niān
拈
to pick up with fingers; to pinch
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb
to pick up with two or three fingers; to pinch
Specifically refers to holding or picking up small objects between the thumb and index finger (and sometimes middle finger). Often implies a delicate or precise action.
Tā他
cóng从
guàn罐
zi子
lǐ里
niān拈
chū出
yī一
kuài块
táng糖
。
He picked a piece of candy out of the jar.
Nà那
gè个
liè猎
rén人
xùn迅
sù速
de地
niān拈
gōng弓
dā搭
jiàn箭
。
The hunter quickly nocked an arrow to his bow.
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Tā她
yòng用
liǎng两
gēn根
shǒu手
zhǐ指
qīng轻
qīng轻
niān拈
qǐ起
nà那
zhāng张
zhào照
piàn片
。
She gently picked up that photo with two fingers.
Dà大
jiā家
lún轮
liú流
niān拈
jiū阄
er儿
jué决
dìng定
shéi谁
xiān先
qù去
。
Everyone took turns drawing lots to decide who would go first.
Bié别
yòng用
shǒu手
niān拈
shí食
wù物
chī吃
，
yào要
yòng用
kuài筷
zi子
。
Don't pick up food with your fingers to eat; use chopsticks.