HSK 7, zg, 17 strokes, radical 黍, rank #12006, Hard
黏
nián
to adhere
HSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, radical 黍, rank #12006, Hard
黏
nián
to stick
HSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, radical 黍, rank #12006, Hard
nián(nian2) T2
1to stick to; glutinous, sticky; glue
2to adhere
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March 24, 2026
黏nián(nian2)
The character 黏 (nián) primarily means 'to stick to' or 'to adhere.' It is commonly used to describe substances that are glutinous or sticky, such as glue or certain foods like sticky rice. This term conveys a sense of physical attachment or a metaphorical bond, often emphasizing a strong connection.
Strokes17Radical黍Frequency#12006DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, sticky rice (糯米) is a staple and is often used in traditional dishes, highlighting the cultural significance of textures in food. The term 黏 also reflects the importance of bonds in relationships, as 'sticking together' is a valued concept in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sticky note' (the sound 'nián' resembles the word 'near') that clings to your computer. The character's radical 黒 (black) suggests a dense, viscous quality, while the phonetic component 年 (year) can remind you that something sticky often lingers over time, just like memories from each year.
Meanings of 黏
nián(nian2)
1to stick to; glutinous, sticky; glue
2to adhere
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 黏
黏Simplified
17Strokes
黍Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 黏
Podcast: 黏
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AI Study Notes for 黏
Quick Contrast
黏 (nián) vs 粘 (zhān) — use 黏 for a sense of physical stickiness, while 粘 often refers to the act of sticking or adhering.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'sticky note' (the sound 'nián' resembles the word 'near') that clings to your computer. The character's radical 黒 (black) suggests a dense, viscous quality, while the phonetic component 年 (year) can remind you that something sticky often lingers over time, just like memories from each year.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 黏 with other similar-sounding words, so pay attention to its application in contexts involving physical properties or emotional attachments. It is typically used in informal settings when discussing food or materials, and collocates well with words like '纸' (paper) and '米' (rice). Be cautious with tone, as the incorrect tone can change the meaning dramatically.
HSK Study Tips
While 黏 is not currently listed in HSK, it can be associated with level 3 vocabulary due to its practical use in everyday conversation. Students should focus on recognizing its use in various contexts, especially in culinary or crafting discussions, to enhance their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, sticky rice (糯米) is a staple and is often used in traditional dishes, highlighting the cultural significance of textures in food. The term 黏 also reflects the importance of bonds in relationships, as 'sticking together' is a valued concept in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 黏 with 粘 (zhān) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '这道菜很粘' (This dish is very sticky) is correct, but using 黏 instead of 粘 in this context can sound odd. Be sure to use 黏 when referring to properties that imply stickiness or adherence.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 黏
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Grammar Patterns of 黏
黏 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
池塘表面有一层____腻腻的污泥。
There was an unappealing film of slime on top of the pond.
Example Sentences for 黏 (10)
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1
池塘表面有一层黏腻腻的污泥。
chí táng biǎo miàn yǒu yī céng nián nì nì de wū ní。
There was an unappealing film of slime on top of the pond.
2
她那被汗水浸透的衣服黏在身上。
tā nà bèi hàn shuǐ jìn tòu de yī fú nián zài shēn shàng。
Her sweat-stained clothing clung to her body.
3
米饭没煮好会结块，而且软黏黏的。
mǐ fàn méi zhǔ hǎo huì jié kuài， ， ér qiě ruǎn nián nián。
When the rice isn't cooked properly it goes lumpy and gooey.
4
想想你去看牙医时那双黏糊糊的手！
xiǎng xiǎng nǐ qù kàn yá yī shí nà shuāng nián hū hū de shǒu！
Think of the clammy hands you get when you visit the dentist!
In Chinese cuisine, sticky rice (糯米) is a staple and is often used in traditional dishes, highlighting the cultural significance of textures in food. The term 黏 also reflects the importance of bonds in relationships, as 'sticking together' is a valued concept in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 黏
Words Containing This Character19
黏niánsticky
黏膜mucous membrane
黏液mucus
黏糊sticky
黏土clay
黏着to adhere黏著
黏附to adhere
黏度viscosity (physics)
黏性stickiness
黏合剂glue黏合劑
黏合to glue together
黏糊糊sticky
黏住cling
黏结to cohere黏結
胶黏sticky膠黏
黏胶viscose黏膠
黏菌slime mold (Myxomycetes)
黏着性agglutinative (in linguistics, a characteristic of Altaic languages)黏著性
黏米sticky rice
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 黏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 黏
You can say '这块胶水很黏' (This glue is very sticky) to describe the property of an adhesive.
While both mean 'to stick,' 黏 often emphasizes a more glutinous quality, whereas 粘 can refer to any type of adhesion.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe a strong attachment to someone or something.
