别扭 bièniu awkward
awkward; difficult; uncomfortable; not agreeing; at loggerheads; gauche
How to remember 别扭: 别 don't do something + 扭 to turn = awkward.
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How it is used
- Several colloquial senses. 'Awkward, uncomfortable, not smooth' - 这句话读起来很别扭 (this sentence reads awkwardly); a person feeling ill at ease.
- Also 'at odds / not getting along': 闹别扭 (nào bièniu) to have a tiff / be sulking with someone. Note reading biè. Captures friction, both between people and in how something sits.