needle, pin, tack

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Overview

The word "" (zhēn) primarily refers to a needle or pin, including sewing needles, clock hands, and medical needles such as injection syringes. It is a versatile noun used in both everyday and specialized contexts.

Common Uses

  • Medical: "" often refers to injection needles or acupuncture needles. For example, "打针" means to get an injection.
  • Sewing: It denotes the needle used for stitching fabric.
  • Timekeeping: The "" on a clock or watch refers to the hands that indicate time.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 打针 (dǎ zhēn): to get an injection; very common in medical contexts.
  • 线 (zhēn xiàn): needle and thread; used when talking about sewing.
  • 针对 (zhēn duì): a common compound meaning "to be aimed at" or "regarding," which is a different usage but shares the character.

Usage Notes

When using "" in conversation, context clarifies whether you mean a sewing needle, a clock hand, or a medical needle. For example, "打针" clearly refers to injections, while "" relates to sewing. Avoid confusing "" with similar sounding words like "" (true) by paying attention to tones and context.

Summary

"" is a practical and frequently used noun in Mandarin, essential for discussing medical treatments, sewing, and timepieces. Recognizing its collocations helps learners use it accurately and naturally.

Example Sentences

The doctor used a needle to give the patient a vaccine.

The hands of this clock have stopped; it needs repair.

She sewed the torn clothes with a needle.