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中文
玻璃 — meaning in English: glass
bōlí · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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glass
干预
gānyù
公主
gōngzhǔ
评估
pínggū
玻璃
bōlí
代表团
dàibiǎo tuán
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 玻璃 (bōlí) when talking about materials in construction or design, especially when discussing windows, containers, or decorative items. For instance, you might hear it in a conversation about a new glass table or during a shopping trip in a home goods store, where one might ask for products made of 玻璃.
Synonyms & nuances
Another word that is sometimes used interchangeably with 玻璃 is 瓦 (wǎ), which means 'tile'. However, 瓦 specifically refers to ceramic tiles often used in roofing or flooring, while 玻璃 encompasses all types of glass products. You would choose 玻璃 when discussing items like windows or bottles.
Culture
The word 玻璃 (bōlí) has an interesting origin, coming from the Sanskrit word 'vārāha', meaning 'to shine' or 'to be clear', which reflects the transparent nature of glass. In modern Chinese culture, glass is not just a functional material but also a symbol of elegance and modernity, often used in architecture to create stunning and light-filled spaces.
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