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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'finger' with 手指 (shǒuzhǐ)

    Existence & Possession
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Noun + 的 + 手指

    Explanation

    The noun 手指 (shǒuzhǐ) means 'finger,' referring to any of the five digits on the human hand. It combines 手 (hand) with 指 (to point/finger). It is used in everyday, medical, and descriptive contexts, and individual fingers can be specified with modifiers such as 食指 (index finger) or 小指 (pinky).

    Examples

    • 弹钢琴的时候,手指要放松,不要太僵硬。

      Tán gāngqín de shíhou, shǒuzhǐ yào fàngsōng, bùyào tài jiāngyìng.

      When playing the piano, your fingers should be relaxed, not too stiff.

    • 她不小心切菜的时候割伤了手指。

      Tā bù xiǎoxīn qiē cài de shíhou gēshāng le shǒuzhǐ.

      She accidentally cut her finger while chopping vegetables.

    • 小孩子数数的时候喜欢掰着手指算。

      Xiǎo háizi shǔshù de shíhou xǐhuan bāizhe shǒuzhǐ suàn.

      Little children like to count on their fingers when counting.

    Expressing 'finger' with 手指 (shǒuzhǐ) | Chinese Grammar