Chinese word

按摩

Pronunciation

Pinyinàn mó

Meaning

  • verbmassage

Example

请帮我按摩我的肩膀。qǐng bāng wǒ àn mó wǒ de jiān bǎng

Please massage my shoulder.

Illustration for 按摩 (massage)

More examples

晚上睡不着时，她会用手轻轻按摩太阳穴。wǎn shàng shuì bù zhe shí tā huì yòng shǒu qīng qīng àn mó tài yáng xué

When she cannot sleep at night, she gently massages her temples with her hand.

Core concept

Hands press and rub tired or painful muscles to loosen them.

Common phrases

  • 自己按摩足底zì jǐ àn mó zú dǐ

    self-massage the soles of one's feet

  • 给老人按摩背部gěi lǎo rén àn mó bèi bù

    massage an elderly person's back

  • 预约按摩疗程yù yuē àn mó liáo chéng

    book a massage session

Similar words

按压àn yā: Using a hand or finger to press one local area steadily to improve circulation or relieve stiffness.
揉róu: Kneading and rubbing a tight muscle with the hands or fingers to help it relax.
捏niē: Using the fingertips to pinch or press a small tight area and loosen it.

Definition in Chinese

用手对身体的肌肉或部位施加按压和摩擦以缓解疲劳或疼痛的动作。yòng shǒu duì shēn tǐ de jī ròu huò bù wèi shī jiā àn yā hé mó cā yǐ huán jiě pí láo huò téng tòng de dòng zuò

Word origin

按 (àn, "press") + 摩 (mó, "rub") forms a transparent compound for this hands-on action.

Usage tips

  • Chinese can use this verb with the body part as a direct object, making it easy to specify shoulders, back, or legs without adding a preposition.

Other meanings

  • shiatsunoun

Related words

  • 按摩法àn mó fǎmassage techniquenoun
  • 按摩椅àn mó yǐmassage chairnoun
  • 按摩油àn mó yóumassage oilnoun

Word lists with this word