绷 běng to bind
to bind; to strap; to draw firm; to draw tight; to stretch taut
How to remember 绷: 纟 thread + 朋 friend = to bind. With strong thread from his pack, the hiker helps his hurt friend, taking care to bind the splint on her leg.
Component breakdown
绷 = 纟 thread + 朋 friend
- 纟 thread
- 朋 friend
- 月 moon
- 月 moon
With strong thread from his pack, the hiker helps his hurt friend, taking care to bind the splint on her leg.
How it is used
- To pull taut / stretch tight - 绷紧 (bēngjǐn) to draw tight (绷紧神经 to be on edge), 绷带 (bēngdài) a bandage, 绷着脸 (běngzhe liǎn) to keep a straight/stern face.
- Multiple tones: bēng (taut), běng (a stern face / to restrain), bèng (in 硬绷绷 stiff). Colloquial 绷不住 (bēng bú zhù) means to lose composure / crack up.