钻 (zuān) - To drill, bore, or penetrate & to study intensively

钻Tone 1

zuān ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

志

钻 · zuān

To drill, bore, or penetrate;

to study intensively;

to curry favor;

also refers to a diamond or drill bit.

To drill, bore, or penetrateto study intensivelyto curry favor

Usage highlights

Drill a holeStudy intensivelyDiamondCurry favorDrill bitBoring machine

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 填— to fill (opposite of drilling)
  • 堵— to block (opposite of penetrating)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He used a drill to bore a hole (钻孔).
  • She is studying intensively for exams (钻研).
  • The jeweler cut the diamond (钻石).
  • He is always trying to curry favor with the boss (钻营).

Collocations

  • Drill a hole(钻孔)
  • Study intensively(钻研)
  • Diamond(钻石)
  • Curry favor(钻营)
  • Drill bit(钻头)
  • Boring machine(钻机)

Idioms

  • No place to drill a hole — no opportunity to take advantage(无孔可钻)
  • Drill fire to get fire — ancient fire-making method(钻木取火)
  • Drill ice to seek fire — futile effort(钻冰求火)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally depicted drilling through objects with a tool, evolving to mean intensive study.
  • In modern usage, it carries both positive connotations (diligent study) and negative ones (opportunism).
  • 钻石 (diamond) represents value and durability in Chinese culture, often used in jewelry and metaphors.

FAQ