Meanings of 針
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About 針
Podcast: 針
Podcast: 針
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AI Study Notes for 針
针 (zhēn) vs 针头 (zhēntóu) — use 针 for the general concept of a needle, and 针头 specifically when referring to the needle's tip.
Be careful not to confuse 針 with the similar-sounding character 真 (zhēn), which means 'true' or 'real.' This word is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in medical discussions regarding acupuncture. Common collocations include '针灸' (zhēn jiǔ) for acupuncture.
針 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it can be relevant for learners at HSK 3 or 4 who are expanding their vocabulary related to health and everyday tools. Focus on recognizing it in medical contexts and practice using it in sentences.
Learners often confuse 針 with similar characters like 针 (the simplified version). Additionally, they might misuse it in phrases, such as saying '我有针' (Wǒ yǒu zhēn) when intending to say they have a needle for a specific purpose, which can sound vague without context.
Pronunciation of 針
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Etymology of 針
Simplified form of 針. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 十 represents the sound.
A metal 釒 pin 十
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 針
Simplified form of 針. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 十 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayA metal 釒 pin 十
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 針? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 針?
Decomposition of 針
Identify the Components
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How to say needle, pin, tack; acupuncture in Chinese
“needle, pin, tack; acupuncture” in Chinese is針
The character 針 (zhēn) refers to a needle or pin, commonly used for sewing or medical acupuncture. It implies precision and sharpness, often associated with both physical tools and metaphorical uses, such as 'pinpointing' information.
When to use 針
Be careful not to confuse 針 with the similar-sounding character 真 (zhēn), which means 'true' or 'real.' This word is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in medical discussions regarding acupuncture. Common collocations include '针灸' (zhēn jiǔ) for acupuncture.
針 or something close to it
针 (zhēn) vs 针头 (zhēntóu) — use 针 for the general concept of a needle, and 针头 specifically when referring to the needle's tip.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 針 with similar characters like 针 (the simplified version). Additionally, they might misuse it in phrases, such as saying '我有针' (Wǒ yǒu zhēn) when intending to say they have a needle for a specific purpose, which can sound vague without context.
Write 針
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Practice writing 針 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 針
Compound Meaning
What does 针对 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 針
There is no difference; 针 is the simplified form of 針, used in mainland China.
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