Meaning and Usage
"骨头" literally means "bone" and is used to refer to the hard parts inside the body that support and protect organs. Beyond the literal meaning, it is often used metaphorically to describe a person's character or backbone, implying strength, determination, or integrity.
Common Collocations
- 有骨头 (yǒu gǔ tou): having backbone; used to describe someone who is strong-willed or principled.
- 骨头硬 (gǔ tou yìng): literally "hard bones," often used to describe toughness either physically or in character.
- 骨头汤 (gǔ tou tāng): bone soup; a common dish made by boiling bones to extract flavor and nutrients.
Usage Notes
When used metaphorically, "骨头" emphasizes inner strength or moral courage. It is often contrasted with words like "软" (soft) to highlight firmness in attitude. In everyday conversation, "骨头" can also refer to literal bones in food or anatomy, so context is important to understand the intended meaning.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "骨头" with "骨架" (gǔ jià), which means skeleton or framework. "骨头" refers to individual bones, while "骨架" refers to the whole skeletal structure.