Definitions

(adjective) greasy; oily
(adjective) overly intimate
(adjective) tired of; fed up with

Etymology phono-semantic

flesh

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 腻 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left component, the flesh radical 月, links it to bodily substances like fat or physical texture. The right side is the phonetic element, appearing as 貳 in the traditional form 膩 and as 贰 in the simplified 腻. Originally, the character described textures that were excessively greasy, oily, or cloying, often in reference to food or skin. This sense of overabundance naturally extended to a psychological meaning: a feeling of satiety, boredom, or aversion caused by overexposure. The idea of a sticky, clinging texture also gave rise to a secondary meaning, describing interpersonal relationships that are overly intimate or clingy.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个菜有点

Zhège cài yǒudiǎn nì.

This dish is a bit greasy.

他玩了那个游戏。

Tā wán nìle nàgè yóuxì.

He got bored with that game.

的食物对健康不好。

Yóunì de shíwù duì jiànkāng bù hǎo.

Greasy food is not good for health.

她细地描述了场景。

Tā xìnì de miáoshùle chǎngjǐng.

She described the scene in detail.

烦了这种重复的工作。

Wǒ nìfánle zhè zhǒng chóngfù de gōngzuò.

I am bored with this repetitive work.

蛋糕太甜了,吃多了会

Dàngāo tài tiánle, chī duōle huì nì.

The cake is too sweet, and eating too much will make you腻.

他对这个话题已经感到味了。

Tā duì zhège huàtí yǐjīng gǎndào nìwèile.

He has already felt bored with this topic.

长期面对单调的生活,让人心生烦。

Chángqī miànduì dāndiào de shēnghuó, ràng rén xīnshēng nìfán.

Facing a monotonous life for a long time makes people feel bored.