where silence is valued.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 躡 with other similar characters related to movement, such as 跳 (to jump). Remember that 躡 specifically refers to quiet, stealthy movement, not just any kind of walking.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 躡
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