粘
zhān
The Chinese word for sticky is 粘 (zhān).
The word 粘 is an adjective meaning able or likely to stick. It can also function as a verb meaning to stick or to adhere. You can express varying levels of stickiness by adding intensifiers, such as 非常黏 for very sticky or 超级黏 for super sticky. Figuratively, the phrase 陷入了困境 can be used to describe being in a sticky situation, implying being caught in a troublesome or challenging situation.
Meaning: able or likely to stick (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 粘 is the general adjective for sticky, you may encounter other forms depending on the context. For example, the noun for stickiness or viscosity is 黏性 and the term 粘性的 is used to mean adhesive or viscous.
How do you pronounce it?
zhān
Did you know?
- The character 粘 has two distinct pronunciations: zhān when meaning to stick and nián when describing a sticky texture.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, 'stickiness' or 'dampness' 湿气 is viewed as a physical state of the body that can cause lethargy and joint pain.
- The character 粘 has a surprising history as a surname. It was adopted by the descendants of a Jurchen imperial family to hide their identity and avoid persecution.
Examples in context
- 糯米糍非常黏The sticky rice cakes are exceptionally sticky
- 这些糖果很粘。Zhèxiē tángguǒ hěn nián.These candies are very sticky.
- 手感觉有点粘。Shǒu gǎnjué yǒudiǎn nián.My hands feel a bit sticky.
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are eating fruit in the kitchen.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen吃完水果后，手很粘。Chī wán shuǐguǒ hòu, shǒu hěn nián.After eating the fruit, my hands are very sticky.
- 俊杰 Junjie我去拿张纸巾吧。Wǒ qù ná zhāng zhǐjīn ba.I will go get a tissue.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢，桌子也变得很粘。Xièxiè, zhuōzi yě biàn de hěn nián.Thanks, the table has also become very sticky.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我把它擦一下。Nà wǒ bǎ tā cā yīxià.Then I will wipe it down.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 粘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
