Definition
缝缝补补 is a reduplicated AABB form of the verb 缝补 (to sew and mend). It describes the ongoing or repeated action of mending clothes or fabric — often associated with frugal, domestic labor. Unlike the base verb, the reduplicated form adds a sense of continuous, habitual, or piecemeal effort, and can also be used figuratively to describe patching up relationships or systems bit by bit.
v
to sew and mend (repeatedly or continuously)(figurative) to patch up or fix bit by bit
Examples
- 缝缝补补，。Nǎinai měitiān dōu zài jiā lǐ féng, bǎ jiù yīfu gǎi chéng xīn de.Grandma spends every day at home sewing and mending, turning old clothes into new ones.
- 缝缝补补。Tāmen yòng féng de fāngfǎ wéichí zhe zhè duàn guānxì.They maintain this relationship by patching it up bit by bit.
- 缝缝补补，。Zhè jiàn yīfu yǐjīng féng le hěn duō cì, dàn māma háishì shěbude rēng.This piece of clothing has been mended many times, but Mom still can't bear to throw it away.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.