Meanings of 指甲
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Podcast: 指甲
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AI Study Notes for 指甲
指甲 (zhǐjiǎ) vs 甲 (jiǎ) — use 指甲 when specifically referring to fingernails or toenails, while 甲 can refer to armor or the first in a sequence.
Be careful not to confuse 指甲 with other similar terms like 手指 (shǒuzhǐ), which means 'finger' itself. It's an informal term, so while it's commonly used in everyday conversation, it may not be suitable for formal medical contexts where 'nail' might be referred to in more technical language.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 指甲 connects with other vocabulary related to body parts, health, and personal care. Students should focus on collocations like 修指甲 (xiū zhǐjiǎ, 'to manicure') and learn to use it in sentences discussing grooming or health.
Learners often confuse 指甲 with the word for 'finger' (手指, shǒuzhǐ), leading to incorrect phrases like '我有两个指甲' (I have two fingernails) instead of '我有两个手指' (I have two fingers). Another common mistake is omitting the context, such as not specifying '修指甲' when discussing nail care.
Pronunciation of 指甲
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Jason Explains 指甲 to You
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Component Characters
How to say fingernail in Chinese
“fingernail” in Chinese is指甲
指甲 (zhǐjiǎ) refers to the hard, protective covering at the tips of fingers and toes, commonly known as fingernails or toenails. In daily conversation, it is often used in contexts related to grooming, health, and beauty, as well as in idiomatic expressions about precision or detail.
When to use 指甲
Be careful not to confuse 指甲 with other similar terms like 手指 (shǒuzhǐ), which means 'finger' itself. It's an informal term, so while it's commonly used in everyday conversation, it may not be suitable for formal medical contexts where 'nail' might be referred to in more technical language.
指甲 or something close to it
指甲 (zhǐjiǎ) vs 甲 (jiǎ) — use 指甲 when specifically referring to fingernails or toenails, while 甲 can refer to armor or the first in a sequence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 指甲 with the word for 'finger' (手指, shǒuzhǐ), leading to incorrect phrases like '我有两个指甲' (I have two fingernails) instead of '我有两个手指' (I have two fingers). Another common mistake is omitting the context, such as not specifying '修指甲' when discussing nail care.
Write 指甲
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Practice writing 指甲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 指甲
指甲 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我____根部的表皮龟裂粗糙，指甲被咬得参差不齐。
My cuticles were split and ragged, and my nails unevenly bitten.
Example Sentences for 指甲 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 指甲
In Western cultures, nail care is also significant, but the practice of nail art and elaborate designs may be more pronounced compared to traditional Chinese views that prioritize simplicity and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions about 指甲
You can say '剪指甲' (jiǎn zhǐjiǎ).
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