Meaning and Usage
"拐杖" refers to a walking aid such as crutches or a cane, used to support someone who has difficulty walking due to injury, age, or disability. It is a concrete noun commonly used in medical or everyday contexts.
Common Collocations
- 拄拐杖 (zhǔ guǎizhàng): to lean on or hold a cane/crutches, describing the action of using it for support.
- 结实的拐杖 (jiéshí de guǎizhàng): sturdy cane, emphasizing durability.
- 用拐杖走路 (yòng guǎizhàng zǒulù): to walk using crutches or a cane.
Usage Notes
Although the character "拐" alone can mean "to kidnap," in the compound "拐杖" it loses that meaning and strictly refers to a walking stick or crutches. This word is neutral in tone and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used when describing physical support for walking, especially for elderly or injured people.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "拐杖" with "手杖" which also means cane but is more formal or literary. "拐杖" is more common in spoken language and everyday use.