钩针
gōuzhēn
The Chinese word for crochet is 钩针 (gōuzhēn).
The term 钩针 directly translates to 'crochet hook' in English and indicates one is referring to crochet rather than knitting.
Meaning: to make needlework using a hooked needle (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 钩 (gōu), meaning 'hook' and 针 (zhēn), meaning 'needle'.
Which one should you use?
While 钩针 refers to the tool or the general concept, the form 钩织 (gōuzhī) is a more specific verb used to describe the action of crocheting or weaving with a hook.
How do you pronounce it?
gōuzhēn
Did you know?
- In Chinese handcrafting communities, enthusiasts often use the term 钩针玩家 (gōuzhēn wánjiā), or 'crochet player', to describe someone who is a serious hobbyist.
- The character 针 (zhēn) in 钩针 is the same character used for 'acupuncture' (针灸 zhēnjiǔ), linking the needle to traditional medical practices.
- The word 编 (biān) used in related weaving terms contains the radical for 'silk' (糸), a nod to the historical importance of silk thread in Chinese textile arts.
Examples in context
- 你会钩织吗？我可以教你。Can you crochet? I can teach you.
- 我想学钩针。Wǒ xiǎng xué gōuzhēn.I want to learn crochet.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a handmade hat.
- 浩然 Haoran这个帽子是你钩针的吗？Zhège màozi shì nǐ gōuzhēn de ma?Did you crochet this hat?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我上周末完成的。Shì de, wǒ shàng zhōumò wánchéng de.Yes, I finished it last weekend.
- 浩然 Haoran看起来很漂亮，好专业。Kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang, hǎo zhuānyè.It looks very beautiful and professional.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢，其实很容易学。Xièxie, qíshí hěn róngyì xué.Thanks, it's actually very easy to learn.
