拉锁

• Pinyin: lā suǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 拉 = 扌(hand) + 立 (stand) — pull; 锁 = 钅(metal) + 贝 (shell) — lock

Meaning

Zipper. A fastening device with interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding mechanism.

The standard term for zipper in northern China. In southern regions and Taiwan, 拉链 is more common. Both terms are understood everywhere, but regional preference exists.

Examples

1. 这件外套的拉锁坏了，得找人修一下。 The zipper on this jacket is broken and needs to be repaired.
2. 她拉上拉锁，准备出门。 She zipped up and got ready to go out.
3. 买衣服的时候要注意检查拉锁是否顺滑。 When buying clothes, pay attention to whether the zipper runs smoothly.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, daily life, shopping

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 拉锁卡住了，你帮我看看。(The zipper is stuck, can you take a look?)
• 这款包的拉锁质量很好。(The zipper on this bag is very high quality.)

Don't Say

• 在南方或正式场合只说拉锁。(In southern China, 拉链 is more common — both are correct but regional preference exists)

Origin & History

Compound of 拉 (pull) + 锁 (lock). Describes the action of pulling to lock the zipper.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal