Meanings of 钉
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Podcast: 钉
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AI Study Notes for 钉
钉 (dīng) vs 固定 (gùdìng) — use 钉 for the physical act of nailing, while 固定 refers to securing or fixing something in place more generally.
Be mindful of the context when using 钉, as it can refer to both the physical act of nailing and the figurative sense of pursuing someone. Common collocations include 钉在 (nail in) and 钉住 (pin down). Avoid confusing it with 盯 (dīng), which relates to watching or keeping an eye on someone.
While not specifically listed in HSK levels, 钉 can be associated with practical vocabulary in daily life and construction-related contexts. Focus on using it in sentences related to building or closely following activities.
Learners often confuse 钉 with 盯, using it incorrectly in sentences about watching someone. For example, saying '我钉着他' (I nail him) instead of '我盯着他' (I watch him) is a common error.
Pronunciation of 钉
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Etymology of 钉
Simplified form of 釘. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 丁 represents the sound.
A metal 钅 nail 丁; 丁 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 钉?
Decomposition of 钉
Parts
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How to say nail in Chinese
“nail” in Chinese is钉
The character 钉 (dīng) primarily means 'nail' in the context of construction and carpentry. It can also imply the action of joining things together by fixing them in place, as well as the idea of closely following someone or something, akin to 'sticking to' or 'pursuing' an action or person.
When to use 钉
Be mindful of the context when using 钉, as it can refer to both the physical act of nailing and the figurative sense of pursuing someone. Common collocations include 钉在 (nail in) and 钉住 (pin down). Avoid confusing it with 盯 (dīng), which relates to watching or keeping an eye on someone.
钉 or something close to it
钉 (dīng) vs 固定 (gùdìng) — use 钉 for the physical act of nailing, while 固定 refers to securing or fixing something in place more generally.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 钉 with 盯, using it incorrectly in sentences about watching someone. For example, saying '我钉着他' (I nail him) instead of '我盯着他' (I watch him) is a common error.
Write 钉
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Grammar Patterns of 钉
钉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
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我尤其喜欢那种用螺____固定在墙上的搁板。
I particularly like the type of shelving that screws to the wall.
Example Sentences for 钉 (10)
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Word Family of 钉
Words with 钉
What does 钉子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钉
钉 (dīng) refers to a nail or the action of nailing, while 盯 (dīng) means to keep a close watch or follow someone.
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