Meaning and Usage
The character 泥 (ní) primarily means 'mud' or 'clay,' referring to wet earth or soil. It is commonly used in contexts involving natural environments, construction materials, or describing dirty conditions.
Common Collocations
- 泥巴 (níbā): mud, often used when talking about children playing or dirty conditions.
- 泥土 (nítǔ): soil or earth, more formal or scientific.
- 泥泞 (níníng): muddy and slippery, describing roads or paths.
Usage Notes
泥 is a noun and can be used literally to describe mud or clay. It often appears in everyday speech when describing weather effects (like after rain) or children's play. It can also be used metaphorically in some idioms but primarily retains its concrete meaning.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse 泥 with 泥浆 (níjiāng), which specifically means 'muddy water' or 'slurry.' 泥 is more general and refers to the solid or semi-solid earth material.
Register and Tone
泥 is neutral in tone and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is a common word in daily life and literature.