Meaning and Usage
The character 绞 primarily means "to twist" or "to wring," especially referring to twisting strands of thread or rope together. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense mental effort, as in "绞尽脑汁" (to rack one's brains).
Common Collocations
- 绞紧 (jiǎo jǐn): to twist tightly, often used with ropes or cords.
- 绞合 (jiǎo hé): to twist together, typically referring to strands or wires.
- 绞尽脑汁 (jiǎo jìn nǎozhī): to rack one's brains, indicating deep thinking or problem-solving.
Usage Notes
When used literally, 绞 often involves physical twisting or wringing. In figurative expressions, it conveys the idea of exerting great mental effort. It is a versatile verb that appears in both everyday and literary contexts. Avoid confusing 绞 with similar verbs like 扭 (niǔ), which also means "to twist" but often implies a different motion or object.
Register and Tone
绞 is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The figurative phrase 绞尽脑汁 is common in spoken and written Chinese to express intense thinking.