爪子

• Pinyin: zhuǎ zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 爪 = claw radical (claw); 子 = child radical (noun suffix)

Meaning

Claw; paw; talon. The sharp, curved nails of animals, or colloquially, hands.

Refers to the claws or paws of animals like cats, dogs, or birds. Informally used to refer to human hands, especially in playful or scolding contexts. Children's hands are sometimes affectionately called 小爪子.

Examples

1. 猫的爪子非常锋利。 A cat’s claws are very sharp.
2. 老鹰用爪子抓住猎物。 The eagle grabbed its prey with its talons.
3. 把你的脏爪子拿开! Get your dirty hands off!

Usage Guide

Context: animals, colloquial, playful

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 小狗的爪子还很柔软。(The puppy's paws are still very soft.)
• 别用你的爪子乱摸!(Don't touch things randomly with your paws!)

Don't Say

• 医生的爪子 — too disrespectful; use 手 for professional contexts

Origin & History

爪 (claw) + 子 (noun suffix)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal