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笨拙

bènzhuō
adjective HSK 7-9 #8,911

Meanings

  1. 1 clumsy; awkward; ungainly
  2. 2 unskillful; maladroit

Characters

笨
bèn
stupid; clumsy; dull
拙
zhuō
clumsy; unskillful; crude
Clumsy + unskillful - both characters reinforce the idea of awkwardness.

Examples

HSK 4
他跳舞的动作很笨拙。
Tā tiàowǔ de dòngzuò hěn bènzhuō.
His dance moves are very clumsy.
HSK 4
小熊猫走路的样子笨拙又可爱。
Xiǎo xióngmāo zǒulù de yàngzi bènzhuō yòu kě'ài.
The way the baby panda walks is clumsy yet adorable.
HSK 6
他笨拙地试图解释自己的行为。
Tā bènzhuō de shìtú jiěshì zìjǐ de xíngwéi.
He clumsily tried to explain his behavior.

Tips

usage
笨拙 describes physical awkwardness or lack of skill, not stupidity. It can sometimes be endearing (like a clumsy child or animal). For social awkwardness, 尴尬 is more appropriate.

Stroke Order

笨 bèn
拙 zhuō