绳子
shéngzi
The English word 'string' is translated into Chinese as 绳子 (shéngzi).
绳子 refers to a long, thin structure made from twisted threads.
Meaning: long, thin structure made from twisted threads (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 绳子 refers to a thicker, twisted structure like a rope or heavy string, 线 is used for much thinner materials like thread or yarn. Additionally, the single character 绳 can be used alone to mean string or rope, but 绳子 is the more common way to refer to the noun in spoken language.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, one way to say 'string' is 細繩. In Taiwanese Mandarin, one way to say 'string' is 繩子 or 線.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the word 绳子, the suffix 子 is a common noun-forming particle in Chinese and does not carry a specific meaning in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
shéngzi
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the 'red string of fate' 红线 is a mythological thread that binds two people destined to be soulmates, regardless of time or place.
- In Chinese, the word for 'string' or 'rope', 绳子, is often used in the idiom 绳之以法, which means 'to hold someone accountable to the law'.
- If you are referring to a 'string' of music, such as a stringed instrument, Chinese uses the term 弦 (xián), which is distinct from the material 'string' of a rope.
Examples in context
- 如果一段打结的绳子能换来风，如果淹死的人能再醒来，那么我相信伤了心的人会痊愈。If a piece of knotted string can unleash the wind, and if a drowned man can awaken, then I believe a broken man can heal.This sentence is useful for seeing 绳子 used in a metaphorical context regarding a knotted piece of string.Tatoeba #2444280 by fenfang557, translation #2444260 by fenfang557
- 请把丝线交给我。Please hand me the string.
- 这根细绳非常坚固。This string is very sturdy.
- 你能借给我一根线吗？Can you lend me a string?
- 这根绳子太长了，需要绕起来。This string is too long, it needs to be coiled up.
- 那个风筝的线断了，我们需要一个新的。The string of that kite broke, and we need a new one.
- 桌子上有一根绳子。Zhuōzi shàng yǒu yī gēn shéngzi.There is a piece of string on the table.
- 请给我那根红色的绳子。Qǐng gěi wǒ nà gēn hóngsè de shéngzi.Please give me that red string.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang is helping Yuting tie a package.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，你要用哪根绳子？Yǔtíng, nǐ yào yòng nǎ gēn shéngzi?Yuting, which string do you want to use?
- 雨婷 Yuting用那根粗一点的绳子吧。Yòng nà gēn cū yīdiǎn de shéngzi ba.Use that slightly thicker string.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这根可以吗？Zhè gēn kěyǐ ma?Is this one okay?
- 雨婷 Yuting可以，谢谢你，志强。Kěyǐ, xièxiè nǐ, Zhìqiáng.Yes, thank you, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
