HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8069, Very Hard
挠
náo
to thwart
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8069, Very Hard
挠
náo
to yield
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8069, Very Hard
挠
náo
to yield; to scratch, to disturb
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #8069, Very Hard
náo(nao2) T2
1to scratch
2to thwart
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March 24, 2026
挠(撓)náo(nao2)
The character 挠 (náo) primarily means 'to scratch' but can also imply 'to thwart' or 'to yield.' It is often used in contexts where something is being disturbed or interrupted, whether physically or metaphorically. Its versatility allows it to convey a sense of annoyance or interference in various situations.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#8069DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, scratching is often seen as a sign of irritation or discomfort, particularly in social situations where maintaining harmony is valued. The act of 挠 can symbolize a disruption in that harmony, reflective of deeper cultural norms around behavior.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat (the left radical 手, meaning 'hand') scratching (the character itself) at a door, trying to get attention. The sound 'náo' resembles the noise of an annoying scratch that you want to stop, making it easier to remember the action associated with the character.
Meanings of 挠
náo(nao2)
1to scratch
2to thwart
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 挠
挠Simplified
撓Traditional
9Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8069Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 挠
Podcast: 挠
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AI Study Notes for 挠
Quick Contrast
挠 (náo, to scratch) vs 抓 (zhuā, to grab) — use 挠 when referring to scratching or irritating, while 抓 is for seizing or grasping.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 挠 can carry a slightly negative connotation, especially when used to describe disturbance or annoyance. It is often used in informal contexts, so in formal writing, consider alternatives like 扰 (rǎo) for 'to disturb.' Also, be careful with tone; the second tone should be pronounced clearly to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 挠 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it can be a useful word for learners at intermediate levels who are expanding their vocabulary related to actions and emotions. Focus on its usage in sentences to grasp different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挠 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 扰 (rǎo) instead of 挠 (náo) when referring to scratching can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you understand the context to use the correct term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挠
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Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 尧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 撓.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half尧 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 挠? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 挠?
Decomposition of 挠
IDS Structure⿰扌尧
挠Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
尧Yao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挠?
How to say to scratch in Chinese
“to scratch” in Chinese is挠náo
The character 挠 (náo) primarily means 'to scratch' but can also imply 'to thwart' or 'to yield.' It is often used in contexts where something is being disturbed or interrupted, whether physically or metaphorically. Its versatility allows it to convey a sense of annoyance or interference in various situations.
When to use 挠
Be mindful that 挠 can carry a slightly negative connotation, especially when used to describe disturbance or annoyance. It is often used in informal contexts, so in formal writing, consider alternatives like 扰 (rǎo) for 'to disturb.' Also, be careful with tone; the second tone should be pronounced clearly to avoid confusion.
挠 or something close to it
挠 (náo, to scratch) vs 抓 (zhuā, to grab) — use 挠 when referring to scratching or irritating, while 抓 is for seizing or grasping.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挠 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 扰 (rǎo) instead of 挠 (náo) when referring to scratching can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you understand the context to use the correct term.
Write 挠
挠
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Practice writing 挠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 挠
挠 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
它____得我后脖梗儿的绒毛直痒痒。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
Example Sentences for 挠 (10)
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1
它挠得我后脖梗儿的绒毛直痒痒。
tā náo dé wǒ hòu bó gěng ér de róng máo zhí yǎng yǎng。
It tickled the hairs on the back of my neck.
2
送信人弯下腰来，挠着膝部被绑腿磨红的地方。
sòng xìn rén wān xià yāo lái， ， náo zháo xī bù bèi bǎng tuǐ mó hóng de dì。
The messenger bent and scratched at his knee where the strapping chafed.
3
老人撩起开襟毛衣挠了挠身体的一侧。
lǎo rén liāo qǐ kāi jīn máo yī náo le náo shēn tǐ de yī cè。
The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side.
