钉子 (dīngzi): nail (metal fastener)

Measure Word

一颗钉子 kē

Meanings

1 nail (metal fastener)
2 snag; obstacle (figurative)

Characters

钉

dīng

nail; to hammer a nail

子

zi

noun suffix

Examples

HSK 2

他碰了一个钉子。

Tā pèng le yīgè dīngzi.

He hit a snag. (He was rebuffed.)

HSK 2

小心地上的钉子。

Xiǎoxīn dìshang de dīngzi.

Watch out for the nail on the ground.

HSK 7-9

墙上钉了一颗钉子。

Qiángshàng dīng le yī kē dīngzi.

A nail was hammered into the wall.

Tips

usage

碰钉子 (pèng dīngzi) is a common idiom meaning 'to be rebuffed' or 'to hit a snag.' 钉子户 (dīngzihù) refers to a stubborn holdout who refuses to relocate.

Stroke Order

钉 dīng

子 zǐ

Related Words

碰钉子 pèngdīngzi HSK 7-9 #43,735

to hit a snag / to be rebuffed / to meet with a refusal

点子 diǎnzi HSK 7-9 #3,503

idea / notion / spot; dot

豆子 dòuzi HSK 7-9 #5,791

bean / pea

毯子 tǎnzi HSK 7-9 #5,046

blanket / rug

管子 guǎnzi HSK 7-9 #5,052

tube / pipe / straw

金子 jīnzi HSK 7-9 #4,542

gold / gold nugget

狮子 shīzi HSK 7-9 #4,512

lion

鸽子 gēzi HSK 7-9 #4,212

pigeon / dove

靴子 xuēzi HSK 7-9 #4,164

boots

笼子 lóngzi HSK 7-9 #5,260

cage / coop / basket