拼图
pīntú
The English phrase jigsaw puzzle is translated into Mandarin as 拼图 (pīntú).
拼图 is a noun used to refer to a type of puzzle. To express the action of doing or playing a jigsaw puzzle, you use the verb 玩 (to play) with the phrase 玩拼图.
Meaning: type of puzzle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 拼 (pīn), meaning to piece together or assemble and 图 (tú), meaning picture or map.
How do you pronounce it?
pīntú
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese digital slang, the verb 拼 is used to describe 'group buying' or splitting a cost with others, such as 拼单 (pīndān). This treats a commercial transaction like a puzzle where different people provide the missing pieces of the total price.
- The word 拼 (pīn) used in 拼图 is also used in 拼音 (pīnyīn), the system for writing Mandarin in Roman letters. In this context, it refers to 'spelling' or 'assembling' sounds together to form a word.
- When talking about the individual pieces of a 拼图, the word 碎片 (suìpiàn) is often used. This word literally means 'fragments' or 'shards', which can also refer to broken glass or remnants of a memory.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢玩拼图。Wǒ xǐhuān wán pīntú.I like playing with jigsaw puzzles.
- 这个拼图很难。Zhège pīntú hěn nán.This jigsaw puzzle is very difficult.
- 我们要完成这个拼图。Wǒmen yào wánchéng zhège pīntú.We need to finish this jigsaw puzzle.
Example conversation
Two friends are relaxing in a living room.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你想玩拼图吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ xiǎng wán pīntú ma?Xiaowen, do you want to play with a jigsaw puzzle?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好啊，这个拼图很漂亮。Hǎo a, zhège pīntú hěn piàoliang.Sure, this jigsaw puzzle is very beautiful.
- 伟 Wei我们可以一起完成它。Wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ wánchéng tā.We can finish it together.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你真的很有耐心。Wěi, nǐ zhēn de hěn yǒu nàixīn.Wei, you are really patient.
