Definition
卡 (qiǎ) as a noun means either a checkpoint/customs station or a clip/fastener (e.g., hair clip). For 'clip/fastener', 夹子 (jiā zi) is a broader term for any clamping device (tongs, folder), while 卡 (qiǎ) usually refers to a small clip that holds things together. Note: the same character is also a verb (qiǎ) meaning 'to block, to get stuck' — a different word.
noun
checkpointcustoms stationcheckpostclipfastener (e.g., hair clip, card clip)
Easily confused
- 下xiàlook-alike(verb) to go down, to get off
- 掐qiāsound-aliketo pinch, to nip (between thumb and finger)
Examples
- 卡。Guò qiǎ de shíhou yào jiǎnchá hùzhào.When passing through the checkpoint, you need to check your passport.
- ，。Zhège fàqiǎ hěn jǐn, tóufa bú huì diào.This hair clip is very tight; the hair won't fall out.
- 卡。Tā yòng qiǎ bǎ wénjiàn jiā zài yìqǐ.He used a fastener to clip the documents together.
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