nau2扭
Jyutpingnau2
Yalenáu
Definition
To twist, turn, or rotate.
colloquialdaily actionshealth
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of rotating or twisting an object, this verb is frequently used to describe a child acting cranky or being difficult, as in 扭計. It implies a sense of stubbornness or resistance that is more active than just being quiet or sad. When referring to physical injury, it specifically denotes a sprain rather than a break or a cut.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 扭 with 轉, but 扭 usually involves applying force to twist or wring something, whereas 轉 is more about changing direction or rotating something smoothly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
