扳

• Pinyin: bān
• Hanzi breakdown: 扳 = 扌(hand) + 反 (phonetic, also suggests pulling back)

Meaning

To pull; to turn; to wrench; to win back (points).

Describes the action of pulling or turning something with force, typically a lever, switch, or handle. In sports contexts, means to recover points or pull back a deficit. Also used for bending fingers when counting.

Examples

1. 他用力扳动操纵杆，飞机终于稳住了。 He pulled the control lever hard and the plane finally stabilized.
2. 下半场我们连扳三球，最终逆转取胜。 We scored three comeback goals in the second half and won with a reversal.
3. 别扳我的手指，很疼！ Don't bend my fingers — it hurts!

Usage Guide

Context: mechanical, sports

Tone: active

Do Say

• 扳一下那个开关。(Pull that switch.)
• 球队扳回一局。(The team won back a set.)

Don't Say

• 把轻轻按压说成'扳' (Don't use 扳 for gentle pressing — it implies forceful pulling or turning)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character: 扌(hand radical) indicates action done by hand, 反 provides the sound.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal