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JLPT N5 10 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character (zuān) primarily means "to drill" or "to bore a hole." It is often used in contexts involving tools or actions that penetrate or make holes, such as drilling into walls or materials. Beyond the literal sense, also conveys the idea of "delving deeply" into a subject or problem, implying thorough investigation or study.

Common Collocations

  • (zuānkǒng): to drill a hole
  • 钻研 (zuānyán): to study intensively, to delve into
  • (zuānjìn): to crawl into, to penetrate

These collocations show the versatility of in both physical and abstract contexts.

Usage Notes

When used literally, often pairs with tools like (drill bit). In figurative use, 钻研 is a common term for deep study or research. Avoid confusing with similar-sounding verbs like (to earn money), which have different meanings and tones.

Register and Tone

is neutral in tone and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common verb in technical, academic, and everyday speech.

Example Sentences

The worker used a drill bit to make a hole in the wall.

He likes to delve deeply into historical issues and understands them

The kitten crawled into the cardboard box using its paws.