擰
pinch, twist, wring, determined
Strokes17
Readings
On'yomi
- ドウ
- ニョウ
Kun'yomi
- みだ.れる
Meaning
擰 centers on applying force with the hand to twist, pinch, or wring something. The sense of being determined likely extends from the idea of firmly gripping or twisting one's resolve.
Study
Etymology
擰 combines 扌 (hand) with 寧, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to twisting or pressing. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The hand radical 扌 beside 寧 suggests a hand firmly twisting or pinching something. Imagine gripping a cloth and wringing it out with determination.
Reading mnemonic
For ドウ, picture a determined hand twisting a dough: dough -> ドウ, and the hand wrings it firmly.