Definition
摆弄 is a versatile verb that covers handling something with your hands in a playful or experimental way (fiddling, toying), as well as controlling or ordering people around. The literal sense of 'moving back and forth' is less common; the word is more often used for manipulating objects or people, often with a slightly negative or dismissive tone.
v.
to fiddle withto toy with (with one's hands)to manipulateto order about (people)
Examples
- 摆弄。Tā méi shì jiù xǐhuan bǎi nòng nà tái jiù shōuyīnjī.He likes to fiddle with that old radio whenever he has nothing to do.
- 摆弄，。Bié zǒng bǎi nòng biérén, ràng tāmen zìjǐ juédìng.Stop manipulating others all the time; let them decide for themselves.
- 摆弄。Jīnglǐ bǎ yuángōng bǎi nòng de tuántuán zhuàn.The manager ordered the employees around until they were dizzy.
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