Meaning and Usage
"笼子" (lóngzi) refers to a cage or enclosure typically used to confine birds or small animals. It is a common noun in everyday Chinese, often used when talking about pets or animals in captivity.
Common Collocations
- 笼子里 (inside the cage): describes something or someone being inside the cage.
- 关进笼子 (put into the cage): used when placing animals into a cage.
- 笼子很结实 (the cage is sturdy): describes the quality or condition of the cage.
Usage Notes
When using "笼子," speakers often imply containment or restriction of movement. It is usually a physical object but can metaphorically suggest confinement. Unlike "箱子" (box), "笼子" is specifically designed with bars or mesh to allow visibility and airflow.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "笼子" with "盒子" (box) or "箱子" (container), which are more general storage items without the implication of confinement for living creatures.