deng1 syu1 deng1釘書釘钉书钉
Jyutpingdeng1 syu1 deng1
Yaledēng syū dēng
Definition
Staple; a piece of stationery used to fasten papers together, typically with a stapler.
colloquialschoolwork
How it's used
People often refer to the staple simply as 釘 when the context of using a stapler is already clear. It is common to buy them in a box, so you will frequently hear people ask for a 盒 of them. Note that while 釘 can mean a nail, the context of office supplies makes the distinction obvious.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
How many staples do I need to fasten this stack of paper securely?
Related words
Common phrases
a box of staples
Common mistake
Do not confuse 釘書釘 with 釘書機, which is the stapler itself. Using the word 釘 alone is acceptable in casual conversation, but using 釘書機 to refer to the staple is a common error.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
