About
The character for "nail" historically took the traditional form 釘, which combines the metal radical 金 with the component 丁, the latter offering phonetic guidance and perhaps implying a small, sturdy shape, thus etymologically highlighting the object's material and physical nature. Initially denoting solely a metal spike used for fastening, its meaning gradually extended to encompass the action of driving or fixing such an object into place, evolving into a dual function as both a noun and a verb. The simplified form 钉 maintains this structural logic with an abbreviated metal radical, preserving the core conceptual link between the tangible item and the associated action throughout its linguistic development.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
墙上有一个钉子。
爸爸用锤子钉钉子。
他把海报钉在公告栏上。
昨天我钉了一个书架。
为了安全，他把窗户钉死了。
如果你需要钉子，我可以借给你。
工人正在钉牢脚手架。
在装修过程中，钉子的选择至关重要。