针线
zhēnxiàn
The English phrase "stitches" is translated into Mandarin as 针线 (zhēnxiàn).
针线 refers to the loops of thread used to join pieces of fabric together by sewing.
Which one should you use?
In formal or medical contexts, different terms are used: 缝合 (fénghé) is used in medical and clinical contexts to refer to stitches or sutures and 缝线 (fèngxiàn) is a formal way to express the idea of stitches and refers to the thread used for sewing.
How do you pronounce it?
zhēnxiàn
Did you know?
- While 针线 describes the materials for sewing, the word 针 (needle) is also used in the term 针灸 (zhēnjiǔ) for acupuncture, treating the body as if it were fabric to be adjusted.
- In Chinese culture, the act of sewing 针线 was historically seen as a primary virtue for women, and the phrase 女红 (nǚhóng) specifically describes this 'womanly red' art of needlework.
- In traditional Chinese sewing, the term 针脚 (zhēnjiǎo) is used to describe the quality or pattern of the stitches, much like 'footwork' in English.
Examples in context
- 需要缝合伤口，尽快到医院就诊。(xūyào fénghé shāngkǒu, jǐnkuài dào yīyuàn jiùzhěn)The wound needs stitches, please seek medical attention at the hospital as soon as possible.
- 昨天割伤了手，现在手上还有几根线。（zuótiān gē shāng le shǒu, xiànzài shǒu shàng hái yǒu jǐ gēn xiàn）I cut my hand yesterday, and now there are a few stitches on my hand.
Example conversation
Xinyi is showing Junjie a piece of embroidery she made.
- 欣怡 Xinyi俊杰，你觉得我的针线好看吗？jùnjié, nǐ jué de wǒ de zhēn xiàn hǎo kàn ma?Junjie, do you think my stitches look good?
- 俊杰 Junjie非常好看，很专业。fēi cháng hǎo kàn, hěn zhuān yè.They look great, very professional.
- 欣怡 Xinyi谢谢，我练习了很久。xiè xie, wǒ liàn xí le hěn jiǔ.Thanks, I practiced for a long time.
- 俊杰 Junjie你的努力在针线里能看出来。nǐ de nǔ lì zài zhēn xiàn lǐ néng kàn chū lái.Your hard work shows in the stitches.
