Definition
预防针 literally means 'immunization injection' (a vaccine shot). In everyday conversation, it is also used figuratively to mean an advance warning or a preventive reminder — the idea is that you 'inoculate' someone against a future problem by telling them about it beforehand. You often see it in the phrase 打预防针, which can be literal (to get a vaccination) or figurative (to give a heads-up).
n.
(literal) vaccinationimmunization injection(figurative) advance warningpreventive reminder (often in 打预防针)
Examples
- 预防针。Háizi měinián dōu yào dǎ yù fáng zhēn.The child needs to get a vaccination shot every year.
- 预防针，。Lǎoshī tíqián gěi wǒmen dǎ le yù fáng zhēn, shuō kǎoshì huì hěn nán.The teacher gave us an advance warning that the exam would be hard.
- 预防针，。Māma zài diànhuà lǐ gěi wǒ dǎ le yù fáng zhēn, ràng wǒ bié chídào.Mom gave me a warning on the phone not to be late.
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