Chinese Conversation · Level 38
90 words
Chinese word
按
Pronunciation
Pinyinàn
Meaning
- verbpress
Example
请按这个按钮。qǐng àn zhè ge àn niǔ
Please press this button.
More examples
小心别用力按屏幕。xiǎo xīn bié yòng lì àn píng mù
Be careful not to press the screen too hard.
Core concept
Applied force controls a target or keeps it steady, and the same idea extends to acting within a chosen standard or plan.
Common phrases
按门铃àn mén líng
press the doorbell
按按钮àn àn niǔ
press a button
Similar words
按下àn xià: Press something, such as a button, downward.
按住àn zhù: Keep something pressed without releasing it.
压yā: Press down on something with force from above.
Definition in Chinese
用手掌或指尖对物体向下或向内施压以改变其位置或触发功能，也可指按住不放的动作。yòng shóu zhǎng huò zhǐ jiān duì wù tǐ xiàng xià huò xiàng nèi shī yā yǐ gǎi biàn qí wèi zhì huò chù fā gōng néng yě kě zhǐ àn zhù bú fàng de dòng zuò
Word origin
The character 按 (àn, "press") pairs the hand radical 扌 (shǒu, "hand") with 安 (ān, "peace"), using the latter mainly for sound rather than meaning.
Usage tips
- For everyday instructions, this verb is more natural than an English learner's instinct to use touch for a button, because touch describes contact without the deliberate force or response implied here.