Chinese word

纽扣

Pronunciation

Pinyinniǔ kòu

Meaning

  • nounbutton

Example

这件衬衫少了一个纽扣。zhè jiàn chèn shān shǎo le yí gè niǔ kòu

This shirt is missing a button.

Illustration for 纽扣 (button)

More examples

出门前别忘了扣上最后一颗纽扣。chū mén qián bié wàng le kòu shàng zuì hòu yì kē niǔ kòu

Don't forget to fasten the last button before you leave.

Core concept

A small attached piece that closes clothing by fitting through a matching opening, with decoration as a secondary use.

Common phrases

  • 扣上纽扣kòu shàng niǔ kòu

    fasten a button

  • 缝上纽扣fèng shàng niǔ kòu

    sew on a button

  • 掉了一个纽扣diào le yí gè niǔ kòu

    a button has fallen off

  • 纽扣松了niǔ kòu sōng le

    A button is loose

Similar words

扣子kòu zi: A small piece attached to clothing that closes it by passing through a hole or loop.
钮扣niǔ kòu: A small sewn-on round fastener used to close a garment.
按扣àn kòu: A small two-part fastener that closes clothing by snapping together under pressure.
扣眼kòu yǎn: A small opening or loop in fabric through which a button passes.

Definition in Chinese

缝在衣物上的小型圆盘或小装饰，通过穿线或钩合使衣服闭合或作为装饰使用。fèng zài yī wù shàng de xiǎo xíng yuán pán huò xiǎo zhuāng shì tōng guò chuān xiàn huò gōu hé shǐ yī fú bì hé huò zuò wéi zhuāng shì shǐ yòng

Word origin

纽扣 (niǔkòu, "button") combines 纽 (niǔ, "knot or cord") with 扣 (kòu, "fasten or hook"), linking the object to the act of securing clothing.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, 扣子 (kòuzi, "button") is another common word for the same clothing item, so both forms may appear in ordinary conversation.

Opposites

Related words

  • 纽扣眼niǔ kòu yǎnbuttonholenoun
  • 纽扣式niǔ kòu shìbutton-styleadjective

Word lists with this word