针 (zhēn) - needle & pin

针Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 钅

丈志

针 · zhēn

needle;

pin;

injection;

acupuncture;

stitch;

pointed object used for sewing or medical purposes

needlepininjection

Usage highlights

needleacupuncture needlecompass needleinjectionneedleworkneedle tip

Synonyms

  • 针线— needle and thread (sewing implements)
  • 针灸— acupuncture (medical practice)
  • 注射— injection (medical procedure)

Antonyms

  • 线— thread (complementary but opposite in function)
  • 钝— blunt (opposite of sharp)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tailor uses a needle (针) to sew clothes.
  • She received an acupuncture needle (针灸针) treatment.
  • The compass needle (指南针) points north.
  • He needs a vaccine injection (打针).

Collocations

  • needle(针)
  • acupuncture needle(针灸针)
  • compass needle(指南针)
  • injection(打针)
  • needlework(针线活)
  • needle tip(针尖)

Idioms

  • As if sitting on pins and needles(如坐针毡)
  • Thread a needle at the bottom of the sea(大海捞针)
  • See the needle but not the thread(见针不见线)
  • A needle hidden in cotton wool(绵里藏针)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Acupuncture needles have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
  • The compass, one of China's Four Great Inventions, uses a magnetic needle.
  • Needles symbolize precision, sharpness, and medical healing in Chinese culture.

FAQ