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B1 noun #7,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

针线

zhēnxiàn Top 7,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 针线 em 30 segundos

Explicação 针线 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '针线' (zhēnxiàn) as a simple noun meaning 'needle and thread.' Think of it as a single unit you need when your clothes have a small problem. You will mostly use it with the verb '有' (yǒu - to have) or '要' (yào - to want). For example, '你有针线吗？' (Do you have a needle and thread?). It is a very useful word for travelers or students living in dorms who might need to fix a button. At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings; just focus on the physical object. You can imagine a small box with a needle and different colors of thread. Remember that '针' is the sharp metal part and '线' is the long string part. Together, they are '针线'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '针线' with more verbs and in slightly longer sentences. You should learn the phrase '针线包' (zhēnxiànbāo), which means 'sewing kit.' This is what you would look for in a supermarket or ask for at a hotel front desk. You can also start using the verb '找' (zhǎo - to look for) or '借' (jiè - to borrow). For instance, '我得找点针线把衣服缝一下' (I need to find some needle and thread to sew my clothes a bit). You are beginning to understand that this word is often used for small, everyday repairs at home. It's a practical word for daily life. You might also notice it appearing in simple stories about grandmothers or mothers taking care of the family.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '针线' in a variety of contexts, including describing skills. You should learn the term '针线活' (zhēnxiànhuó), which refers to 'needlework' or 'sewing chores.' You can use it to describe someone's ability: '她的针线活做得真漂亮' (Her needlework is done really beautifully). You also start to see the word in more formal or literary contexts, such as in poems like '游子吟' (Song of the Parting Son), where it represents a mother's love and care. You should also be able to distinguish '针线' from more specific words like '缝纫' (professional sewing). At this level, you understand that '针线' carries a warm, domestic connotation and is often linked to themes of family and tradition.

At the B2 level, you can use '针线' metaphorically and understand its nuances in formal writing. You should be familiar with the idiom '穿针引线' (chuānzhēn yǐnxiàn), which means to thread a needle but is used to describe someone who acts as a bridge or intermediary between two parties in business or social situations. You can also use the word to describe the 'stitching' or 'logic' of a piece of writing or a plan, using phrases like '针线缜密' (zhēnxiàn zhěnmì - meticulously woven/well-organized). You should understand how the word evokes a sense of detail-oriented work and patience. In discussions about culture, you can use '针线' to talk about traditional crafts like embroidery or the historical role of women in the household.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical weight of the word '针线'. You can use it in sophisticated literary analysis to discuss themes of domesticity, maternal love, or the meticulous nature of fate (often compared to weaving or sewing in literature). You should be able to discuss the evolution of '针线' from a survival necessity to a form of 'intangible cultural heritage' (非物质文化遗产). You can use the word in complex sentences that contrast traditional hand-sewing with modern industrial manufacturing. Your vocabulary should also include archaic or highly specific related terms like '针线笸箩' (sewing basket) or '女红' (traditional female crafts), and you should be able to use them correctly in historical or cultural essays.

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At the C2 level, you use '针线' with the precision of a native scholar. You can effortlessly integrate the word into discussions about classical Chinese philosophy, where the act of sewing and the 'needle and thread' might be used as metaphors for the interconnectedness of all things or the careful governance of a state. You understand the most subtle puns and double meanings involving '针' and '线' in poetry and high-level rhetoric. You can critique the '针线' (structural integrity and fine detail) of a complex legal argument or a philosophical treatise. For you, the word is no longer just about sewing; it is a versatile tool for describing any process that requires the harmonious integration of disparate parts into a seamless whole.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

针线 em 30 segundos

针线 literally means needle and thread, the basic tools for hand-sewing and mending clothes.
It is often used as a collective noun for a sewing kit or the act of sewing itself.
Culturally, it symbolizes maternal love, domestic diligence, and traditional craftsmanship in Chinese society.
Metaphorically, it describes someone who connects people (go-between) or a very detailed and logical plan.

The Chinese term 针线 (zhēnxiàn) is a collective noun that literally translates to 'needle and thread.' In its most basic sense, it refers to the essential tools required for sewing, mending, or embroidery. However, in the rich tapestry of the Chinese language, it encompasses much more than just physical objects; it often represents the act of sewing itself, the skill of needlework, or the domestic labor traditionally associated with maintaining a household's clothing. When you hear a Chinese speaker mention 针线, they might be looking for a physical sewing kit, or they might be discussing a complex piece of embroidery or the meticulous effort required to fix a tear in a garment.

Literal Utility: At the hardware or craft store level, 针线 refers to the specific pairing of a needle (针) and thread (线). Without one, the other is useless, which is why they are almost always grouped together as a single concept in Chinese thought.
Skill and Craft: The term is frequently used to describe the quality of someone's work. To say someone has 'good needlework' (针线活儿做得好), you use this word to encompass the entire craft of sewing.
Domestic Symbolism: Historically, 针线 was a symbol of a woman's diligence and care for her family. It evokes images of a mother or grandmother sitting under a dim lamp, carefully mending clothes to ensure her children stay warm and presentable.

我需要找点针线把这颗纽扣缝上。 (Wǒ xūyào zhǎo diǎn zhēnxiàn bǎ zhè kē niǔkòu féng shàng.)
— Translation: I need to find some needle and thread to sew this button on.

In modern urban China, while fast fashion has made DIY mending less common, the word remains vital in the context of high-end tailoring, traditional 'Hanfu' clothing enthusiasts, and the ubiquitous 'sewing kits' found in hotel rooms. It is a word that bridges the gap between ancient craftsmanship and everyday practical maintenance. You will find it in literature to describe the fine details of a plan or the delicate nature of a relationship, much like how one must be careful not to break the thread while sewing.

慈母手中线，游子身上衣。针线密密缝，意恐迟迟归。

Understanding 针线 requires recognizing its dual nature: the sharp, cold metal of the needle and the soft, flexible strength of the thread. Together, they form a tool of creation and repair. This duality makes it a powerful metaphor for any situation requiring precision and patience. Whether you are literally fixing a sock or figuratively 'stitching' together a complex deal, the concept of 针线 implies a hands-on, meticulous approach to problem-solving.

Common Usage Scenarios: 1. Household chores: Asking where the sewing kit is. 2. Tailoring: Discussing the quality of a suit's stitching. 3. Metaphorical: Describing someone's careful and detailed thinking (针线缜密).

Using 针线 correctly involves understanding its role as a mass noun or a collective object. It is rarely used with specific counters like 'one needle' unless you are being very specific, but as a general concept, it often follows verbs of searching, using, or performing. To master its use, one must look at the verbs it pairs with, such as 拿 (ná - to take), 动 (dòng - to move/use), and 找 (zhǎo - to look for).

奶奶年纪大了，已经很久不拿针线了。 (Nǎinai niánjì dàle, yǐjīng hěnjiǔ bù ná zhēnxiàn le.)
— Translation: Grandma is old and hasn't picked up a needle and thread for a long time.

The phrase '动针线' (dòng zhēnxiàn) is a common idiomatic way to say 'to do sewing.' It implies the action of starting a sewing project. If you say someone '从来不动针线' (cónglái bù dòng zhēnxiàn), it means they never do any sewing at all, perhaps because they don't know how or they prefer to buy new clothes. This illustrates how 针线 functions as a placeholder for the entire activity of needlework.

Syntactic Structure: Subject + Verb + (Measure Word) + 针线. Note: While you can use '一些' (some), the most common measure word for a set of needle and thread is '套' (tào - set) or '盒' (hé - box).
Adjectival Use: When describing the quality of work, we use 针线活 (zhēnxiànhuó), meaning 'sewing work.' Example: 她的针线活很精致 (Her needlework is very exquisite).

这套西装的针线非常匀称，一看就是名师之作。 (Zhè tào xīzhuāng de zhēnxiàn fēicháng yúnchèn, yī kàn jiùshì míngshī zhī zuò.)
— Translation: The stitching on this suit is very even; you can tell at a glance it's the work of a master.

In more advanced contexts, 针线 appears in the compound 针线笸箩 (zhēnxiàn pǒluo), which is a traditional wicker sewing basket. While the basket itself is rare in modern cities, the term evokes a sense of nostalgia. Furthermore, when discussing literature or film, critics might praise the '针线缜密' (zhēnxiàn zhěnmì) of a plot, meaning the story is tightly woven with no 'loose threads' or plot holes. This shows the word's transition from a physical domestic tool to a sophisticated abstract descriptor of quality and logic.

In daily life in China, 针线 is most commonly heard in domestic settings or specific service environments. Despite the rise of ready-to-wear clothing, the need for basic mending remains a constant. You will hear it in residential compounds, small tailor shops, and even high-end hotels. It is a word that carries a sense of practicality and self-sufficiency.

At Home: '妈，家里有针线吗？我的裤子破了。' (Mom, is there a needle and thread at home? My pants are torn.) This is perhaps the most frequent way the word is used, highlighting its role as a household staple.
In Hotels: If you stay in a hotel in China, you might see a small box labeled '针线包' (zhēnxiànbāo - sewing kit). If you need one, you would ask the front desk: '请问可以给我一个针线包吗？' (Could you please give me a sewing kit?)
Tailor Shops (裁缝店): Tailors use the word to discuss the specifics of a repair. '这件衣服的针线断了，需要重缝。' (The stitching on this garment is broken; it needs to be resewn.)

服务员，房间里没有针线，能送一套过来吗？ (Fúwùyuán, fángjiān lǐ méiyǒu zhēnxiàn, néng sòng yī tào guòlái ma?)
— Scenario: Asking for a sewing kit in a hotel.

Beyond these practical settings, 针线 is a staple in historical dramas (古装剧). Since sewing was a primary occupation for women in ancient China, characters are often seen doing '针线活' (needlework) while talking. This reinforces the word's association with patience, femininity, and traditional virtues. In these dramas, a gift of a handmade item, like a pouch or a robe, is often accompanied by a comment on the 'fine needlework' (针线细致), signifying the effort and love put into the gift.

Finally, in the business world, though rare, you might hear it used metaphorically. A meticulous auditor or a careful lawyer might be described as having '针线功夫' (needlework skill), meaning they have an eye for the smallest details and can weave together a foolproof argument. This figurative use is a high compliment for anyone whose work requires extreme precision.

While 针线 seems straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in its application, particularly regarding its countability and its distinction from related technical terms. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in practical situations.

Mistake 1: Treating it as a countable noun for a single needle: Learners often say '我需要一个针线' (I need a needle-and-thread). In Chinese, 针线 is a collective concept. If you only need the needle, say '一根针' (yī gēn zhēn). If you need the thread, say '一卷线' (yī juǎn xiàn). If you need the set, use '一套针线' (yī tào zhēnxiàn).
Mistake 2: Confusing with '缝纫' (Féngrèn): '缝纫' refers to the industrial or mechanical act of sewing. You wouldn't usually say '我在家里做缝纫' unless you have a professional setup. For hand-mending a sock, '做针线' or '缝补' (féngbǔ) is much more natural.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Pairing: Some learners try to use '玩' (wán - play) or '办' (bàn - do/handle) with 针线. The standard verbs are '动' (dòng - move/start), '拿' (ná - pick up), and '做' (zuò - do, specifically in '做针线活').

❌ 我买了一个针线。 (Incorrect measure word and concept)
✅ 我买了一盒针线。 (I bought a box of needle and thread.)

Another common pitfall is using 针线 to refer to medical stitches. While the physical objects are similar, medical stitches are referred to as '缝线' (féngxiàn) or '拆线' (chāixiàn - to remove stitches). Using 针线 in a hospital context might cause a momentary confusion, as it sounds like you are looking for a craft kit rather than medical attention.

Finally, be careful with the word '针' itself. It can mean a needle, a pin, or even an injection (打针). If you are at the doctor's and say you are afraid of '针线', it sounds odd; you should just say you are afraid of '打针' (getting an injection). 针线 is strictly for the craft and repair of textiles.

To truly master the vocabulary around sewing, it is helpful to compare 针线 with other related terms. While 针线 is the most general and common term for the tools, other words specify the action or the professional level of the work.

缝补 (Féngbǔ): Focus: Mending and patching. Usage: Use this when you are specifically fixing a hole or a tear. Example: '缝补旧衣服' (Mending old clothes). Difference: 针线 is the noun (tools), 缝补 is the verb (action).
缝纫 (Féngrèn): Focus: General sewing, often professional. Usage: Used in terms like '缝纫机' (sewing machine) or '缝纫店' (tailor shop). Difference: More formal and technical than the domestic feel of 针线.
刺绣 (Cìxiù): Focus: Embroidery. Usage: Used for artistic, decorative needlework. Difference: While 刺绣 uses 针线, it is a specific artistic discipline, not just basic sewing.
女红 (Nǚgōng / Nǚhóng): Focus: Traditional women's needlework. Usage: Found in historical novels or discussions of ancient culture. Difference: An archaic term for the skills of sewing, spinning, and embroidery.

虽然她不会复杂的刺绣，但基本的针线活还是没问题的。 (Suīrán tā bù huì fùzá de cìxiù, dàn jīběn de zhēnxiànhuó háishì méi wèntí de.)
— Translation: Although she can't do complex embroidery, her basic needlework is no problem.

When choosing between these words, consider the context. If you are asking for a kit to fix a button, use 针线. If you are describing a person's profession, use 缝纫. If you are admiring a beautiful silk dragon on a robe, use 刺绣. If you are reading a story set in the Ming Dynasty about a girl learning to sew, you might encounter 女红.

In modern slang, you might occasionally hear someone say '穿针引线' (chuānzhēn yǐnxiàn), which literally means 'threading a needle' but is used idiomatically to mean 'acting as a go-between' or 'facilitating a connection.' This is a very common idiom in business and social networking, showing that while the physical tools of 针线 might be less common today, the concepts they represent remain deeply embedded in how Chinese people describe social interactions.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In ancient China, 针线 skills were one of the 'Four Virtues' (四德) required of a woman, known as '妇工' (women's work).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /dʒɛn ʃiɛn/

US /dʒɛn ʃiɛn/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'zhēn', with a sharp descent on the second 'xiàn'.

Rima com

真 (zhēn) 深 (shēn) 人 (rén) 现 (xiàn) 面 (miàn) 见 (jiàn) 片 (piàn) 电 (diàn)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'zh' as 'z' (sen instead of zhen).
Confusing the fourth tone of 'xiàn' with the first tone.
Making the 'x' sound too much like an English 's'.
Failing to aspirate or correctly place the tongue for the retroflex 'zh'.
Merging the two syllables into one.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The characters are relatively common and the meaning is literal.

Escrita 3/5

The character '线' has several strokes, and '针' requires remembering the metal radical.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Audição 2/5

Easily recognizable in domestic or craft contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

针 (needle) 线 (thread) 缝 (sew) 衣服 (clothes) 手 (hand)

Aprenda a seguir

裁缝 (tailor) 刺绣 (embroidery) 纽扣 (button) 拉链 (zipper) 编织 (weave)

Avançado

缜密 (meticulous) 穿针引线 (facilitate) 失传 (extinct craft) 匠人 (craftsman)

Gramática essencial

Measure words for sets

一套针线 (A set of needle and thread)

Resultative complements

缝好了 (Sewn well/finished)

Using '用' (with/using)

用针线补衣服 (Mend clothes with needle and thread)

Verb reduplication for casual action

动动针线 (Do a bit of sewing)

Noun + 活 (task/chore)

针线活 (Needlework task)

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Exemplos por nível

你有针线吗？

Do you have needle and thread?

Simple Subject-Verb-Object question.

我需要针线。

I need needle and thread.

Using '需要' (need) with a noun.

这是针，这是线。

This is a needle, this is thread.

Basic demonstrative sentence.

针线在桌子上。

The needle and thread are on the table.

Location sentence with '在'.

买一点针线吧。

Let's buy some needle and thread.

Suggestion using '吧'.

不贵，针线很便宜。

Not expensive, needle and thread are very cheap.

Adjective description with '很'.

妈妈有针线。

Mom has needle and thread.

Simple possessive sentence.

我要红色的线。

I want red thread.

Specifying a color for part of the set.

请给我一个针线包。

Please give me a sewing kit.

Using the specific noun '针线包'.

我找不到针线了。

I can't find the needle and thread.

Resultative complement '找不到'.

你可以借我针线吗？

Can you lend me needle and thread?

Using '借' (lend/borrow).

这盒针线有很多颜色。

This box of needle and thread has many colors.

Measure word '盒' (box).

我要用针线缝纽扣。

I want to use needle and thread to sew a button.

Serial verb construction: use... to do...

这里的针线质量很好。

The quality of the needle and thread here is very good.

Using '质量' (quality).

他在商店买针线。

He is buying needle and thread at the store.

Location + Action structure.

衣服破了，需要针线。

The clothes are torn, need needle and thread.

Topic-comment structure.

她的针线活做得非常细致。

Her needlework is done very meticulously.

Using '针线活' for needlework skill.

老一辈的人都擅长针线。

The older generation are all skilled at needlework.

Using '擅长' (to be good at).

你能不能帮我动下针线？

Can you help me do some sewing?

Idiomatic use of '动针线'.

这件旗袍的针线非常讲究。

The stitching on this Qipao is very sophisticated.

Using '讲究' (fastidious/sophisticated).

从小我就看奶奶拿针线。

Since I was little, I watched my grandma pick up the needle and thread.

Using '拿针线' as a general term for sewing.

出门旅行记得带上针线。

Remember to bring needle and thread when traveling.

Imperative with '记得'.

这种针线活太费眼睛了。

This kind of needlework is too hard on the eyes.

Colloquial expression '费眼睛'.

他是个大男人，竟然会针线。

He's a grown man, and yet he can sew.

Expressing surprise with '竟然'.

他在这笔交易中起到了穿针引线的作用。

He played the role of a go-between in this deal.

Idiomatic use of '穿针引线'.

整篇文章针线缜密，逻辑严密。

The whole article is meticulously woven and logically tight.

Metaphorical use for writing structure.

这种传统针线手艺快要失传了。

This traditional needlework craft is almost becoming extinct.

Using '失传' (fail to be passed down).

他虽然是个裁缝，但针线功夫一般。

Although he is a tailor, his needlework skills are just average.

Using '功夫' to mean skill/effort.

细微之处见针线。

The needlework is seen in the small details.

Philosophical observation.

这件衣服的针线已经松了。

The stitching of this garment has already come loose.

Referring to the physical stitches.

别小看这几针线，里面都是学问。

Don't look down on these few stitches; there's a lot of knowledge in them.

Using '学问' to mean profound knowledge.

她整天忙于针线，很少出门。

She is busy with needlework all day and rarely goes out.

Using '忙于' (busy with).

母亲手中的针线，编织出了我对故乡的回忆。

The needle and thread in my mother's hands wove my memories of my hometown.

Poetic and metaphorical usage.

该剧在剧情安排上针线极其细密，毫无破绽。

The plot arrangement of this drama is extremely meticulous, with no flaws.

Literary criticism terminology.

古人云：慈母手中线，这针线里藏着无限深情。

The ancients said: 'The thread in a mother's hand'; in this needlework hides infinite deep emotion.

Quoting classical literature.

这种苏绣作品，其针线之精妙令人叹为观止。

The exquisiteness of the needlework in this Suzhou embroidery is breathtaking.

Using '叹为观止' (to acclaim as the peak of perfection).

他不仅在外交上穿针引线，还致力于文化交流。

He not only acts as a bridge in diplomacy but also dedicates himself to cultural exchange.

Extended metaphorical use.

这件古董旗袍的针线活儿反映了那个时代的审美。

The needlework of this antique Qipao reflects the aesthetics of that era.

Cultural historical analysis.

由于常年从事针线活，她的手指布满了老茧。

Due to doing needlework for years, her fingers were covered in calluses.

Descriptive narrative.

我们需要一位能为这个项目穿针引线的关键人物。

We need a key person who can facilitate and connect the parts of this project.

Business metaphor.

夫文章之体，犹针线之功，必得其理而后成。

The structure of an essay is like the skill of needlework; one must grasp its underlying principles for it to be successful.

Classical Chinese prose style (文言文 style).

其外交策略可谓是针线缜密，步步为营。

His diplomatic strategy can be described as meticulously woven and cautious at every step.

High-level political analysis.

透过这些细碎的针线，我们得以窥见传统社会的女性生活。

Through these fragments of needlework, we gain a glimpse into the lives of women in traditional society.

Sociological observation.

此画之线条如针线般游走，灵动而不失法度。

The lines of this painting move like a needle and thread, lively yet disciplined.

Artistic criticism.

他试图在破碎的社会关系中，用宽容来做针线，重新缝合信任。

He tries to use tolerance as a needle and thread to restitch trust within broken social relationships.

Deeply philosophical metaphor.

这不仅仅是针线之劳，更是匠人精神的传承。

This is not just the labor of needle and thread, but the inheritance of the craftsman's spirit.

Cultural value discussion.

在那个匮乏的年代，针线是每个家庭最重要的生产工具。

In that era of scarcity, needle and thread were the most important production tools for every family.

Historical contextualization.

其诗作针线细腻，情感真挚，读来令人动容。

His poetry is delicately woven and emotionally sincere, moving the reader deeply.

Literary appreciation.

Colocações comuns

动针线

拿针线

针线包

针线活

针线缜密

一盒针线

针线盒

穿针引线

针线笸箩

针线细致

Frases Comuns

做针线

— To engage in sewing or mending.

他在灯下做针线。

针线活儿

— Handiwork involving sewing; needlework chores.

她靠做针线活儿养家。

找针线

— To look for sewing tools.

你能帮我找下针线吗？

动动针线

— To do a little bit of sewing.

这件衣服破了，得动动针线。

针线功夫

— The skill or effort put into sewing.

这件衣服很费针线功夫。

针线活计

— A more formal or regional way to say needlework tasks.

她整天忙于针线活计。

针线篓子

— A sewing basket or bin.

线团掉在针线篓子里了。

针线生涯

— A life or career spent in tailoring or sewing.

他度过了四十年的针线生涯。

针线密密

— Tightly and closely sewn stitches.

针线密密，满含深情。

针线不通

— Not knowing how to sew at all (literally: needle and thread don't pass).

她对针线一窍不通。

Frequentemente confundido com

针线 vs 缝纫机

A sewing machine, whereas 针线 usually implies hand-sewing.

针线 vs 毛线

Knitting wool/yarn, which is thicker than the '线' in 针线.

针线 vs 电线

Electric wire; both end in '线' but are completely different.

Expressões idiomáticas

"穿针引线"

— Literally threading a needle; figuratively acting as a go-between or facilitator.

他在两家公司之间穿针引线。

Common

"飞针走线"

— Describing someone who sews very quickly and skillfully.

她飞针走线，一会儿就缝好了。

Literary

"密密缝"

— To sew closely and carefully; symbolizes deep care and worry.

临行前，母亲为他密密缝衣。

Literary/Poetic

"针头线脑"

— Small, trifling things related to sewing; small household items.

家里都是些针头线脑的小东西。

Colloquial

"针尖对麦芒"

— Sharp point against wheat awn; used to describe a fierce confrontation between equals.

他们两个真是针尖对麦芒，谁也不让谁。

Common

"大海捞针"

— Looking for a needle in the ocean; a hopeless search.

在这么大的城市找人，真是大海捞针。

Very Common

"一针见血"

— Hitting the mark with a single needle; to point out the essence of a matter directly.

他的评价一针见血。

Common

"如坐针毡"

— Like sitting on a rug of needles; to feel extremely uneasy or anxious.

他在等待结果时如坐针毡。

Common

"铁杵磨成针"

— Grinding an iron bar into a needle; persistence leads to success.

只要功夫深，铁杵磨成针。

Common

"克勤克俭"

— To be industrious and frugal; often associated with traditional needlework values.

她一生克勤克俭，忙于针线。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

针线 vs 缝补

Both relate to fixing clothes.

针线 is the noun for tools; 缝补 is the verb for the action of mending.

我用针线(noun)来缝补(verb)衣服。

针线 vs 刺绣

Both involve a needle and thread.

针线 is general; 刺绣 is specifically decorative embroidery.

她正用针线做刺绣。

针线 vs 毛针

Both are needles.

毛针 is a knitting needle; 针 in 针线 is a small sewing needle.

织毛衣用毛针，缝扣子用针线。

针线 vs 缝线

Both mean thread for sewing.

缝线 is often used for medical stitches or specific industrial threads.

医生在为伤口拆缝线。

针线 vs 引线

Contains the character for thread.

引线 can mean a fuse or a lead, not necessarily sewing thread.

炸药的引线很短。

Padrões de frases

我有[Noun]。

我有针线。

请给我[Noun]。

请给我针线包。

[Subject]擅长[Activity]。

她擅长针线活。

[Subject]在[Action]。

她在做针线。

[Subject]起到了[Idiom]的作用。

他起到了穿针引线的作用。

[Noun]非常[Adjective]。

针线非常细致。

透过[Noun]，我们可以看到[Concept]。

透过这些针线，我们可以看到母亲的爱。

[Concept]犹[Noun]之功。

文章之体，犹针线之功。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

针 (needle)

线 (thread)

针线包 (sewing kit)

针线活 (needlework)

Verbos

缝 (to sew)

补 (to mend)

绣 (to embroider)

穿针 (to thread a needle)

Adjetivos

细致 (meticulous)

匀称 (even/symmetrical)

粗糙 (rough)

Relacionado

裁缝 (tailor)

布料 (fabric)

纽扣 (button)

剪刀 (scissors)

顶针 (thimble)

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Como usar

frequency

High in domestic and craft contexts; medium in general conversation.

Erros comuns

Using '一个针线' for a single needle. → 一根针
针线 is collective; use 根 for a single needle.
Saying '我玩针线' for sewing. → 我做针线
Sewing is considered a task (做) or an action (动), not play (玩).
Using 针线 for electric wires. → 电线
线 is a general category; you must specify '电' for electricity.
Confusing 针线 with 针灸 (acupuncture). → 针灸
Although both use needles, they are entirely different fields.
Using 针线 to describe a professional tailor's machine work. → 缝纫
针线 implies manual, hand-held work.

Dicas

The Visual Hook

Imagine the '钅' in 针 as the metal needle and the '纟' in 线 as the silk thread.

Poetic Connection

Remember the poem 'Song of the Parting Son' to associate the word with deep emotion and care.

Collective Noun

Treat it like 'cutlery' - you don't say 'a needle-and-thread,' you say 'some' or 'a set of' it.

Travel Essential

Learn '针线包' (sewing kit) for hotel stays; it's a lifesaver for lost buttons.

Business Logic

Use '穿针引线' to describe a mediator; it makes you sound very fluent.

Noun vs Verb

Pair 针线 with verbs like 拿 (take), 动 (move/do), or 找 (find).

Not Machine Sewing

Use '缝纫' for machines, '针线' for hand work.

Northern Accent

Listen for '针线活儿' with the 'r' sound in Beijing and northern China.

Radical Awareness

The metal and silk radicals are keys to remembering the characters.

Complimenting

Compliment someone's '针线活' to show appreciation for their manual skill.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'ZEN' (zhēn) monk calmly following a 'LINE' (xiàn) with his needle. Zen-Line = Zhēn-Xiàn.

Associação visual

Imagine a shiny silver needle with a long, flowing red thread trailing behind it, forming the shape of the characters.

Word Web

Sewing Mending Needle Thread Fabric Tailor Embroidery Kit

Desafio

Try to find three items in your house that were made or repaired using 针线 and name them in Chinese.

Origem da palavra

The character 针 (zhēn) consists of the 'metal' radical (钅) and a phonetic component. Historically, needles were made of bone or stone before metal. 线 (xiàn) consists of the 'silk' radical (纟) and a phonetic component, reflecting that ancient thread was primarily made of silk.

Significado original: The combination of the tool (needle) and the material (thread) used to join fabrics.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexto cultural

While traditionally associated with women, modern usage is gender-neutral when referring to the tools or the professional craft.

Similar to the Western idiom 'a stitch in time saves nine,' but with a stronger focus on the tools and the person (mother) doing the work.

Song of the Parting Son (游子吟) The Legend of the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd Dream of the Red Chamber (descriptions of fine needlework)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At home mending clothes

针线在哪里？
缝个扣子
补个洞
线断了

In a hotel

针线包
借用针线
缝补服务
前台

Discussing a hobby

喜欢针线活
做刺绣
手工活
打发时间

Describing quality

针线细致
做工精良
走线平整
针脚密

Metaphorical/Business

穿针引线
逻辑缜密
建立联系
中间人

Iniciadores de conversa

"你会做针线活吗？ (Do you know how to do needlework?)"

"你知道哪里可以买到质量好的针线吗？ (Do you know where I can buy high-quality needle and thread?)"

"这件衣服的针线真漂亮，是在哪儿买的？ (The stitching on this garment is beautiful; where did you buy it?)"

"你觉得现在的年轻人还拿针线吗？ (Do you think young people nowadays still pick up a needle and thread?)"

"你能帮我穿下针线吗？我眼睛看不清。 (Can you help me thread this? My eyes can't see clearly.)"

Temas para diário

写一段关于你第一次尝试做针线活的经历。 (Write about your first experience trying to do needlework.)

描述一个你见过的针线非常精美的物品。 (Describe an item you've seen that had very exquisite needlework.)

如果你的衣服在旅行中破了，你会如何找针线解决？ (If your clothes tore during a trip, how would you find needle and thread to solve it?)

谈谈你对‘慈母手中线’这句话的理解。 (Talk about your understanding of the phrase 'The thread in a mother's hand.')

在现代社会，你认为针线活这种手艺还有必要学习吗？ (In modern society, do you think it is still necessary to learn the craft of needlework?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, knitting usually uses '毛衣针' (knitting needles) and '毛线' (wool). 针线 specifically refers to sewing and mending with small needles and thin thread.

It is a compound word treated as a single noun in Chinese, representing the set of tools.

The most common term is '针线包' (zhēnxiànbāo) or '针线盒' (zhēnxiànhé).

Not at all. It is a very practical request if you need to fix your clothing.

Yes, although historically associated with women, anyone doing needlework is doing '针线活'.

For a set, use '套' (tào) or '盒' (hé). For some unspecified amount, use '点' (diǎn) or '些' (xiē).

Mostly yes, but in literature and business, it can metaphorically mean 'connections' or 'fine details'.

It means you are good at connecting different departments or facilitating communication between people.

You can say '我在做针线' or '我在缝衣服'.

Rarely. Medical professionals use '缝合线' or '缝针'.

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