to knead

JLPT N5 12 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The verb '' primarily means 'to knead' or 'to rub/massage.' It is commonly used when talking about kneading dough or massaging body parts like shoulders or temples.

Common Contexts

  • Cooking: '' (knead dough) is a frequent phrase in cooking contexts.
  • Body care: '肩膀' (massage shoulders) or '太阳' (rub temples) are common expressions when describing relieving tension or pain.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (róu miàn): knead dough, used in cooking.
  • 肩膀 (róu jiānbǎng): massage shoulders, used in body care.
  • 太阳 (róu tàiyángxué): rub temples, often to relieve headache.

Usage Notes

'' implies a gentle or repeated pressing and rubbing motion. It differs from '' (cuō), which often means to roll or rub between hands, and '' (àn), which means to press down. When using '' for body parts, it often suggests a soothing or therapeutic action.

Avoid confusing '' with '' (róu cuō), which combines kneading and rubbing but is less commonly used alone.

Example Sentences

Mom is kneading the dough to prepare dumplings.

He rubbed his temples with his hands, feeling a bit of a headache.

The masseur gently massaged my shoulders, relieving fatigue.