1.
to knead, to work (dough)
To press and fold dough or similar substances repeatedly to make them smooth and pliable.
パン生地を捏ねる。
I knead the bread dough.
粘土をよく捏ねてから形を作る。
Knead the clay well before shaping it.
2.
to quibble, to nitpick
To make petty complaints or arguments (often in the form 理屈を捏ねる).
屁理屈を捏ねないで。
Don't quibble with me.
USAGE: 捏ねる is an ichidan verb used primarily in cooking and crafting contexts.
TRANSITIVITY: Transitive (takes を)
ASPECT: 捏ねている indicates ongoing kneading action or habitual kneading.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 生地を捏ねる (to knead dough)
- 粘土を捏ねる (to knead clay)
- 理屈を捏ねる (to quibble, make excuses)
- 屁理屈を捏ねる (to nitpick, make sophistic arguments)
KANJI NOTE: The kanji 捏ねる uses a relatively uncommon character. Often written in hiragana as こねる in casual contexts.
RELATED:
- 練る - to knead, to train, to refine
- 混ぜる - to mix