Explanation at your level:
Stationery is things like pens, pencils, and paper. You use them at school. You can buy them at a shop. Do you have a pen? That is stationery!
Stationery includes items for writing and office work. Examples are notebooks, envelopes, and markers. People often buy stationery at the start of the school year to be ready for class.
Stationery refers to writing materials such as paper, pens, and envelopes. It is a broad category used in offices and schools. Many people enjoy collecting nice stationery like journals and high-quality pens for their personal use.
The term stationery encompasses a variety of writing and office supplies. It is a standard term used in both commercial and personal contexts. Understanding the difference between 'stationery' (supplies) and 'stationary' (not moving) is a key milestone for intermediate learners.
Stationery represents the essential tools of literacy and administration. From high-end fountain pens to professional letterheads, the term covers the physical medium of communication. In a digital age, the tactile nature of stationery remains highly valued for its personal touch and aesthetic appeal.
Historically, stationery was the domain of the 'stationer,' a respected tradesperson in the manuscript era. Today, the term persists as a collective noun for the material culture of writing. It bridges the gap between functional office utility and the artistic expression found in calligraphy and bespoke paper goods.
30秒词汇
- Stationery is for writing.
- It is uncountable.
- Don't confuse with stationary.
- Includes pens and paper.
Hey there! Have you ever walked into a shop filled with beautiful pens, fancy notebooks, and colorful stickers? That shop is called a stationery store, and everything inside is known as stationery.
Basically, stationery covers all the tools we use to write, draw, or organize our work. Whether you are a student writing a report or an office worker jotting down notes, you are using stationery. It is a super common word that makes daily life much more organized and creative!
The word stationery has a really cool history! It comes from the word stationer, which was a name for a bookseller in the Middle Ages. Back then, these people had a fixed station or shop, unlike wandering peddlers who moved around.
Because they sold paper and writing supplies along with books, the name eventually stuck to the supplies themselves. It is fascinating how a word that meant 'someone who stays in one place' ended up describing the very things we use to record our thoughts and ideas!
You will hear stationery used in both casual and professional settings. You might say, 'I need to pick up some stationery for my new desk,' or 'Our company orders custom stationery for official letters.'
Common phrases include office stationery, school stationery, and personalized stationery. Remember, it is almost always used as an uncountable noun, so you don't say 'stationeries'—just stick with 'stationery' even if you have a whole drawer full of it!
While there aren't many idioms using the word stationery itself, we often talk about the tools of the trade. Here are some related expressions: 1. Put pen to paper (to start writing), 2. Back to the drawing board (to start over), 3. Read between the lines (finding hidden meaning), 4. In black and white (in writing), 5. A blank slate (a fresh start).
Pronunciation-wise, it sounds like stay-shuh-ner-ee. The stress is on the first syllable. A common mistake is confusing it with stationary (with an 'a'), which means 'not moving'.
Remember, it is an uncountable noun. You don't add an 's' to make it plural. If you want to count items, use 'pieces of stationery' or 'items of stationery'. It is a simple rule that helps you sound like a pro!
Fun Fact
The distinction between 'stationery' and 'stationary' is a classic English trap!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'stay' sound followed by 'shun-ree'.
Similar to UK but with a slightly clearer 'er' sound.
Common Errors
- Mixing up the 'e' and 'a' ending
- Pronouncing it like 'stationary'
- Adding an 's' at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Simple to use
Easy to pronounce
Clear sounds
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Uncountable Nouns
I have some stationery.
Confusing Homophones
Stationery vs Stationary
Articles with Uncountable Nouns
Some stationery
Examples by Level
I have a pen.
pen = writing tool
basic noun
I need paper.
paper = stationery
uncountable noun
Where is the shop?
shop = place to buy
question
I like this book.
book = stationery item
demonstrative
Buy a pencil.
pencil = writing tool
imperative
It is a gift.
gift = stationery set
noun
I write notes.
notes = writing
verb
This is my desk.
desk = where stationery lives
possessive
I bought some new stationery for school.
Do you sell envelopes here?
She has a drawer full of stationery.
I need to buy a notebook.
The stationery store is closed today.
He loves collecting fancy pens.
My desk is organized with stationery items.
She wrote a letter on nice paper.
The office needs to restock its stationery supplies.
I prefer buying stationery from local independent shops.
She has a penchant for high-quality stationery.
We ordered personalized stationery for the wedding.
The stationery cupboard is down the hall.
He spent an hour browsing the stationery aisle.
Stationery is essential for a productive workspace.
She keeps her stationery in a neat organizer.
The company maintains a strict budget for office stationery.
There is a distinct difference between stationery and stationary.
She is a connoisseur of fine stationery and ink.
The stationery industry has seen a resurgence in popularity.
Please ensure all official correspondence uses the company stationery.
I find the tactile experience of using stationery very relaxing.
The shop offers a wide array of bespoke stationery.
He was meticulous about his choice of stationery.
The aesthetic appeal of artisanal stationery cannot be replicated digitally.
He curated a collection of vintage stationery from the early twentieth century.
The stationery set included embossed envelopes and matching cards.
In the digital age, handwritten notes on premium stationery carry significant weight.
The stationery department is located on the third floor of the department store.
She invested in high-grade stationery to elevate her professional image.
The subtle texture of the stationery hinted at its superior quality.
He was tasked with sourcing sustainable stationery for the firm.
The stationer’s trade was once the cornerstone of intellectual dissemination.
Her collection of stationery reflected a bygone era of epistolary elegance.
The tactile satisfaction of quality stationery is a sensory delight.
He meticulously selected the stationery to reflect the gravity of the occasion.
The evolution of stationery mirrors the history of human record-keeping.
The shop specialized in rare stationery and archival-quality paper.
Her stationery was a testament to her impeccable taste and attention to detail.
The resurgence of stationery culture highlights a human desire for tangible connection.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"Put pen to paper"
Start writing
I finally put pen to paper and wrote the letter.
neutral"In black and white"
In writing
I need the contract in black and white.
neutral"Back to the drawing board"
Start over
The plan failed, so it's back to the drawing board.
neutral"Read between the lines"
Understand hidden meaning
You have to read between the lines of his letter.
neutral"A blank slate"
A fresh start
The new notebook felt like a blank slate.
neutral"Write it down"
Record information
Make sure to write it down so you don't forget.
casualEasily Confused
Sounds identical
Stationary = still, Stationery = paper
The car was stationary; I bought stationery.
Too specific
Paper is one item; stationery is the category
I bought paper (item) and other stationery (category).
General term
Supplies can be anything; stationery is for writing
I need office supplies (broad) like pens (stationery).
General term
Equipment is usually mechanical
I need stationery for writing, not equipment.
Sentence Patterns
I need to buy [stationery].
I need to buy stationery.
He is looking for [stationery].
He is looking for stationery.
This store sells [stationery].
This store sells stationery.
She has a collection of [stationery].
She has a collection of stationery.
We ordered [stationery] for the office.
We ordered stationery for the office.
词族
Nouns
相关
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
常见错误
Stationary means not moving; stationery is writing supplies.
Stationery is an uncountable noun.
Use 'some' or 'a piece of' for uncountable nouns.
Do not pluralize with 's'.
Again, never pluralize as 'stationeries'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your desk filled with E-nvelopes.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about office supplies or school shopping.
Cultural Insight
Stationery is often given as a thoughtful gift.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it like 'water'—you don't say 'waters'.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'stay' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Never add an 's'!
Did You Know?
The word comes from 'station'!
Study Smart
Use flashcards with pictures.
Writing Tip
Use the word in a sentence about your desk.
Word Expansion
Learn related words like 'ink' and 'nib'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
StationEry has an 'E' for Envelope.
Visual Association
Imagine an envelope sitting on a desk.
Word Web
挑战
Write a list of 5 stationery items you own.
词源
Middle English / Latin
Original meaning: A bookseller with a fixed shop (station).
文化背景
None.
In the UK and US, stationery shops are often cozy, boutique-style stores.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school
- Do you have stationery?
- I need a new notebook.
- Where is the pencil case?
At work
- We need more stationery.
- Check the supply cupboard.
- Order some pens.
Shopping
- Where is the stationery aisle?
- I love this stationery set.
- Do you sell envelopes?
Writing letters
- I need nice stationery.
- This paper is high quality.
- I am writing a note.
Conversation Starters
"What is your favorite stationery item?"
"Do you prefer writing on paper or typing?"
"What do you keep on your desk?"
"Do you like collecting pens?"
"Have you ever bought personalized stationery?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your perfect desk setup.
Why do you like or dislike writing by hand?
What is the most important stationery item for you?
Write about a time you received a handwritten letter.
常见问题
8 个问题Stationery (with an E) is for paper; stationary (with an A) means not moving.
No, it is an uncountable noun.
At a stationery store or office supply shop.
Yes, pens are stationery items.
It doesn't have a plural; it is always 'stationery'.
It ranges from cheap school supplies to very expensive luxury pens.
Not really, but many people still like notebooks.
Stationery with your name or initials on it.
自我测试
I need to buy some ___ for school.
Stationery is for school supplies.
Which is correct?
Stationery is uncountable.
Stationery and stationary mean the same thing.
Stationery is supplies; stationary means not moving.
Word
意思
Matching items to their category.
Correct structure: I bought some new stationery.
得分： /5
Summary
Stationery is the essential toolset for all your writing needs, and remember: E for Envelope!
- Stationery is for writing.
- It is uncountable.
- Don't confuse with stationary.
- Includes pens and paper.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize your desk filled with E-nvelopes.
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about office supplies or school shopping.
Cultural Insight
Stationery is often given as a thoughtful gift.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it like 'water'—you don't say 'waters'.
例句
새 학용품을 사기 위해 문구점에 갔어요.
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