窄 (zhǎi) — narrow (physically); narrow-minded; hard up, badly off (financially)
Definition
The everyday, colloquial word for 'narrow' — used for physical space, narrow-mindedness, and being short on money. Compare 狭窄/狭小 (written, more literary), 狭隘 (abstract, minds and vision), and 紧 (financially hard up, but also tight-fitting clothes).
adjective
narrow (physically)narrow-mindedhard upbadly off (financially)
Easily confused
Examples
- 窄，。Zhè ge lóu tī hěn zhǎi, shàng xià yào xiǎo xīn.This staircase is narrow; be careful going up and down.
- 窄，。Tā xīn xiōng hěn zhǎi, bù néng jiē shòu bù tóng yì jiàn.He is very narrow-minded and cannot accept different opinions.
- 窄，。Nà duàn shí jiān shǒu tóu hěn zhǎi, lián jī běn shēng huó dōu kùn nan.During that time, I was very hard up; even basic living was difficult.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
The top part 穴 shows a cave or hole, while the lower part 乍 gives the sound.
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