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钻空子 (zuān kòng zi) — Chinese word meaning

HSK 7

钻空子 (zuān kòng zi) is a Chinese word: exploit loopholes. This page shows its pinyin, translation, example sentences, character breakdown, decomposition, and HSK level.

Meaning of 钻空子

短语 duǎn yǔ phrase

exploit loopholes

有些人喜欢钻法律的空子。

yǒu xiē rén xǐ huan zuān fǎ lǜ de kòng zi

Some people like to exploit legal loopholes.

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Word breakdown

钻 zuān — drill into, penetrate, exploit

Words with this character (1)

空 kòng — gap, empty space, loophole

Words with this character (4)
  • 1 空地 kòng dì — vacant lot HSK 6
    Example

    孩子们在街角的空地上踢足球。

    háizimen zài jiējiǎo de kòngdì shàng tī zúqiú

    The children are playing soccer on the vacant lot at the street corner.

  • 2 空闲 kòng xián — free, idle HSK 6
    • 空 free, empty
    • 闲 idle, leisure
    Example

    他有空闲的时间。

    tā yǒu kòng xián de shí jiān

    He has free time.

  • 3 空白 kòng bái — blank HSK 7
    Example

    这份表格有很多空白需要填写。

    zhè fèn biǎo gé yǒu hěn duō kòng bái xū yào tián xiě

    This form has many blanks that need to be filled in.

  • 4 空隙 kòng xì — gap HSK 7
    • 空 empty, vacant
    • 隙 crack, crevice, opening
    Example

    他从门的空隙里看到了外面。

    tā cóng mén de kòng xì lǐ kàn dào le wài miàn

    He saw outside through the gap in the door.

子 zǐ / zi — nominal suffix (forms noun)

Contextual pronunciation: zi

Words with this character (126)
Show more (+121)
  • 6 椅子 yǐ zi — chair HSK 1
    • 椅 chair, seat (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (completes the word)
    Example

    这把椅子很舒服。

    zhè bǎ yǐ zi hěn shū fu

    This chair is very comfortable.

  • 7 饺子 jiǎo zi — dumpling HSK 1
    • 饺 dumpling (the main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (diminutive/noun-forming particle)
    Example

    我喜欢吃饺子。

    wǒ xǐ huan chī jiǎo zi

    I like to eat dumplings.

  • 8 个子 gè zi — height HSK 2
    • 个 forms part of the compound noun for height/stature
    • 子 nominal suffix forming a noun referring to physical stature
    Example

    他个子很高。

    tā gè zi hěn gāo

    He is very tall.

  • 9 妻子 qī zi — wife HSK 2
    • 妻 wife (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (completes the word formation)
    Example

    我的妻子是一位医生。

    wǒ de qī zi shì yī wèi yī shēng

    My wife is a doctor.

  • 10 本子 běn zi — notebook HSK 2
    • 本 book, bound volume
    • 子 diminutive suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    我需要买一个新本子。

    wǒ xū yào mǎi yí ge xīn běn zi

    I need to buy a new notebook.

  • 11 裤子 kù zi — pants HSK 2
    • 裤 pants, trousers (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (no specific meaning, completes the noun)
    Example

    我买了一条新裤子。

    wǒ mǎi le yī tiáo xīn kù zi

    I bought a new pair of pants.

  • 12 勺子 sháo zi — spoon HSK 3
    • 勺 spoon, ladle (core meaning)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes it a common everyday term)
    Example

    我需要一把勺子来吃汤。

    wǒ xū yào yì bǎ sháo zi lái chī tāng

    I need a spoon to eat soup.

  • 13 句子 jù zi — sentence HSK 3
    • 句 sentence, line (core meaning element)
    • 子 noun suffix (completes the word)
    Example

    请用这些词造一个句子。

    qǐng yòng zhè xiē cí zào yí gè jù zi

    Please make a sentence using these words.

  • 14 屋子 wū zi — room HSK 3
    • 屋 house, building structure
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial for 'room')
    Example

    屋子里有很多书。

    wū zi lǐ yǒu hěn duō shū

    There are many books in the room.

  • 15 房子 fáng zi — house HSK 3
    • 房 house, room (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial and complete)
    Example

    他买了一个新房子。

    tā mǎi le yí gè xīn fáng zi

    He bought a new house.

  • 16 瓶子 píng zi — bottle HSK 3
    • 瓶 bottle (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word complete and colloquial)
    Example

    这个瓶子里装满了水。

    zhè ge píng zi lǐ zhuāng mǎn le shuǐ

    This bottle is filled with water.

  • 17 电子书 diàn zǐ shū — e-book HSK 3
    • 电 electronic, electric
    • 子 forms the compound 'electronic' with 电
    • 书 book
    Example

    我喜欢在平板电脑上阅读电子书。

    wǒ xǐ huān zài píng bǎn diàn nǎo shàng yuè dú diàn zǐ shū

    I like to read e-books on my tablet.

  • 18 盘子 pán zi — plate HSK 3
    • 盘 plate, dish (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (completes the noun)
    Example

    桌上有三个盘子。

    zhuō shàng yǒu sān gè pán zi

    There are three plates on the table.

  • 19 筷子 kuài zi — chopsticks HSK 3
    • 筷 chopstick (main morpheme)
    • 子 nominal suffix (diminutive)
    Example

    他用筷子吃饭。

    tā yòng kuài zi chī fàn

    He eats with chopsticks.

  • 20 箱子 xiāng zi — box HSK 3
    • 箱 box, chest
    • 子 diminutive suffix
    Example

    这个箱子很重。

    zhè ge xiāng zi hěn zhòng

    This box is very heavy.

  • 21 裙子 qún zi — skirt HSK 3
    • 裙 skirt (the main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms a complete noun without adding specific meaning)
    Example

    她今天穿了一条红色的裙子。

    tā jīn tiān chuān le yī tiáo hóng sè de qún zi

    She wore a red skirt today.

  • 22 例子 lì zi — example HSK 4
    • 例 example, case, precedent
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms nouns)
    Example

    老师给我们举了一个例子。

    lǎo shī gěi wǒ men jǔ le yí gè lì zi

    The teacher gave us an example.

  • 23 叶子 yè zi — leaf HSK 4
    • 叶 leaf (main morpheme)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    秋天的叶子变黄了。

    qiū tiān de yè zi biàn huáng le

    The leaves turn yellow in autumn.

  • 24 孙子 sūn zi — grandson HSK 4
    • 孙 grandchild, of the grandchild generation
    • 子 son, male child (specifying male gender)
    Example

    我的孙子今年五岁了。

    wǒ de sūn zi jīn nián wǔ suì le

    My grandson is five years old this year.

  • 25 小伙子 xiǎo huǒ zi — young man HSK 4
    • 小 young, little
    • 伙 fellow, guy
    • 子 nominal suffix (person)
    Example

    小伙子，你来自哪里？

    xiǎo huǒ zi nǐ lái zì nǎ lǐ

    Young man, where are you from?

  • 26 帽子 mào zi — hat HSK 4
    • 帽 hat, cap (the main semantic component meaning headwear)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a complete noun, neutral tone)
    Example

    今天很冷，你要戴帽子。

    jīn tiān hěn lěng nǐ yào dài mào zi

    It's very cold today, you should wear a hat.

  • 27 日子 rì zi — days; life HSK 4
    • 日 day; forms the core meaning of 'days'
    • 子 suffix; nominalizes the word to mean 'days' as a period or way of living
    Example

    我们的日子越来越好了。

    wǒ men de rì zi yuè lái yuè hǎo le

    Our life is getting better and better.

  • 28 样子 yàng zi — appearance HSK 4
    • 样 appearance, manner, way
    • 子 nominalizing suffix
    Example

    她今天的样子很漂亮。

    tā jīn tiān de yàng zi hěn piào liang

    She looks very pretty today.

  • 29 母子 mǔ zǐ — mother and child HSK 4
    Example

    母子俩在公园里散步。

    mǔ zǐ liǎ zài gōng yuán lǐ sàn bù

    The mother and child were walking in the park.

  • 30 父子 fù zǐ — father and son HSK 4
    Example

    父子俩一起去爬山。

    fù zǐ liǎ yì qǐ qù pá shān

    The father and son went mountain climbing together.

  • 31 牌子 pái zi — brand, sign, plate HSK 4
    • 牌 sign, plate, brand (main meaning carrier)
    • 子 diminutive/colloquial suffix (makes the word more informal)
    Example

    我喜欢这个牌子的衣服。

    wǒ xǐ huan zhè ge pái zi de yī fu

    I like this brand's clothes.

  • 32 盒子 hé zi — box HSK 4
    • 盒 box, case (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms noun, no specific meaning)
    Example

    她打开了那个红色的盒子。

    tā dǎ kāi le nà ge hóng sè de hé zi

    She opened that red box.

  • 33 肚子 dù zi — stomach HSK 4
    • 肚 belly, abdomen
    • 子 noun suffix
    Example

    我肚子饿了。

    wǒ dù zi è le

    I'm hungry.

  • 34 袋子 dài zi — bag HSK 4
    • 袋 bag, sack (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it more colloquial)
    Example

    她把苹果放进袋子里。

    tā bǎ píng guǒ fàng jìn dài zi lǐ

    She put the apples in the bag.

  • 35 袜子 wà zi — socks HSK 4
    • 袜 sock, stocking (the main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a complete noun)
    Example

    我需要买新袜子。

    wǒ xū yào mǎi xīn wà zi

    I need to buy new socks.

  • 36 镜子 jìng zi — mirror HSK 4
    • 镜 mirror, reflective surface
    • 子 noun suffix (no independent meaning)
    Example

    她在镜子前梳头。

    tā zài jìng zi qián shū tóu

    She combs her hair in front of the mirror.

  • 37 院子 yuàn zi — courtyard HSK 4
    • 院 courtyard, enclosed space
    • 子 noun suffix (diminutive/nominal marker)
    Example

    孩子们在院子里玩。

    hái zi men zài yuàn zi lǐ wán

    The children are playing in the courtyard.

  • 38 鼻子 bí zi — nose HSK 4
    • 鼻 nose (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a common colloquial noun)
    Example

    他的鼻子很高。

    tā de bí zi hěn gāo

    His nose is very high.

  • 39 兔子 tù zi — rabbit HSK 5
    • 兔 rabbit, hare (core semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms common noun, adds colloquial tone)
    Example

    我家养了一只白兔子。

    wǒ jiā yǎng le yì zhī bái tù zi

    My family has a white rabbit.

  • 40 叉子 chā zi — fork HSK 5
    • 叉 fork (the utensil with prongs)
    • 子 nominal suffix forming the noun
    Example

    我需要一把叉子吃沙拉。

    wǒ xū yào yī bǎ chā zi chī shā lā

    I need a fork to eat salad.

  • 41 女子 nǚ zǐ — woman HSK 5
    • 女 female, woman
    • 子 formal suffix for person
    Example

    她是一位优秀的女子运动员。

    tā shì yī wèi yōu xiù de nǚ zǐ yùn dòng yuán

    She is an excellent female athlete.

  • 42 子女 zǐ nǚ — children HSK 5
    • 子 sons, male children
    • 女 daughters, female children
    Example

    他有三个子女。

    tā yǒu sān gè zǐ nǚ

    He has three children.

  • 43 尺子 chǐ zi — ruler HSK 5
    • 尺 measurement tool; ruler
    • 子 nominal suffix (no semantic meaning)
    Example

    我需要一把尺子来画直线。

    wǒ xū yào yì bǎ chǐ zi lái huà zhí xiàn

    I need a ruler to draw straight lines.

  • 44 扇子 shàn zi — fan HSK 5
    • 扇 fan (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes it a concrete object)
    Example

    她买了一把漂亮的扇子。

    tā mǎi le yì bǎ piào liang de shàn zi

    She bought a beautiful fan.

  • 45 柜子 guì zi — cabinet HSK 5
    • 柜 cabinet, cupboard (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes a complete noun)
    Example

    我把衣服放在柜子里。

    wǒ bǎ yī fu fàng zài guì zi lǐ

    I put the clothes in the cabinet.

  • 46 橘子 jú zi — orange; mandarin orange HSK 5
    • 橘 orange (citrus fruit); mandarin orange
    • 子 noun suffix indicating the fruit itself
    Example

    妈妈买了一些橘子。

    mā ma mǎi le yì xiē jú zi

    Mom bought some oranges.

  • 47 橙子 chéng zi — orange HSK 5
    • 橙 orange (the main root meaning)
    • 子 noun suffix (forms concrete nouns)
    Example

    我喜欢吃橙子。

    wǒ xǐ huan chī chéng zi

    I like to eat oranges.

  • 48 沙子 shā zi — sand HSK 5
    • 沙 sand, the main semantic component
    • 子 noun suffix, makes the word more colloquial
    Example

    海滩上有很多沙子。

    hǎi tān shàng yǒu hěn duō shā zi

    There's a lot of sand on the beach.

  • 49 猴子 hóu zi — monkey HSK 5
    • 猴 monkey (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (completes the standard word for monkey)
    Example

    动物园里有很多猴子。

    dòng wù yuán lǐ yǒu hěn duō hóu zi

    There are many monkeys in the zoo.

  • 50 电子版 diàn zǐ bǎn — electronic version HSK 5
    • 电 electric/electronic
    • 子 forms compound with 电 to mean 'electronic'
    • 版 version/edition
    Example

    这本书有电子版吗？

    zhè běn shū yǒu diàn zǐ bǎn ma

    Does this book have an electronic version?

  • 51 男子 nán zǐ — man HSK 5
    • 男 male
    • 子 person (formal suffix)
    Example

    一个男子在公园里跑步。

    yí gè nán zǐ zài gōng yuán lǐ pǎo bù

    A man is running in the park.

  • 52 种子 zhǒng zi — seed HSK 5
    • 种 to plant, cultivate
    • 子 seed, grain (noun suffix)
    Example

    农民在春天播种子。

    nóng mín zài chūn tiān bō zhǒng zi

    Farmers plant seeds in spring.

  • 53 竹子 zhú zi — bamboo HSK 5
    • 竹 bamboo (root meaning)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes bamboo into a complete noun)
    Example

    熊猫喜欢吃竹子。

    xióng māo xǐ huan chī zhú zi

    Pandas like to eat bamboo.

  • 54 虫子 chóng zi — insect HSK 5
    • 虫 insect, bug (main semantic component)
    • 子 diminutive suffix making the word colloquial
    Example

    花园里有很多虫子。

    huā yuán lǐ yǒu hěn duō chóng zi

    There are many insects in the garden.

  • 55 被子 bèi zi — quilt HSK 5
    • 被 covering, the main semantic component meaning 'to cover' or 'covering'
    • 子 noun suffix that turns the covering concept into a concrete object
    Example

    晚上睡觉要盖被子。

    wǎn shang shuì jiào yào gài bèi zi

    You need to cover yourself with a quilt when sleeping at night.

  • 56 鸭子 yā zi — duck HSK 5
    • 鸭 duck (the bird)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    池塘里有很多鸭子。

    chí táng lǐ yǒu hěn duō yā zi

    There are many ducks in the pond.

  • 57 一辈子 yí bèi zi — a lifetime HSK 6
    • 一 one
    • 辈 generation, lifetime
    • 子 noun suffix
    Example

    我想和你过一辈子。

    wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ guò yí bèi zi

    I want to spend a lifetime with you.

  • 58 侄子 zhí zi — nephew HSK 6
    • 侄 nephew (brother's son)
    • 子 suffix forming the complete noun
    Example

    我侄子今年十岁了。

    wǒ zhí zi jīn nián shí suì le

    My nephew is ten years old this year.

  • 59 嗓子 sǎng zi — throat; voice HSK 6
    • 嗓 throat/vocal area (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (completes the noun formation)
    Example

    我嗓子疼，不能唱歌。

    wǒ sǎng zi téng bù néng chàng gē

    My throat hurts, I can't sing.

  • 60 影子 yǐng zi — shadow HSK 6
    • 影 shadow, image (provides the core meaning)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a concrete noun)
    Example

    树的影子很长。

    shù de yǐng zi hěn cháng

    The tree's shadow is very long.

  • 61 棋子 qí zǐ — game piece HSK 6
    • 棋 chess/board game
    • 子 piece/token
    Example

    他把棋子放在棋盘上。

    tā bǎ qí zǐ fàng zài qí pán shàng

    He placed the game piece on the board.

  • 62 狮子 shī zi — lion HSK 6
    • 狮 lion (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (completes the word for lion)
    Example

    动物园里有两只狮子。

    dòng wù yuán lǐ yǒu liǎng zhī shī zi

    There are two lions in the zoo.

  • 63 王子 wáng zǐ — prince HSK 6
    Example

    小王子住在城堡里。

    xiǎo wáng zǐ zhù zài chéng bǎo lǐ

    The little prince lives in the castle.

  • 64 稿子 gǎo zi — manuscript HSK 6
    • 稿 manuscript, draft, written work
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word more colloquial)
    Example

    这篇稿子写得很好。

    zhè piān gǎo zi xiě de hěn hǎo

    This manuscript is written very well.

  • 65 粽子 zòng zi — zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) HSK 6
    • 粽 rice dumpling (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (no semantic meaning)
    Example

    奶奶包的粽子特别好吃。

    nǎi nai bāo de zòng zi tè bié hǎo chī

    Grandma's zongzi are especially delicious.

  • 66 胡子 hú zi — beard HSK 6
    • 胡 facial (area around the mouth)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    他留着长胡子。

    tā liú zhe cháng hú zi

    He has a long beard.

  • 67 脑子 nǎo zi — brain HSK 6
    • 脑 brain (the organ)
    • 子 colloquial suffix (makes the word more informal)
    Example

    用脑子想一想。

    yòng nǎo zi xiǎng yi xiǎng

    Use your brain to think about it.

  • 68 脖子 bó zi — neck HSK 6
    • 脖 neck (anatomical part)
    • 子 nominal suffix (no independent meaning)
    Example

    我的脖子疼。

    wǒ de bó zi téng

    My neck hurts.

  • 69 袖子 xiù zi — sleeve HSK 6
    • 袖 sleeve; the part of a garment that covers the arm
    • 子 nominal suffix; forms a complete noun without adding specific meaning
    Example

    这件衣服的袖子太长了。

    zhè jiàn yī fu de xiù zi tài cháng le

    The sleeves of this garment are too long.

  • 70 轮子 lún zi — wheel HSK 6
    • 轮 wheel, the main semantic component
    • 子 noun suffix making it a concrete object
    Example

    汽车有四个轮子。

    qì chē yǒu sì gè lún zi

    A car has four wheels.

  • 71 金子 jīn zi — gold HSK 6
    • 金 gold, the precious metal
    • 子 noun suffix making the word more colloquial
    Example

    这个戒指是金子做的。

    zhè ge jiè zhi shì jīn zi zuò de

    This ring is made of gold.

  • 72 面子 miàn zi — face (social reputation/prestige) HSK 6
    • 面 face (provides the core concept of social face/reputation)
    • 子 suffix (nominalizes and makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    为了面子，他借钱买了辆新车。

    wèi le miàn zi tā jiè qián mǎi le liàng xīn chē

    For the sake of face, he borrowed money to buy a new car.

  • 73 骗子 piàn zi — swindler HSK 6
    • 骗 to deceive, to cheat
    • 子 person suffix (forms noun referring to a person)
    Example

    小心骗子，不要随便给陌生人钱。

    xiǎo xīn piàn zi bú yào suí biàn gěi mò shēng rén qián

    Beware of swindlers, don't casually give money to strangers.

  • 74 一揽子 yì lǎn zi — comprehensive; package HSK 7
    • 一 one; single
    • 揽 to gather; to embrace
    • 子 suffix (nominalizing/informal marker)
    Example

    政府推出了一揽子经济刺激方案。

    zhèng fǔ tuī chū le yì lǎn zi jīng jì cì jī fāng àn

    The government launched a comprehensive economic stimulus package.

  • 75 两下子 liǎng xià zi — some skill; a couple of tricks HSK 7
    • 两 a couple of, some (indicates a modest amount)
    • 下 measure word for actions or moves (like strokes or tricks)
    • 子 suffix that nominalizes the phrase into a noun meaning 'skill/ability'
    Example

    别看她年轻，做菜还真有两下子。

    bié kàn tā niánqīng zuò cài hái zhēn yǒu liǎng xià zi

    Don't judge her by her youth; she actually has some real cooking skills.

  • 76 两口子 liǎng kǒu zi — married couple HSK 7
    • 两 two (people)
    • 口 person (measure word for household members)
    • 子 suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    他们两口子经营着一家小餐馆。

    tā men liǎng kǒu zi jīng yíng zhe yī jiā xiǎo cān guǎn

    The couple runs a small restaurant.

  • 77 丸子 wán zi — meatball HSK 7
    • 丸 ball, round shape
    • 子 diminutive suffix for small food items
    Example

    这碗汤里有丸子。

    zhè wǎn tāng lǐ yǒu wán zi

    There are meatballs in this bowl of soup.

  • 78 亭子 tíng zi — pavilion HSK 7
    • 亭 pavilion (main meaning)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    公园里有一个美丽的亭子。

    gōng yuán lǐ yǒu yí gè měi lì de tíng zi

    There is a beautiful pavilion in the park.

  • 79 位子 wèi zi — seat HSK 7
    • 位 position, place (for sitting)
    • 子 suffix making the word colloquial and concrete
    Example

    这个位子有人坐吗？

    zhè ge wèi zi yǒu rén zuò ma

    Is this seat taken?

  • 80 凳子 dèng zi — stool HSK 7
    • 凳 stool, bench (main meaning)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    他坐在凳子上看书。

    tā zuò zài dèng zi shàng kàn shū

    He is sitting on a stool reading.

  • 81 口子 kǒu zi — opening, gap, tear HSK 7
    • 口 opening, hole
    • 子 noun suffix (no independent meaning)
    Example

    这件衣服破了一个口子。

    zhè jiàn yī fu pò le yí ge kǒu zi

    This piece of clothing has a tear.

  • 82 君子 jūn zǐ — gentleman, man of virtue HSK 7
    • 君 noble, superior (originally 'ruler' or 'lord')
    • 子 person (suffix denoting a type of person)
    Example

    君子爱财，取之有道。

    jūn zǐ ài cái qǔ zhī yǒu dào

    A gentleman loves wealth, but obtains it through proper means.

  • 83 圈子 quān zi — circle HSK 7
    • 圈 circle, ring
    • 子 nominal suffix
    Example

    他在商业圈子里很有名。

    tā zài shāng yè quān zi lǐ hěn yǒu míng

    He is very famous in business circles.

  • 84 垫子 diàn zi — mat HSK 7
    • 垫 to pad, cushion; the main semantic element meaning 'mat' or 'padding'
    • 子 noun suffix that forms a concrete object from the verb 垫
    Example

    她在地板上放了一个瑜伽垫子。

    tā zài dì bǎn shàng fàng le yí gè yú jiā diàn zi

    She put a yoga mat on the floor.

  • 85 夹子 jiā zi — clip, clamp HSK 7
    • 夹 to clip, to pinch (core action)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes it a concrete object)
    Example

    她用夹子夹住头发。

    tā yòng jiā zi jiā zhù tóu fa

    She used a clip to hold her hair.

  • 86 嫂子 sǎo zi — sister-in-law (elder brother's wife) HSK 7
    • 嫂 elder brother's wife
    • 子 suffix (makes the term more colloquial)
    Example

    我嫂子做饭很好吃。

    wǒ sǎo zi zuò fàn hěn hǎo chī

    My sister-in-law cooks very delicious food.

  • 87 子孙 zǐ sūn — descendants HSK 7
    • 子 children, sons (the immediate next generation)
    • 孙 grandchildren (generations beyond children)
    Example

    我们要为子孙后代保护环境。

    wǒ men yào wèi zǐ sūn hòu dài bǎo hù huán jìng

    We must protect the environment for future generations.

  • 88 子弟 zǐ dì — children; younger generation HSK 7
    • 子 child; offspring
    • 弟 younger member; younger generation
    Example

    他们是革命烈士的子弟。

    tā men shì gé mìng liè shì de zǐ dì

    They are children of revolutionary martyrs.

  • 89 子弹 zǐ dàn — bullet HSK 7
    • 子 suffix for small objects; diminutive particle
    • 弹 projectile; the main component meaning bullet
    Example

    警察在现场发现了三颗子弹。

    jǐng chá zài xiàn chǎng fā xiàn le sān kē zǐ dàn

    The police found three bullets at the scene.

  • 90 学子 xué zǐ — student; scholar HSK 7
    • 学 study, learning - contributes the academic/educational aspect
    • 子 person, one who - classical suffix referring to a person, adds formality
    Example

    这所大学培养了许多优秀学子。

    zhè suǒ dà xué péi yǎng le xǔ duō yōu xiù xué zǐ

    This university has cultivated many excellent students.

  • 91 帖子 tiě zi — post HSK 7
    • 帖 note, card; the core meaning of a written message
    • 子 nominal suffix forming a complete noun
    Example

    我在论坛上发了一个帖子。

    wǒ zài lùn tán shàng fā le yí gè tiě zi

    I posted a post on the forum.

  • 92 帘子 lián zi — curtain HSK 7
    • 帘 curtain/screen (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (adds familiar or colloquial tone)
    Example

    门口挂着一块蓝色的帘子。

    mén kǒu guà zhe yí kuài lán sè de lián zi

    A blue curtain hangs at the doorway.

  • 93 底子 dǐ zi — foundation HSK 7
    • 底 bottom, base, foundation
    • 子 nominalizing suffix with no independent meaning
    Example

    他的英语底子很好。

    tā de yīng yǔ dǐ zi hěn hǎo

    His English foundation is very good.

  • 94 弟子 dì zǐ — disciple HSK 7
    • 弟 junior, younger (indicating subordinate learning position)
    • 子 person, one who (forms noun referring to a person)
    Example

    孔子有很多弟子。

    Kǒng zǐ yǒu hěn duō dì zǐ

    Confucius had many disciples.

  • 95 担子 dàn zi — burden; load; carrying pole HSK 7
    • 担 to carry; to shoulder; to bear
    • 子 noun suffix
    Example

    他肩上的担子很重。

    tā jiān shàng de dàn zi hěn zhòng

    The burden on his shoulders is very heavy.

  • 96 斧子 fǔ zi — axe HSK 7
    • 斧 the axe tool itself; the main semantic component
    • 子 nominal suffix that makes it a common colloquial noun
    Example

    他用斧子砍树。

    tā yòng fǔ zi kǎn shù

    He used an axe to chop trees.

  • 97 架子 jià zi — shelf, rack HSK 7
    • 架 frame, support structure
    • 子 noun suffix (makes it refer to the object itself)
    Example

    我需要买一个新架子来放鞋子。

    wǒ xū yào mǎi yí ge xīn jià zi lái fàng xié zi

    I need to buy a new rack to put shoes on.

  • 98 柱子 zhù zi — pillar HSK 7
    • 柱 pillar, column (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a common noun)
    Example

    房间里有四根柱子。

    fáng jiān lǐ yǒu sì gēn zhù zi

    There are four pillars in the room.

  • 99 柿子 shì zi — persimmon HSK 7
    • 柿 persimmon tree/fruit
    • 子 noun suffix (for fruits and small objects)
    Example

    秋天的柿子很甜。

    qiū tiān de shì zi hěn tián

    Autumn persimmons are very sweet.

  • 100 格子 gé zi — check (pattern), grid, plaid HSK 7
    • 格 lattice, grid, pattern
    • 子 noun suffix
    Example

    她穿着一件格子衬衫。

    tā chuān zhe yī jiàn gé zi chèn shān

    She is wearing a checkered shirt.

  • 101 梯子 tī zi — ladder HSK 7
    • 梯 ladder, steps
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms a complete noun)
    Example

    他爬上梯子修理屋顶。

    tā pá shàng tī zi xiū lǐ wū dǐng

    He climbed up the ladder to repair the roof.

  • 102 梳子 shū zi — comb HSK 7
    • 梳 to comb (provides the core meaning related to combing hair)
    • 子 noun suffix (transforms the verb into a concrete object)
    Example

    她用梳子梳头发。

    tā yòng shū zi shū tóu fa

    She uses a comb to brush her hair.

  • 103 椰子 yē zi — coconut HSK 7
    • 椰 coconut palm
    • 子 fruit/seed (noun suffix)
    Example

    海南岛盛产椰子。

    Hǎi nán dǎo shèng chǎn yē zi

    Hainan Island produces coconuts abundantly.

  • 104 毯子 tǎn zi — blanket HSK 7
    • 毯 blanket, a thick fabric covering
    • 子 nominal suffix with no specific meaning
    Example

    天冷了，我需要一条毯子。

    tiān lěng le wǒ xū yào yì tiáo tǎn zi

    It's cold, I need a blanket.

  • 105 炉子 lú zi — stove HSK 7
    • 炉 stove, furnace
    • 子 nominal suffix (no specific meaning)
    Example

    冬天我们用炉子取暖。

    dōng tiān wǒ men yòng lú zi qǔ nuǎn

    In winter we use a stove for heating.

  • 106 点子 diǎn zi — idea, suggestion HSK 7
    • 点 point, small unit (suggesting a specific thought)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word colloquial and informal)
    Example

    这个点子不错!

    zhè ge diǎn zi bù cuò

    This idea is pretty good!

  • 107 燕子 yàn zi — swallow HSK 7
    • 燕 swallow (the bird species)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    春天来了，燕子飞回来了。

    chūn tiān lái le yàn zi fēi huí lái le

    Spring has come, the swallows have flown back.

  • 108 爪子 zhuǎ zi — claw HSK 7
    • 爪 claw, the sharp curved nail or hooked foot of an animal
    • 子 nominal suffix with no independent meaning, making it a complete colloquial noun
    Example

    猫的爪子很锋利。

    māo de zhuǎ zi hěn fēng lì

    The cat's claws are very sharp.

  • 109 片子 piān zi — film, movie HSK 7
    • 片 flat piece, film (refers to the flat nature of film/photographs)
    • 子 colloquial noun suffix (makes the word more casual and spoken)
    Example

    我昨天看了一个很好看的片子。

    wǒ zuó tiān kàn le yí gè hěn hǎo kàn de piān zi

    I watched a very good movie yesterday.

  • 110 瓜子 guā zǐ — melon seeds HSK 7
    • 瓜 melon/gourd (the plant source)
    • 子 seed
    Example

    我们一边看电视，一边嗑瓜子。

    wǒ men yì biān kàn diàn shì yì biān kè guā zǐ

    We watch TV while cracking melon seeds.

  • 111 疯子 fēng zi — madman; crazy person HSK 7
    • 疯 crazy; mad; insane
    • 子 noun suffix denoting a person
    Example

    他像个疯子一样大喊大叫。

    tā xiàng gè fēng zi yí yàng dà hǎn dà jiào

    He shouted like a madman.

  • 112 知识分子 zhī shí fèn zǐ — intellectual HSK 7
    • 知 knowledge, knowing
    • 识 knowledge, recognition
    • 分 member, element
    • 子 person (suffix)
    Example

    她作为知识分子，关心社会问题。

    tā zuò wéi zhī shí fèn zǐ guān xīn shè huì wèn tí

    As an intellectual, she cares about social issues.

  • 113 碰钉子 pèng dīng zi — meet with a rebuff HSK 7
    • 碰 bump into, encounter
    • 钉 nail (obstacle)
    • 子 nominal suffix
    Example

    他去找老板请假，结果碰了钉子。

    tā qù zhǎo lǎo bǎn qǐng jià jié guǒ pèng le dīng zi

    He went to ask the boss for leave, but met with a rebuff.

  • 114 笛子 dí zi — bamboo flute HSK 7
    • 笛 flute, whistle instrument
    • 子 nominal suffix (forms noun)
    Example

    他会吹笛子。

    tā huì chuī dí zi

    He can play the bamboo flute.

  • 115 笼子 lóng zi — cage HSK 7
    • 笼 cage, enclosure (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a concrete everyday noun)
    Example

    鸟在笼子里唱歌。

    niǎo zài lóng zi lǐ chàng gē

    The bird sings in the cage.

  • 116 绳子 shéng zi — rope HSK 7
    • 绳 rope; the main semantic component
    • 子 nominal suffix; makes the word more colloquial and concrete
    Example

    这根绳子太短了。

    zhè gēn shéng zi tài duǎn le

    This rope is too short.

  • 117 莲子 lián zǐ — lotus seed HSK 7
    Example

    莲子汤是一种营养丰富的甜品。

    lián zǐ tāng shì yī zhǒng yíng yǎng fēng fù de tián pǐn

    Lotus seed soup is a nutritious dessert.

  • 118 蚊子 wén zi — mosquito HSK 7
    • 蚊 mosquito (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (completes the noun)
    Example

    蚊子咬了我一口。

    wén zi yǎo le wǒ yì kǒu

    A mosquito bit me.

  • 119 豆子 dòu zi — beans HSK 7
    • 豆 bean, legume (main semantic component)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word colloquial)
    Example

    妈妈在煮豆子。

    mā ma zài zhǔ dòu zi

    Mom is cooking beans.

  • 120 路子 lù zi — way; method; approach; connections HSK 7
    • 路 road, path, way (the core meaning)
    • 子 nominalizing suffix (makes it a concrete noun)
    Example

    我们要找对路子才能解决问题。

    wǒ men yào zhǎo duì lù zi cái néng jiě jué wèn tí

    We need to find the right approach to solve the problem.

  • 121 身子 shēn zi — body HSK 7
    • 身 body, physical self
    • 子 colloquial suffix (makes the word informal)
    Example

    她身子虚弱，需要休息。

    tā shēn zi xū ruò xū yào xiū xi

    She is weak and needs rest.

  • 122 辫子 biàn zi — braid HSK 7
    • 辫 braid, plait (the main semantic component referring to intertwined strands of hair)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes the word more colloquial and concrete)
    Example

    小女孩扎着两条辫子。

    xiǎo nǚ hái zhā zhe liǎng tiáo biàn zi

    The little girl wears two braids.

  • 123 钉子 dīng zi — nail HSK 7
    • 钉 nail (the metal fastener itself)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a complete noun)
    Example

    他用锤子把钉子钉进了墙里。

    tā yòng chuí zi bǎ dīng zi dīng jìn le qiáng lǐ

    He hammered the nail into the wall.

  • 124 靴子 xuē zi — boot HSK 7
    • 靴 boot (main semantic component)
    • 子 noun suffix (no specific meaning, forms common noun)
    Example

    她穿着一双黑色的靴子。

    tā chuān zhe yì shuāng hēi sè de xuē zi

    She is wearing a pair of black boots.

  • 125 靶子 bǎ zi — target HSK 7
    • 靶 target (for shooting or aiming)
    • 子 noun suffix (makes the word more concrete and colloquial)
    Example

    射箭运动员射中了靶子的中心。

    shè jiàn yùn dòng yuán shè zhòng le bǎ zi de zhōng xīn

    The archer hit the center of the target.

  • 126 鸽子 gē zi — pigeon HSK 7
    • 鸽 pigeon/dove (the bird)
    • 子 nominal suffix (makes it a complete noun)
    Example

    广场上有很多鸽子。

    guǎng chǎng shàng yǒu hěn duō gē zi

    There are many pigeons in the square.

Structure & writing
1 钻 zuān — to drill or bore a hole by rotating a pointed object
Xpinyin

钻 is not used as a component in any other character.

consists of

1.1 钅 jīn — metal/gold radical
钅 is a component in 43 characters
HSK 1
钟 zhōng a hollow metal resonator that produces sound when struck; a bell 钱 qián currency; money
HSK 2
铁 tiě iron (metallic element, symbol Fe, atomic number 26) 错 cuò uneven; mixed and varied
HSK 3
铅 qiān lead (metallic element, symbol Pb) 银 yín silver (metallic element, symbol Ag, atomic number 47) 锻 duàn to forge (metal by heating and hammering)
HSK 4
针 zhēn needle or pin (slender metal tool with a point and eye or hook, used for sewing or knitting) 钢 gāng steel (iron-carbon alloy with less than 2% carbon content) 钥 yào key 键 jiàn key (mechanical component connecting a shaft to a gear or pulley, usually a rectangular steel block fitted into keyways) 镜 jìng mirror; a reflective device (ancient mirrors were made of polished bronze, modern ones of glass)
HSK 5
铃 líng bell or buzzer (metal sound-making device) 销 xiāo to melt metal into liquid 锁 suǒ lock (metal device requiring a key, code, or card to open) 锅 guō cooking pot or wok (round, concave, made of iron, aluminum, steel, etc.)
HSK 6
钓 diào to fish with a hook and bait 钻 zuān to drill or bore a hole by rotating a pointed object 铜 tóng copper (metallic element, symbol Cu, atomic number 29) 铺 pū to spread out; to lay flat 链 liàn chain; a rope-like object made of connected metal rings
Show more HSK 6 characters (+1)
镇 zhèn to suppress; to control
HSK 7
衔 xián (lit.) horse bit (mouthpiece) 钉 dīng nail; pin; tack (a slender object made of metal, wood, or bamboo that can be driven into another object) 钙 gài calcium (metallic element, symbol Ca) 钝 dùn blunt; not sharp (opposite of 快、利、锐) 钞 chāo banknote, paper currency
Show more HSK 7 characters (+16)
钦 qīn to admire; to respect 钧 jūn ancient unit of weight equal to thirty jin 钩 gōu hook (a curved, sharp-tipped tool for hanging or retrieving things) 钮 niǔ same as "纽" 铭 míng inscription on a vessel, stele, etc. recording facts or merits; words written or engraved to encourage oneself 铲 chǎn shovel; spatula (a flat or scoop-shaped tool with a long handle, usually made of iron) 铸 zhù to cast metal by melting and pouring into a mold 锄 chú hoe (farm tool for loosening soil and weeding) 锈 xiù rust (oxidized layer on metal surfaces) 锋 fēng blade edge; the sharp or pointed part of a sword, knife, or other weapon 锐 ruì sharp or pointed (of a blade or weapon's edge), opposite of 'blunt' 锡 xī tin (metallic element, symbol Sn, atomic number 50) 锤 chuí hammer (a tool with a handle and a metal head) 锦 jǐn colorful patterned silk fabric 锲 qiè (lit.) to carve with a knife 镶 xiāng to inlay or embed one object into another; to border or edge with a material
1.2 占 zhàn — to occupy; to seize
Xpinyin
占 is a component in 10 characters
HSK 1
店 diàn shop; store 点 diǎn a small drop of liquid; droplet
HSK 2
站 zhàn to stand upright with feet on the ground
HSK 5
战 zhàn war; battle; combat 贴 tiē to paste, to stick (a thin flat object onto something)
HSK 6
粘 zhān to stick together or adhere to something 钻 zuān to drill or bore a hole by rotating a pointed object
HSK 7
帖 tiě invitation card 沾 zhān to soak; to moisten 黏 nián sticky; adhesive (like paste or glue)

Stroke order

2 空 kòng — to vacate; to leave empty
Xpinyin
空 is a component in 2 characters
HSK 5
控 kòng to accuse, to lodge a complaint against
HSK 6
腔 qiāng hollow or organ-containing cavity inside an animal's body

consists of

2.1 穴 xué — cave; pit or hole in the ground or a structure
穴 is a component in 20 characters
HSK 1
穿 chuān to pierce; to penetrate through
HSK 3
空 kōng empty; hollow; impractical 突 tū chimney or smoke outlet beside an ancient stove
HSK 4
究 jiū to investigate thoroughly; to trace 窗 chuāng window (opening in a wall for air and light)
HSK 5
穷 qióng poor, impoverished (opposite of 富) 窄 zhǎi narrow; not wide (opposite of 宽)
HSK 6
挖 wā to dig (into the ground to form a pit, trench, etc.)
HSK 7
帘 lián curtain or screen made of cloth, bamboo, reed, etc. 窃 qiè to steal; to pilfer 窍 qiào hole or orifice, esp. of the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose 窑 yáo kiln for firing bricks, tiles, or ceramics 窒 zhì to obstruct; to choke; to suffocate
Show more HSK 7 characters (+7)
窘 jiǒng destitute; impoverished 窜 cuàn to flee in disorder; to scurry about (of bandits, enemy troops, animals, etc.) 窝 wō nest or den of birds, animals, or insects 窟 kū cave; cavern 窥 kuī to peep; to spy on secretly 窿 long (dial.) coal mine tunnel 邃 suì deep and distant (of time or space)
2.2 工 gōng — worker; working class
工 is a component in 19 characters
HSK 2
红 hóng red (color like fresh blood)
HSK 3
差 chā mistake; error 空 kōng empty; hollow; impractical 轻 qīng light in weight; low in density (opposite of '重')
HSK 4
功 gōng merit; achievement (opposite of 过) 巧 qiǎo clever and skillful; ingenious 式 shì shape or form of an object 江 jiāng a large river 项 xiàng (lit.) back of the neck/nape
HSK 5
贡 gòng to offer tribute to the imperial court
HSK 6
巩 gǒng firm, solid 径 jìng narrow path; footpath 攻 gōng to attack, assault; opposite of 'defend' 虹 hóng rainbow (colorful arc in the sky after rain, with seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)
HSK 7
扛 káng to carry on one's shoulder (without tools) 杠 gàng thick rod or pole 毁 huǐ to destroy; to ruin 缸 gāng large container (jar, vat, or crock) with a narrow base and wide mouth, made of pottery, porcelain, enamel, or glass 诬 wū to falsely accuse; to slander with fabricated facts

Stroke order

3 子 zǐ / zi — child (son or daughter in ancient usage); now specifically son
Xpinyin
子 is a component in 19 characters
HSK 1
好 hǎo good; satisfactory (opposite of 坏) 字 zì written character; word 学 xué to study; to learn (opposite of 教) 孩 hái young child
HSK 2
游 yóu unfixed; constantly moving
HSK 3
季 jì the youngest among brothers (伯, 仲, 叔, 季 denoting birth order) 李 lǐ plum tree (deciduous tree with white flowers)
HSK 4
仔 zǎi (dial.) young man 厚 hòu thick (of a flat object, opposite of 薄) 存 cún to exist; to be alive 孙 sūn grandchild; relatives of the grandchild's generation
HSK 5
享 xiǎng to possess; to obtain
HSK 6
孕 yùn pregnancy 孤 gū orphaned in childhood; later also referring to having lost both parents
HSK 7
孔 kǒng hole; opening; aperture 孝 xiào to respect and support one's parents 孪 luán twin; born as a pair from one birth 猛 měng fierce; ferocious 籽 zǐ seeds of certain plants

consists of

3.1 了 liǎo — to finish; to end
Xpinyin
了 is a component in 3 characters
HSK 1
子 zǐ child (son or daughter in ancient usage); now specifically son
HSK 5
疗 liáo to treat (illness) with medicine, surgery, etc.
HSK 7
辽 liáo distant; far
3.2 一 yī — the smallest positive integer; one (①used before a measure word ②used before a noun ③indicates a single action or a brief/tentative action)
一 is a component in 58 characters
HSK 1
下 xià lower position (opposite of 上): ① positioned below (opposite of 上); ② later in order or time; ③ within a certain range, condition, or circumstance 两 liǎng two (used before measure words and 半, 千, 万, 亿) 事 shì matter; affair; everything that happens in nature and society 候 hòu to wait; to await 元 yuán the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), founded by Kublai Khan
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兴 xīng to be popular; to be in vogue 再 zài twice; a second time 前 qián front; the direction one faces (opposite of 后) 天 tiān sky 子 zǐ child (son or daughter in ancient usage); now specifically son 师 shī teacher; instructor (one who imparts knowledge or skills) 本 běn root or stem of a plant 正 zhèng straight; upright (opposite of crooked or tilted) 百 bǎi hundred (the number 100) 贵 guì expensive; of high value (opposite of 贱)
HSK 2
夫 fū general term for an adult man 画 huà to draw or paint (with a brush or similar tool)
HSK 3
其 qí pronoun: ① he, they ② his, their ③ that, those 合 hé to close; to shut; to bring together (opposite of 开) 夏 xià summer (the second of the four seasons) 带 dài ribbon, strip, or belt-shaped object 应 yìng to reply; to answer
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或 huò perhaps; maybe 更 gēng to change; to replace; to substitute 末 mò tip or end of an object 求 qiú to beg, to implore 演 yǎn to evolve; to change gradually 直 zhí straight; not curved (opposite of 曲) 行 xíng to walk; to go
HSK 4
亚 yà inferior (mostly used in negative constructions) 亲 qīn related by blood or marriage; esp. parents 具 jù tool; utensil; implement 咸 xián (lit.) all; everyone (classical adverb) 断 duàn to break into two or more pieces (of something long)
HSK 5
善 shàn kind; benevolent; charitable (opposite of 恶) 威 wēi authority or power that commands awe and respect 旦 dàn dawn; early morning 未 wèi not yet (opposite of 已) 武 wǔ military; martial (opposite of civil/literary "文")
HSK 6
兼 jiān doubled; combining two portions into one 德 dé morality; ethical standards and norms of conduct 拜 bài to bow or salute as a show of respect 灭 miè go out; stop burning or shining (opposite of 着) 衰 shuāi to decline, to weaken
HSK 7
丘 qiū small hill; mound 丙 bǐng third of the ten Heavenly Stems; used to indicate third in order 丛 cóng to cluster together, to gather in a mass 兹 zī (lit., class.) demonstrative pronoun: this; this one 兽 shòu beast; mammal (generally referring to four-legged, fur-covered mammals)
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拯 zhěng to rescue, to save 朱 zhū vermilion, bright red 胚 pēi embryo; organism in early development, formed from fertilized or unfertilized egg 蒙 méng ignorant, lacking knowledge 贮 zhù to store; to stockpile 逆 nì to go in the opposite direction (opposite of 顺) 遣 qiǎn to dispatch; to send 陋 lòu ugly; unsightly 隆 lóng grand; magnificent

Stroke order