搭扣
dākòu
The English word "buckle" (noun) is translated into Chinese as 搭扣 (dākòu). Wiktionary also lists 扣環 / 扣环 (kòuhuán).
Meaning: metal clasp with a hinged tongue or a spike (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 搭扣 | dākòu |
| 扣環 / 扣环 | kòuhuán |
The term refers to a metal clasp featuring a hinged tongue or a spike. While 搭扣 is the noun for the physical object, you will frequently see the single character 扣 used as a verb meaning "to buckle" or "to fasten". In a formal context, the phrase 扣紧 can be used to mean "buckle tightly".
What does it mean word for word?
The word 搭扣 is composed of the characters 搭, meaning to hook or attach and 扣, meaning to buckle or fasten.
Which one should you use?
搭扣 is more commonly used for small, functional fasteners found on items like bags or clothing. In contrast, 扣环 often refers to a ring-shaped buckle or a larger, loop-style clasp.
How do you pronounce it?
dākòu
Did you know?
- In a way that feels quite different from the English 'buckle', the character 扣 is used in the word 扣杀, which describes the act of 'smashing' a shuttlecock in badminton.
- The character 扣 is frequently used in the idiom 扣人心弦, which describes something so gripping that it 'fastens' or 'hooks' one's heartstrings.
- The character 扣 is so versatile that it is used to describe everything from a shirt button to the act of deducting money from a paycheck. In a financial context, 扣款 refers to a bank or employer 'buckling' or clipping a portion of a payment.
Examples in context
- 请把皮带扣紧。Please fasten your belt securely.
- 别忘了把安全带扣住。Don't forget to buckle up your seatbelt.
- 这个包的搭扣坏了。Zhège bāo de dākòu huài le.The buckle of this bag is broken.
- 请检查一下金属搭扣。Qǐng jiǎnchá yīxià jīnshǔ dākòu.Please check the metal buckle.
- 这个皮带的搭扣很精致。Zhège pídài de dākòu hěn jīngzhì.The buckle of this belt is very exquisite.
Example conversation
A man is trying to fix a broken bag strap for a woman.
- 雨婷 Yuting这个搭扣好像松了。Zhège dākòu hǎoxiàng sōng le.This buckle seems loose.
- 俊杰 Junjie我可以帮你修一下。Wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ xiū yīxià.I can help you fix it.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，俊杰。Xièxiè nǐ, Jùnjié.Thank you, Junjie.
- 俊杰 Junjie不客气，很快就好了。Bù kèqì, hěn kuài jiù hǎo le.You're welcome, it will be fixed soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buckle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
