Usage of 穿
The primary meaning of 穿 is "to wear" clothes or shoes. It is commonly used to describe putting on garments or footwear, as in 穿衣服 (wear clothes) or 穿鞋 (wear shoes). This verb is very frequent in daily conversation and can be used with various clothing items.
Extended Meanings
Besides wearing, 穿 also means "to go through" or "to pierce". For example, 穿过人群 means "to pass through a crowd," and 穿针 means "to thread a needle." This spatial sense is important and appears often in descriptions of movement or penetration.
Common Collocations
- 穿衣服: to wear clothes, the most basic collocation.
- 穿鞋: to wear shoes.
- 穿西装: to wear a suit, often for formal occasions or work.
- 穿过 + noun: to go through or pass through something (e.g., 穿过森林).
Register and Tone
穿 is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is not formal or informal specifically, so it fits everyday contexts well.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 穿 with 戴, which means "to wear" accessories like glasses, hats, or jewelry. 穿 is for clothes and shoes, while 戴 is for items worn on the head, face, or hands.
Understanding these distinctions will help you use 穿 accurately in conversation and writing.