Meaning and Usage
The character 节 (jié) primarily refers to a 'joint' or 'node' such as those found on bamboo or bones. It also commonly denotes a 'festival' or 'holiday,' especially in the context of traditional Chinese celebrations like 春节 (Spring Festival). Additionally, 节 can describe a segment or section of time or rhythm, such as in 工作节奏 (work rhythm).
Common Collocations
- 节日 (jiérì): festival or holiday, used to talk about special days.
- 节骨眼 (jiégǔyǎn): a critical moment or turning point.
- 节奏 (jiézòu): rhythm or tempo, often used in music or work pace.
Usage Notes
When used to describe physical objects, 节 refers to natural segments like bamboo nodes. In cultural contexts, it refers to holidays or festivals. It can also be used metaphorically to describe timing or rhythm. Avoid confusing 节 with 节省 (to save) or 结 (to tie), which have different meanings and pronunciations.
Register and Tone
The word 节 is neutral in tone and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a common character in everyday language, especially during discussions about holidays or time segments.