摃錘仔 /𫼱锤仔
𫼱chuízǎi
The English word hammer is translated into Chinese using several forms, including 摃錘仔 /𫼱锤仔 (𫼱chuízǎi). Wiktionary also lists 錘子 / 锤子 (chuízi) and 榔頭 / 榔头 (lángtou).
Meaning: tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 摃錘仔 /𫼱锤仔 | 𫼱chuízǎi | |
| 錘子 / 锤子 | chuízi | |
| 榔頭 / 榔头 | lángtou | |
| 摃錘仔 /𫼱锤仔 | kòng-thûi-á | Hokkien |
The term 锤子 serves as a general term for any hammer within Mandarin-speaking regions of China. The character 锤 itself includes the metal radical 钅, reflecting the tool's composition.
What does it mean word for word?
In the Mandarin word 锤子, 锤 means hammer and 子 is a common noun suffix.
Which one should you use?
The term 锤子 is the standard Mandarin word for hammer, while the Hokkien forms are used in specific regional dialects. The word 榔头 is an informal term for hammer.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The Hokkien form 摃錘仔 /𫼱锤仔 is used in specific regional dialects, primarily in Taiwan and parts of Fujian. The term 榔头 is frequently used in northern China.
How do you pronounce it?
kòng-thûi-á
Did you know?
- In Sichuan dialect, 錘子 is frequently used as a versatile curse word or an expression of disbelief, similar to 'my foot' in English.
- The term 榔头 is actually a metaphor for a 'wolf's head', because the shape of certain hammers resembles the head of a wolf.
- The character 錘 is built with the 'metal' radical, a system that allows readers to identify the material of an object just by looking at its written form.
Examples in context
- 你能把锤子递给我吗?Can you pass me the hammer?
- 我需要一个锤子来完成任务。I need a hammer to complete the task.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hammer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 榔頭, CC BY-SA 4.0.
