Definitions

niǔ (noun) button
niǔ (verb) to turn; to wrench

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "纽" originates from its traditional form "紐", structurally combining the silk radical "糸" denoting thread or fabric with the component "丑" which primarily provides phonetic indication. This composition originally pointed to a functional object like a button or knot used for securing clothing, directly tied to materials that could be tied or looped. Over time, its meaning extended from tangible fasteners such as clasps and toggles to more abstract applications, including metaphorical pivots or crucial connections in mechanisms and systems, such as a handle or a symbolic link. The simplified form "纽" continues this conceptual foundation with the adapted silk radical "纟", reflecting the enduring association with binding and joining elements.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个扣是蓝色的。

Zhè ge niǔkòu shì lán sè de.

This button is blue.

妈妈帮我钉扣。

Māma bāng wǒ dìng niǔkòu.

Mom helps me sew on buttons.

约是一座国际大都市。

Niǔyuē shì yī zuò guójì dà dūshì.

New York is an international metropolis.

带连接着我们的友谊。

Niǔdài liánjiē zhe wǒmen de yǒuyì.

The bond connects our friendship.

他把扣解开了。

Tā bǎ niǔkòu jiěkāi le.

He unfastened the button.

这些扣的设计非常独特。

Zhèxiē niǔkòu de shèjì fēicháng dútè.

The design of these buttons is very unique.

他从约旅行回来了。

Tā cóng Niǔyuē lǚxíng huílái le.

He returned from traveling in New York.

扣的材质影响着它的耐用性。

Niǔkòu de cáizhì yǐngxiǎng zhe tā de nài yòng xìng.

The material of the button affects its durability.