戒指

• Pinyin: jiè zhi
• Hanzi breakdown: 戒 = ring shape; 指 = 扌(hand) + 旨 — finger

Meaning

Ring (jewelry). A band worn on the finger, often symbolizing engagement or marriage.

Refers to any ring worn on the finger, but most commonly associated with engagement rings (订婚戒指) and wedding rings (结婚戒指). Can also refer to fashion rings or rings with symbolic meaning.

Examples

1. 他在烛光晚餐时送给她一枚钻石戒指。 He gave her a diamond ring during a candlelit dinner.
2. 这枚戒指是外婆传给我的，有特殊的意义。 This ring was passed down to me from my grandmother and has special meaning.
3. 她无名指上的戒指说明她已经结婚了。 The ring on her ring finger shows that she is already married.

Usage Guide

Context: jewelry, marriage, gifts

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 她的戒指真漂亮。(Her ring is really beautiful.)
• 我想买一枚求婚戒指。(I want to buy an engagement ring.)

Don't Say

• 混淆'戒指'和'指环' (Don't confuse 戒指 with 指环 — both mean ring, but 指环 is less common and more literary)

Origin & History

Composed of 戒 (ring, from its shape) + 指 (finger). Interestingly, 戒 originally meant 'to warn' but here refers to the circular shape worn on the finger.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal