弄

nòng
HSK 4
#1,051 most
frequent character
to do, to manage, to handle
verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

弄 shows two hands 廾 working jade 王, so it first meant working jade by hand. 廾 also supplies the sound. The meaning broadened to do or handle, then to toy with. Read lòng, it means lane or alley, borrowed only for its sound.

Drawn as: hands shaping jade

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Example Sentences

你能帮我弄这个吗？
nǐ néng bāng wǒ nòng zhègè ma ？
Can you help me handle this?
我喜欢弄一些新玩具。
wǒ xǐhuān nòng yīxiē xīn wánjù 。
I like to play with some new toys.
他弄坏了我的电脑。
tā nònghuàile wǒde diànnǎo 。
He messed up my computer.

Words with similar meanings

处理chǔlǐ
to handle
This term indicates more formal management or administration of a task.
玩wán
to play
This word is commonly used for engaging in enjoyable activities, typically lighter and more fun-focused.
搞gǎo
to do/manage
A more colloquial synonym, implying a casual or informal way of doing something.

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