Definitions

bēng (verb) to draw tight; to stretch taut
běng (verb) to have a taut face; to look stern

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character "繃" is structured with the silk radical "糸" alongside the component "朋", which primarily serves a phonetic function, indicating an early association with the manipulation of fabrics such as stretching or binding threads. Originally denoting the act of pulling cloth taut, as in preparing embroidery or securing a bandage, its meaning gradually broadened to describe any state of physical tightness, including tensed muscles or rigid surfaces. Over time, this concept of tension was applied metaphorically to depict strained emotions or intense situations. The simplified form "绷" retains the phonetic element "朋" but substitutes the traditional silk radical with the simplified form "纟", reflecting the same core meanings related to constriction and pressure.

Example Sentences Hide

带很实用。

Bēng dài hěn shí yòng.

Bandages are very practical.

绳子得紧。

Shéng zi bēng de jǐn.

The rope is pulled tight.

着脸不说话。

Tā bēng zhe liǎn bù shuō huà.

He pulled a long face and didn't speak.

肌肉紧很难受。

Jī ròu jǐn bēng hěn nán shòu.

Tight muscles are very uncomfortable.

她把布在架子上。

Tā bǎ bù bēng zài jià zi shàng.

She stretched the cloth on the frame.

带需要定期更换。

Bēng dài xū yào dìng qī gēng huàn.

Bandages need to be changed regularly.

紧张的气氛紧了每个人的神经。

Jǐn zhāng de qì fēn bēng jǐn le měi gè rén de shén jīng.

The tense atmosphere tightened everyone's nerves.

他努力住笑容不让自己笑出来。

Tā nǔ lì bēng zhù xiào róng bù ràng zì jǐ xiào chū lái.

He tried hard to hold back his smile and not let himself laugh out.