拧

nǐng

3 readings · tap one to hear it

mistake; to twist

Sound it out + = · + =

Formation & memory

Break the character into parts you already know.

Phono-semantic compound (形声字)

扌 meaning “hand” + 宁 sound ( níng )

Components 扌宁

tweak · Heisig RSH #1843

fingers + 宁 calm

Keyword method from Heisig's Remembering Simplified Hanzi.

The most common words first — learning a character in context makes it stick.

Word	Pinyin	Meaning
拧成一股绳	níng chéng yī gǔ shéng	to twist (strands) together to form a rope; (fig.) to unite; to work together
胳膊拧不过大腿	gē bo nǐng bu guò dà tuǐ	(idiom) the weak cannot overcome the strong
拧开	nǐng kāi	to unscrew; to twist off (a lid); to turn on (a faucet); to switch on (by turning a knob);…
拧巴	nǐng ba	(dialect) awkward; uncomfortable; (dialect) obstinate; contrary; argumentative
满拧	mǎn nǐng	totally inconsistent; completely at odds

Characters sharing the sound component 宁 — compare how they read.

Character	Pinyin	Meaning
宁 sound part	níng	calm, peaceful; healthy; rather; to prefer
柠	níng	lemon
狞	níng	fierce; hideous
苧	níng	China grass, ramie
咛	níng	to enjoin, to instruct; to charge
聍	níng	earwax