扎

• Pinyin: zhā
• Hanzi breakdown: 扎 = 扌 (hand) + 乙/乚 (hook, component)

Meaning

To prick, pierce, or stab with a sharp object; to plunge into; also means to tie or bind something together.

A versatile verb with multiple meanings depending on context. Can describe pricking with a needle, tying something in a bundle, or establishing oneself firmly in a place. In medical contexts, refers to giving injections or acupuncture. Also used figuratively for things that are hard to handle or penetrate.

Examples

1. 护士技术很好，扎针的时候几乎感觉不到疼。 The nurse has excellent technique — you can barely feel the needle when she gives injections.
2. 小时候妈妈总给我扎两个小辫子，特别可爱。 When I was little, my mom always tied my hair into two little pigtails — it was so cute.
3. 他的话像一根刺扎在我心里，让我久久不能释怀。 His words stuck in my heart like a thorn, and I couldn't let it go for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, daily life, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 帮我把这些花扎成一束。(Help me tie these flowers into a bouquet.)
• 这根刺扎得我好疼。(This thorn really pricked me and it hurts.)

Don't Say

• 我要扎一个电话。(Wrong verb — use 打 for making phone calls)

Origin & History

A pictophonetic character combining 扌 (hand radical) and 乍 (phonetic component). Originally depicted the action of using a hand to pierce or bind.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal