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釘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
釘dīngnail, spikex, 10 strokes, radical 釒
dīng(ding1)ding T1
  1. 1nail, spike
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March 24, 2026

釘dīng(ding1)

The character 釘 (dīng) refers to a nail or spike, commonly used in construction and carpentry. It denotes an object that is driven into a surface to fasten or secure materials together. In a broader context, it can also symbolize the act of fastening or solidifying something in place.

Strokes10Radical釒
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese architecture, nails were often made of wood or bamboo before metal became common. This reflects a resourceful approach to building that utilized available materials, emphasizing sustainability.

Memory tip

Imagine a large, shiny nail (釘) being hammered into wood. The top of the character resembles a hammer striking down, while the bottom part signifies the nail itself. The pronunciation 'dīng' can be remembered by thinking of a 'ding' sound that a hammer makes when it hits the nail.

Meanings of 釘

dīng(ding1)
1nail, spike
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 釘

釘Simplified
10Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 釘

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Podcast: 釘

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AI study notes for 釘

Quick Contrast

钉子 (dīngzi) vs 釘 (dīng) — use 釘 for the act of nailing or the concept, while 钉子 refers specifically to the physical nail itself.

Usage Notes

釘 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar terms for fastening objects, like '夹' (jiā) which refers to clamping. Common collocations include '钉子' (dīngzi) meaning 'nail' and '钉板' (dīngbǎn) meaning 'nail board'.

HSK Study Tips

While 釘 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for students interested in practical language for construction or repair contexts. Focus on its usage in common phrases and related vocabulary, such as tools and materials.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 釘 (dīng) with 鉆 (zuān), leading to incorrect usage in contexts involving drilling versus nailing. For example, saying '我用釘来打孔' (I use nails to make holes) is incorrect; the correct word should be '鉆'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 釘

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Etymology of 釘

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 釘. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 丁 represents the sound.

Memory hint

A metal 釒 nail 丁; 丁 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 釘?

Decomposition of 釘

IDS Structure⿰釒丁
釘Full character
=
釒jin1
left
丁Ding1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 釘?

How to say nail, spike in Chinese

“nail, spike” in Chinese is釘dīng

The character 釘 (dīng) refers to a nail or spike, commonly used in construction and carpentry. It denotes an object that is driven into a surface to fasten or secure materials together. In a broader context, it can also symbolize the act of fastening or solidifying something in place.

When to use 釘

釘 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other similar terms for fastening objects, like '夹' (jiā) which refers to clamping. Common collocations include '钉子' (dīngzi) meaning 'nail' and '钉板' (dīngbǎn) meaning 'nail board'.

釘 or something close to it

钉子 (dīngzi) vs 釘 (dīng) — use 釘 for the act of nailing or the concept, while 钉子 refers specifically to the physical nail itself.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 釘 (dīng) with 鉆 (zuān), leading to incorrect usage in contexts involving drilling versus nailing. For example, saying '我用釘来打孔' (I use nails to make holes) is incorrect; the correct word should be '鉆'.

Write 釘

釘

Practice writing 釘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 釘

Words containing this character19
钉dìngnail釘
钉子dīngzinail釘子
螺钉screw螺釘
铆钉rivet鉚釘
斩钉截铁zhǎndīngjiétiěunhesitating斬釘截鐵
眼中钉a thorn in one's side眼中釘
板上钉钉that clinches it板上釘釘
钉子户householder who refuses to vacate his home despite pressure from property developers釘子戶
螺丝钉screw螺絲釘
钉螺Oncomelania釘螺
图钉thumbtack圖釘
碰钉子pèngdīngzito meet with a rebuff碰釘子
钉耙rake釘耙
钉锤nail hammer釘錘
软钉子lit. a soft nail軟釘子
钉牢to nail down釘牢
钉梢to tail釘梢
铆钉枪rivet gun鉚釘槍
扒钉cramp扒釘
Exercise 1 of 4

Characters with 釘

What does 钉 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 釘

It is pronounced as 'dīng', with a high level tone.

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