绷

• Pinyin: bēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 绷 = 纟 (silk) + 崩 (phonetic, collapse — but here means taut)

Meaning

To stretch tight; to strain; to keep a straight face.

Describes stretching something taut, like fabric or a string. Also used for straining muscles, keeping facial expressions rigid (绷着脸 = keeping a stern face), or being tense emotionally. Can mean to barely manage (绷不住 = can't hold back).

Examples

1. 他绷着脸一句话也不说，气氛特别尴尬。 He kept a straight face and didn't say a word — the atmosphere was really awkward.
2. 她实在绷不住了，噗嗤一声笑了出来。 She couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing.
3. 把帐篷的绳子绷紧一点，否则风一吹就倒了。 Tighten the tent ropes or it'll blow over in the wind.

Usage Guide

Context: physical actions, emotions, expressions

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他一直绷着脸。(He kept a straight face the whole time.)
• 神经别绷太紧。(Don't be so tense.)

Don't Say

• 把松弛说成'绷' (Don't use 绷 for relaxed states — it specifically means taut or tense)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 纟 (silk thread) + 崩 (phonetic). Originally related to tightening fabric.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal