Chinese word

牙签

Pronunciation

Pinyinyá qiān

Meaning

  • nountoothpick

Example

吃完饭后我用牙签剔牙。chī wán fàn hòu wǒ yòng yá qiān tī yá

After a meal, I use a toothpick to clean between my teeth.

Illustration for 牙签 (toothpick)

More examples

孩子用牙签做手工。hái zi yòng yá qiān zuò shǒu gōng

The child uses a toothpick to make crafts.

Core concept

A tiny handheld stick for clearing a tight space or lifting a small bite.

Common phrases

  • 拿牙签ná yá qiān

    take a toothpick

  • 一盒牙签yì hé yá qiān

    a box of toothpicks

  • 用牙签夹菜yòng yá qiān jiā cài

    use a toothpick to pick up food

Similar words

筷子kuài zi: Two slender sticks for grasping food or transferring food from shared dishes during a meal.
牙刷yá shuā: A tool with a handle and bristles for brushing the teeth clean.
餐具cān jù: The dishes and tools used for eating and serving food.
餐巾cān jīn: A cloth or paper for wiping the mouth or hands or placing under tableware at a meal.

Definition in Chinese

用于剔除牙缝或夹取小食的细长棒，常由竹、木或塑料制成，多为一次性用品。yòng yú tī chú yá fèng huò jiā qǔ xiǎo shí de xì cháng bàng cháng yóu zhú mù huò sù liào zhì chéng duō wèi yí cì xìng yòng pǐn

Word origin

牙 (yá, "tooth") + 签 (qiān, "slender slip or marker") describes a small strip used around the teeth, reflecting the traditional bamboo or wooden form.

Usage tips

  • At a shared meal, discreet use and prompt disposal fit ordinary table manners better than waving the stick around or leaving it on the table.

Related words

  • 牙签儿yá qiānrtoothpicknoun
  • 牙签盒yá qiān hétoothpick holdernoun

Word lists with this word