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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'needle' with 针 (zhēn)

    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    针

    Explanation

    针 (zhēn) means "needle" and refers to a thin, pointed instrument used for sewing, acupuncture, or medical injections. It is one of the most common nouns in everyday Chinese and appears in many compound words related to tools and medicine. Context determines whether it refers to a sewing needle, a medical needle, or a compass needle.

    Examples

    • 奶奶用针把我衣服上的扣子缝好了。

      Nǎinai yòng zhēn bǎ wǒ yīfu shàng de kòuzi féng hǎo le.

      Grandma sewed the button back on my clothes with a needle.

    • 医生说打针的时候不要紧张，很快就好。

      Yīshēng shuō dǎ zhēn de shíhou bú yào jǐnzhāng, hěn kuài jiù hǎo.

      The doctor said don't be nervous when getting an injection — it'll be over quickly.

    • 这根针太细了，我穿不上线。

      Zhè gēn zhēn tài xì le, wǒ chuān bú shàng xiàn.

      This needle is too thin — I can't thread it.

    Expressing 'needle' with 针 (zhēn) | Chinese Grammar