HSK · Level 8
135 words
Chinese word
手脚
Pronunciation
Pinyinshǒu jiǎo
Meaning
- nounhands and feet
Example
他手脚受伤了，不能用力走路。tā shóu jiǎo shòu shāng le bù néng yòng lì zǒu lù
His hands and feet are injured, so he cannot take firm steps.
More examples
胎儿在子宫里会不时踢动和抬起手脚。tāi ér zài zi gōng lǐ huì bù shí tī dòng hé tái qǐ shóu jiǎo
A fetus sometimes kicks and raises its hands and feet in the womb.
Core concept
Hands and feet treated as one practical system, from the body parts themselves to the ease of using them.
Common phrases
活动手脚huó dòng shóu jiǎo
move one's hands and feet
手脚灵活shóu jiǎo líng huó
have nimble hands and feet
抬起手脚tái qǐ shóu jiǎo
raise one's hands and feet
Similar words
手足shǒu zú: The hands and feet spoken of together.
手shǒu: The body part that grasps objects and handles things.
足zú: The body part that supports the body for standing and walking.
Definition in Chinese
口语中常用来指人的手与脚，既可指具体的肢体，也可泛指手脚的灵活性或行动能力。kóu yǔ zhōng cháng yòng lái zhǐ rén de shǒu yǔ jiǎo jì kě zhǐ jù tǐ de zhī tǐ yě kě fàn zhǐ shóu jiǎo de líng huó xìng huò xíng dòng néng lì
Word origin
The transparent compound 手 (shǒu, "hand") + 脚 (jiǎo, "foot") first names the two kinds of body parts together and then covers the ability they provide for action.
Usage tips
- The paired form makes the noun sound natural for general physical ability, while a specific arm, leg, hand, or foot requires a more exact body-part word.
Other meanings
- limbsnoun