Definitions

to press down firmly; to suppress; right-falling stroke in Chinese characters (e.g. the last stroke of 大[dà])

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the hand radical and the component '奈', the character '捺' etymologically relates to the action of pressing down, as implied by its pictorial elements. Initially denoting a physical act of pressure applied by the hand, its semantic range later incorporated the specific calligraphic stroke known as the right-falling stroke, which visually echoes the downward motion of pressing. This evolution reflects how the character's functional application in describing hand movements was adapted to describe a fundamental stroke in writing, thereby bridging concrete action and abstract form.

Example Sentences Hide

这个字的笔很漂亮。

Zhège zì de nà bǐ hěn piàoliang.

The捺 stroke of this character is very beautiful.

学习书法要先练

Xuéxí shūfǎ yào xiān liàn nà.

When learning calligraphy, one must first practice the捺 stroke.

他按不住激动的心情。

Tā ànnà bù zhù jīdòng de xīnqíng.

He couldn't hold back his excited feelings.

在书法中,的写法有很多种。

Zài shūfǎ zhōng, nà de xiěfǎ yǒu hěn duō zhǒng.

In calligraphy, there are many ways to write the捺 stroke.

她轻轻一,就盖上了印章。

Tā qīngqīng yī nà, jiù gài shàng le yìnzhāng.

She lightly pressed down and affixed the seal.

心中的怒火需要很大耐力。

Ànnà xīnzhōng de nùhuǒ xūyào hěn dà nàilì.

Restraining the anger in one's heart requires great patience.

这幅书法作品的笔力道十足。

Zhè fú shūfǎ zuòpǐn de nà bǐ lìdào shízú.

The捺 strokes in this calligraphy work are very powerful.

尽管他试图按自己的情绪,但声音还是颤抖了。

Jǐnguǎn tā shìtú ànnà zìjǐ de qíngxù, dàn shēngyīn háishì chàndǒu le.

Although he tried to restrain his emotions, his voice still trembled.