Definitions

náo (verb) to scratch
náo (verb) to thwart; to interfere with
náo (verb) to yield; to give in

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character "撓" is structured with the hand radical "扌" alongside the phonetic component "堯", which historically suggested its pronunciation while linking it to actions performed by the hand. Its early meanings included to bend, yield, or disturb, but over centuries the semantic focus shifted toward more specific applications, such as the physical act of scratching or the figurative sense of hindrance. The simplified form "挠" retains the hand radical but replaces "堯" with the simplified phonetic "尧", preserving the auditory clue while streamlining the character. This evolution has refined its modern usage to predominantly denote scratching, as in alleviating an itch, or obstruction, as in impeding an action.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在痒痒。

Wǒ zài náo yǎngyang.

I am scratching an itch.

那个伤口。

Bié náo nàgè shāngkǒu.

Don't scratch that wound.

小猫喜欢沙发。

Xiǎo māo xǐhuan náo shāfā.

The kitten likes to scratch the sofa.

这个问题让我头。

Zhège wèntí ràng wǒ náo tóu.

This problem makes me scratch my head.

发痒的鼻子。

Tā náo le náo fāyǎng de bízi.

He scratched his itchy nose.

痒可以暂时缓解不适。

Náo yǎng kěyǐ zànshí huǎnjiě bùshì.

Scratching can temporarily relieve discomfort.

没有人能阻他的决定。

Méiyǒu rén néng zǔnáo tā de juédìng.

No one can hinder his decision.

持续的抓会导致皮肤损伤。

Chíxù de náozhuā huì dǎozhì pífū sǔnshāng.

Persistent scratching can lead to skin damage.