Definitions

nǎo (verb) to annoy; to irritate; to upset
nǎo (adjective) angry; agitated

Etymology

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

Semantic:

About

The character "恼", denoting annoyance or anger, originates from the traditional form "惱", a semantic-phonetic compound wherein the left radical "忄" signifies the heart or mind, and the right component provides phonetic cues while also suggesting a relation to mental faculties, thereby embedding the concept of psychological disturbance within its very construction. Throughout its historical usage, the character has consistently conveyed states of vexation and mental trouble, with classical texts employing it to describe a troubled spirit, and over time its semantic range has solidified to encompass various shades of irritation from minor bother to profound anger. The graphical structure has seen modifications resulting in a simplified form that retains the heart radical but alters the phonetic element, yet the intrinsic connection to emotional distress has remained a constant through its evolution.

Example Sentences Hide

这真让人火。

Zhè zhēn ràng rén nǎohuǒ.

This really makes people irritated.

我感到十分烦

Wǒ gǎndào shífēn fánnǎo.

I feel quite worried.

怒地大喊。

Tā nǎonù de dà hǎn.

He shouted angrily.

不要为小事火。

Bùyào wèi xiǎo shì nǎohuǒ.

Don't get irritated over trivial matters.

她的态度让我恨。

Tā de tàidù ràng wǒ nǎohèn.

Her attitude makes me resentful.

面对困难,他从不怒。

Miànduì kùnnán, tā cóngbù nǎonù.

Facing difficulties, he never gets angry.

孩子们的笑声驱散了他的烦

Háizimen de xiàoshēng qūsànle tā de fánnǎo.

The children's laughter dispelled his worries.

尽管被误解,他也没有表现出丝毫怒。

Jǐnguǎn bèi wùjiě, tā yě méiyǒu biǎoxiàn chū sīháo nǎonù.

Despite being misunderstood, he did not show any anger.