Meaning and Usage
The word 纽扣 (niǔkòu) specifically refers to a button, the small fastener used on clothing or other fabric items to close or secure them. It is a very common everyday noun.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 纽扣 in contexts related to clothing repairs, fashion, or descriptions of garments. For example, talking about a missing button, sewing buttons back on, or buttoning up clothes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 扣纽扣 (kòu niǔkòu): to button a button, used when fastening clothes.
- 纽扣掉了 (niǔkòu diàole): the button fell off, common when describing damage or wear.
- 缝纽扣 (féng niǔkòu): to sew on a button, often used when repairing clothes.
Usage Notes
纽扣 is a concrete noun and does not have metaphorical or abstract uses. It is always used to refer to the physical button. When speaking about buttons on clothes, 纽扣 is the standard term. Avoid confusing it with other fasteners like 拉链 (zipper).
Character Insights
The character 纽 originally means "knot" or "tie," which relates to fastening. 扣 means "to fasten" or "to button up," so together they form the word for button, emphasizing the fastening function.