Definition
垫脚 (diàn jiǎo) is a noun referring to the straw, earth, or similar material spread on the floor of an animal pen (pigsty, cowshed) to absorb waste. In everyday Chinese, the same characters also form a verb phrase meaning 'to put something under one's foot for support' or figuratively 'to use someone as a stepping stone,' but this entry covers only the noun sense.
noun
bedding material (straw, earth, etc.) spread on the floor of an animal pen
Examples
- 垫脚。Nóngmín zài zhūjuàn lǐ pū le xīn de diàn jiao.The farmer spread fresh bedding in the pigsty.
- 垫脚。Zhèxiē diàn jiao kěyǐ bǎochí zhūjuàn gānjìng.This bedding keeps the pigsty clean.
- 垫脚。Xīn mǎi de diàn jiao yǐjīng yòng wán le.The newly bought bedding has been used up.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.