Meaning and Usage
The character 绣 (xiù) means "to embroider" or "embroidery." It refers to the craft of decorating fabric with needle and thread, often creating intricate patterns or images. This word is commonly used in contexts related to traditional crafts, clothing decoration, and artistic handiwork.
Common Collocations
- 绣花 (xiù huā): embroider flowers; a very common phrase describing floral embroidery.
- 绣品 (xiù pǐn): embroidered goods or pieces; often used to describe finished embroidery works.
- 绣图案 (xiù tú'àn): to embroider patterns; emphasizes the design aspect.
Usage Notes
绣 is a verb and can be used both literally and figuratively to describe the act of embroidery. It often appears in contexts emphasizing skill and artistry. When used in conversation, it usually implies careful, detailed work. Avoid confusing 绣 with similar-sounding verbs like 修 (xiū, to repair), which have very different meanings.
Register and Tone
绣 is a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when discussing embroidery or related crafts. It is not commonly used metaphorically outside of artistic or decorative contexts.