钉 — meaning in English: nail

dīng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for nail

隧道

suìdào

选

xuǎn

童

tóng

钉

dīng

附录

fùlù

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 钉 (dīng) when discussing construction or home improvement projects, as well as in art and crafting contexts. For example, someone might say '我需要几个钉来修这个桌子' (I need a few nails to fix this table) when planning a repair.

Synonyms & nuances

While 钉 (dīng) specifically denotes a metal nail, another similar word, 夹 (jiā), means 'clip' or 'clamp' and is more about holding items together without piercing. You would choose 钉 (dīng) when talking about fastening objects in a way that requires penetration into a surface.

Culture

The character 钉 (dīng) is composed of the metal radical 钅, indicating its association with metal objects, and the phonetic component 丁 (dīng), which historically referred to a type of nail. Interestingly, nails have played a significant role in Chinese carpentry and architecture for centuries, symbolizing strength and permanence in traditional building practices.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 钉 in English?

钉 (dīng) translates to 'nail' in English, referring to the small metal fastener used in construction and carpentry.

Q.How do you pronounce 钉 in Mandarin?

钉 is pronounced as 'dīng' with a high level tone. It's important to get the tone right, as it distinguishes it from other words.

Q.Can I use 钉 in a metaphorical sense?

While 钉 is primarily used in a literal sense, it can be used metaphorically in phrases to indicate fixing or securing something in a figurative context, like stabilizing a relationship.

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