Definition
楔子 (xiē zi) is a noun with two distinct but related meanings. In a concrete sense, it refers to a wedge or peg — a small, tapered piece of wood or metal used to secure joints or fill gaps in construction and carpentry. In literature, it describes a short introductory section or interlude in a traditional Chinese drama or novel, similar to a prologue. The word is not a verb or a function word; it is used as a standalone noun in both contexts.
n.
wedgepeg (a tapered piece used to secure or fill gaps)prologueinterlude (in a traditional Chinese drama or novel)
Examples
- 楔子。Mùjiàng yòng xiē zi bǎ zhuōtuǐ gùdìng zhù.The carpenter used a wedge to secure the table leg.
- 楔子。Zhè běn xiǎoshuō de xiē zi jiāodài le gùshì de qǐyīn.The prologue of this novel explains the cause of the story.
- ，楔子。Zài jiùshì xìtái lǐ, xiē zi yě zhǐ kāichǎng de xiǎo duàn.In old-style theaters, wedge also refers to a short opening segment.
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