Definition
钉子 (dīng zi) literally means 'nail'. Figuratively, it can mean a 'snag' that halts progress (a small, stubborn problem) or a 'saboteur' who secretly causes trouble. The saboteur sense is unique to 钉子 — 绊脚石 (bàn jiǎo shí) only means a stumbling block. 障碍 (zhàng ài) is a broader, more formal term for any obstacle.
noun
nail(figurative) snagobstacle(figurative) saboteur
Examples
- 钉子。Tā yòng dīng zi bǎ mùbǎn gùdìng zhù le.He used a nail to fix the board in place.
- 钉子，。Zhège xiàngmù yù dào le yí gè dīng zi, xūyào jǐnkuài jiějué.This project hit a snag that needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
- 钉子，。Gōngsī lǐ yǒu gè dīng zi, yìzhí zài ànzhōng gǎo pòhuài.There's a saboteur in the company who's been secretly causing trouble.
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