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March 24, 2026
笨拙bènzhuō(ben4zhuo1)
笨拙 (bènzhuō) describes someone who is clumsy or awkward in movement or behavior. It can also imply a lack of intelligence or skill in certain tasks. This term is often used in both physical contexts, like describing someone's movements, and in mental contexts, such as poor decision-making.
Strokes19Frequency#8911DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 笨拙 is often viewed humorously, especially in contexts like family gatherings or social events where clumsiness can lead to laughter rather than embarrassment. This reflects the value placed on humor and relatability in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bear (笨) trying to dance (拙), resulting in a very clumsy performance. The bear's heavy feet represent the awkwardness associated with 笨拙, making it easier to remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 笨拙
bènzhuō(ben4zhuo1)
1clumsy
2awkward
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 笨拙
笨拙Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#8911Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 笨拙
Podcast: 笨拙
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AI Study Notes for 笨拙
Quick Contrast
笨 (bèn) vs 笨拙 (bènzhuō) — use 笨 when referring specifically to a lack of intelligence, while 笨拙 emphasizes physical clumsiness or awkwardness.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to use 笨拙 in overly formal contexts, as it can come off as rude when describing someone's abilities. It's often used in casual conversations among friends. A common collocation is 笨拙的动作 (clumsy movements).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 笨拙 connects well with other adjectives describing qualities or characteristics, like 聪明 (smart) or 灵巧 (dexterous). Focus on using it in sentences that contrast skill levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 笨拙 with 笨 (stupid), using it in contexts where only intelligence is discussed. For example, saying '她很笨拙在学习' (She is clumsy in learning) should be corrected to '她很笨' (She is stupid) if referring solely to intelligence, as 笨拙 should focus on physical or behavioral awkwardness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笨拙
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笨拙 (bènzhuō) describes someone who is clumsy or awkward in movement or behavior. It can also imply a lack of intelligence or skill in certain tasks. This term is often used in both physical contexts, like describing someone's movements, and in mental contexts, such as poor decision-making.
When to use 笨拙
Be cautious not to use 笨拙 in overly formal contexts, as it can come off as rude when describing someone's abilities. It's often used in casual conversations among friends. A common collocation is 笨拙的动作 (clumsy movements).
笨拙 or something close to it
笨 (bèn) vs 笨拙 (bènzhuō) — use 笨 when referring specifically to a lack of intelligence, while 笨拙 emphasizes physical clumsiness or awkwardness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 笨拙 with 笨 (stupid), using it in contexts where only intelligence is discussed. For example, saying '她很笨拙在学习' (She is clumsy in learning) should be corrected to '她很笨' (She is stupid) if referring solely to intelligence, as 笨拙 should focus on physical or behavioral awkwardness.
Write 笨拙
笨
拙
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Grammar Patterns of 笨拙
笨拙 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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 4
Complete the Sentence
亚历山德拉穿着那身过时的衣裳，显得臃肿____。
Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing.
Example Sentences for 笨拙 (10)
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1
亚历山德拉穿着那身过时的衣裳，显得臃肿笨拙。
yà lì shān dé lā chuān zháo nà shēn guò shí de yī cháng， ， xiǎn dé yōng zhǒng bèn。
Alexandra looked plump and awkward in her cast-off clothing.
2
一群大象缓慢而笨拙地穿过平原，朝水潭走去。
yī qún dà xiàng huǎn màn ér bèn zhuō dì chuān guò píng yuán， ， zhāo shuǐ tán zǒu。
A herd of elephants lolloped across the plains towards a watering hole.
3
他还在为别人批评他尽管最终胜出但表现笨拙感到闷闷不乐。
tā huán zài wéi bié rén pī píng tā jìn guǎn zuì zhōng shèng chū dàn biǎo xiàn bèn zhuō gǎn dào mèn mèn bù lè。
He is still smarting over criticism of his victorious but clumsy performance.
