Welcome! If you have ever found yourself in need of knowing how to say “glue” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you require the formal or informal way, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also touch upon regional variations that exist within the Chinese language.
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Formal Ways to Say Glue in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations, it’s best to use the most standard and widely accepted term for “glue” in Chinese. Here’s how you would say it formally:
胶水 (jiāo shuǐ)
Example Sentence: 在修复这个东西之前，请先拿胶水。(Zài xiūfù zhège dōngxi zhīqián, qǐng xiān ná jiāoshuǐ.)
Translation: Please take the glue before fixing this thing.
Informal Ways to Say Glue in Chinese
In casual or informal situations, people often use alternative terms for “glue” that are more commonly heard in everyday conversations. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “glue” in Chinese:
胶 (jiāo)
Example Sentence: 借我一点胶。(Jiè wǒ yìdiǎn jiāo.)
Translation: Lend me a bit of glue.
胶水 (jiāo shuǐ)
Example Sentence: 哎呀，我把胶水弄翻了。(Āiyā, wǒ bǎ jiāoshuǐ nòng fān le.)
Translation: Oops, I spilled the glue.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with various dialects and regional variations. While the above terms are universally understood in the Chinese-speaking world, some regions may have their own unique expressions for “glue.” Below are a few examples:
Regional Variation: Cantonese 膠 (gaau)
Example Sentence: 啲膠使唔使得沖廁所？ (Di gaau sái m4 sai dak chūng siu?)
Translation: Can the glue be flushed down the toilet?
Regional Variation: Taiwanese Minnan 膠水 (ka-thiú)
Example Sentence: 這支筆無膠水用，貴稍等一下，我去拿膠水。(Chit-chi pi bô ka-thiú iōng, kūi siāu-tánn tsi̍t-ah, guá khì thâu ka-thiú.)
Translation: This pen doesn’t have glue. Please wait a moment; I’ll go get the glue.
Additional Tips for Saying “Glue” in Chinese
- Remember to pronounce the tones correctly when saying any of the above terms.
- Always use the appropriate measure words when referring to glue in specific quantities.
- If you’re unsure about the regional variation, it’s best to stick with the formal term “胶水 (jiāo shuǐ)” to ensure universal understanding.
In conclusion, learning how to say “glue” in Chinese can be a valuable skill, especially if you find yourself in situations where communication is necessary. Whether you need to express it formally or informally, or if you encounter regional variations, you can now confidently ask for or refer to “glue” in Chinese. Remember to practice the pronunciation and enjoy expanding your language skills!
