Chinese word

棉签

Pronunciation

Pinyinmián qiān

Meaning

  • nouncotton swab

Example

我需要一根棉签。wǒ xū yào yì gēn mián qiān

I need a cotton swab.

Illustration for 棉签 (cotton swab)

More examples

护士用棉签擦伤口。hù shì yòng mián qiān cā shāng kǒu

A nurse used a cotton swab to clean the wound.

Core concept

A slender tool with cotton at one or both ends, made for reaching a small area to wipe or apply something.

Common phrases

  • 一根棉签yì gēn mián qiān

    a cotton swab

  • 用棉签化妆yòng mián qiān huà zhuāng

    use a cotton swab to apply makeup

  • 买棉签mǎi mián qiān

    buy cotton swabs

Similar words

棉棒mián bàng: A thin cotton-tipped stick used to clean small areas such as the ears or face or to apply medicine.
棉花棒mián huā bàng: A small stick covered with cotton, used for detailed makeup work or disinfection.
棉球mián qiú: A small, round, compact ball of cotton used for removing makeup or disinfecting skin.

Definition in Chinese

用小棒在一端或两端包裹棉花制成的工具，便于擦拭、涂抹或清理细小部位。yòng xiǎo bàng zài yì duān huò liǎng duān bāo guǒ mián huā zhì chéng de gōng jù biàn yú cā shì tú mǒ huò qīng lǐ xì xiǎo bù wèi

Word origin

棉 (mián, "cotton") + 签 (qiān, "slender stick") forms a transparent compound naming a stick fitted with cotton.

Usage tips

  • Chinese can count individual pieces or whole packages separately, so quantity words need to match the unit being bought.

Related words

  • 棉签盒mián qiān hécotton swab containernoun

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