螺丝

luósī

screw

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"螺丝" (luósī) primarily refers to a screw, a common mechanical fastener with a spiral thread. It is used in everyday contexts involving tools, repairs, and machinery.

Common Collocations

  • 螺丝钉 (luósī dīng): screw (the hardware)
  • 螺丝 (níng luósī): to tighten a screw
  • 螺丝 (sōng luósī): to loosen a screw

Usage Notes

When talking about screws, "螺丝" is the standard term in Mandarin. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a small but essential part of a larger system or organization, emphasizing the importance of seemingly minor roles.

Avoid confusing "螺丝" with "" (spiral) which refers more to the shape or pattern rather than the hardware itself.

Example Sentences

这个螺丝拧得太紧了,得用工具才能松开。

Zhège luósī níng de tài jǐn le, děi yòng gōngjù cáinéng sōngkāi.

This screw is tightened too much; you need a tool to loosen it.

请检查一下机器里的螺丝有没有松动。

Qǐng jiǎnchá yíxià jīqì lǐ de luósī yǒu méiyǒu sōngdòng.

Please check if the screws inside the machine are loose.

他是个螺丝钉,虽然不起眼,但非常重要。

Tā shì gè luósī dīng, suīrán bù qǐyǎn, dàn fēicháng zhòngyào.

He is like a screw, inconspicuous but very important.