胶水

• Pinyin: jiāo shuǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 胶 = 月 (flesh) + 交 (cross), meaning glue/rubber; 水 = pictograph of flowing water

Meaning

Glue. A liquid adhesive substance.

General term for liquid glue used in crafts, repairs, and bonding materials. Different types exist for different purposes: 万能胶 (all-purpose glue), 白胶 (white glue), etc. Distinguished from 胶带 (tape) by being liquid.

Examples

1. 孩子做手工需要胶水和彩纸。 The child needs glue and colored paper for crafts.
2. 这种胶水可以粘塑料、木头和金属。 This type of glue can bond plastic, wood, and metal.
3. 他不小心把胶水弄到手上，洗了好久才洗掉。 He accidentally got glue on his hand and it took a long time to wash off.

Usage Guide

Context: crafts, office, repairs, school

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 胶水干了吗？(Has the glue dried?)
• 涂一点胶水就能粘住。(Just apply a little glue and it will stick.)

Don't Say

• 喝一些胶水 (胶水 is toxic and not for consumption — never suggest drinking it)

Origin & History

Compound of 胶 (glue, adhesive) + 水 (water, liquid), meaning liquid glue.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal