jièzhi: 戒指 - Ring (for finger)

• Keywords: jiezhi, 戒指, Chinese word for ring, finger ring in Chinese, wedding ring in Mandarin, engagement ring Chinese, how to say ring in Mandarin, 戴戒指, 婚戒, 订婚戒指
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 戒指 (jièzhi), which means “ring” for a finger. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, cultural significance in modern China (including wedding and engagement rings), and practical usage. Discover how to talk about buying, wearing, and proposing with a 戒指, with plenty of example sentences to master this HSK 4 vocabulary word.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jièzhi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: 4
• Concise Definition: A ring worn on a finger as an ornament or a token.
• In a Nutshell: 戒指 (jièzhi) is the direct and universal word for a finger ring in Mandarin Chinese. It's a straightforward term used for any kind of ring you wear on your finger, from simple fashion accessories to precious diamond engagement rings. It is a compound noun, with each character giving a clue to its meaning.

• 戒 (jiè): This character's primary meaning is “to guard against,” “to warn,” or a “commandment/prohibition” (like in the Ten Commandments, 十誡 shíjiè). In the context of a ring, it implies a reminder or a symbol of a vow or commitment.
• 指 (zhǐ): This character simply means “finger.”

The two characters combine literally to mean “finger-reminder” or “finger-commitment,” a beautifully descriptive name for an object that so often symbolizes a promise, a vow (like marriage), or a personal reminder.

While the concept of a ring as a symbol of eternity is universally understood, its role in Chinese traditions has evolved. Historically, traditional Chinese betrothal gifts were diverse and might include items like intricate hairpins (簪子, zānzi), bracelets (手镯, shǒuzhuó), or other valuable goods, rather than a ring. The Western tradition of a diamond engagement ring and a wedding band became widely popular in China over the last few decades, especially in urban areas. A key cultural difference to note is the concept of 男左女右 (nán zuǒ nǚ yòu), meaning “male left, female right.” While many Chinese people now follow the Western convention of wearing the wedding ring on the left ring finger, a more traditional custom is for the groom to wear his ring on his left hand and the bride to wear hers on her right hand. This reflects a deep-seated yin-yang-based belief in complementary opposites that permeates many aspects of Chinese culture.

戒指 (jièzhi) is a common word in everyday life. You'll hear it in jewelry stores, conversations about relationships, and fashion.

• Types of Rings: You can specify the type by adding a descriptor before it.
  • Engagement ring: 订婚戒指 (dìnghūn jièzhi)
  • Wedding ring: 结婚戒指 (jiéhūn jièzhi) or the shorter, more common 婚戒 (hūnjiè)
  • Diamond ring: 钻石戒指 (zuànshí jièzhi) or the shorter 钻戒 (zuànjiè)
• Actions: The verb for wearing accessories is 戴 (dài).
  • To wear a ring: 戴戒指 (dài jièzhi)
  • To put on a ring: 戴上戒指 (dàishang jièzhi)
  • To take off a ring: 摘下戒指 (zhāixià jièzhi)

• Example 1:
  • 这枚戒指真漂亮！
  • Pinyin: Zhè méi jièzhi zhēn piàoliang!
  • English: This ring is so beautiful!
  • Analysis: `枚 (méi)` is a common measure word for small, fine objects like rings or coins.
• Example 2:
  • 他送给我一个戒指作为生日礼物。
  • Pinyin: Tā sòng gěi wǒ yí ge jièzhi zuòwéi shēngrì lǐwù.
  • English: He gave me a ring as a birthday present.
  • Analysis: `送给 (sòng gěi)` means “to give as a gift.” `作为 (zuòwéi)` means “as” or “to act as.”
• Example 3:
  • 你为什么不戴你的结婚戒指？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishénme bú dài nǐ de jiéhūn jièzhi?
  • English: Why aren't you wearing your wedding ring?
  • Analysis: A very common question. Note the use of `戴 (dài)` for “to wear.”
• Example 4:
  • 他用一枚巨大的钻石戒指向她求婚了。
  • Pinyin: Tā yòng yì méi jùdà de zuànshí jièzhi xiàng tā qiúhūn le.
  • English: He proposed to her with a huge diamond ring.
  • Analysis: `向 (xiàng)` indicates the direction of the action (proposing *to* her). `求婚 (qiúhūn)` is the verb for “to propose marriage.”
• Example 5:
  • 我的戒指太紧了，我得把它摘下来。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de jièzhi tài jǐn le, wǒ děi bǎ tā zhāixiàlái.
  • English: My ring is too tight, I have to take it off.
  • Analysis: `摘下来 (zhāixiàlái)` is the resultative complement for “to take off” an accessory.
• Example 6:
  • 在中国，有些人遵循“男左女右”的传统来戴婚戒。
  • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, yǒuxiē rén zūnxún “nán zuǒ nǚ yòu” de chuántǒng lái dài hūnjiè.
  • English: In China, some people follow the “male left, female right” tradition for wearing wedding rings.
  • Analysis: This sentence explains the cultural point directly. `婚戒 (hūnjiè)` is the shortened, common term for `结婚戒指`.
• Example 7:
  • 她把戒指放在了首饰盒里。
  • Pinyin: Tā bǎ jièzhi fàng zài le shǒushì hé lǐ.
  • English: She put the ring in the jewelry box.
  • Analysis: The `把 (bǎ)` construction is used here to emphasize the disposal of the object (`戒指`). `首饰盒 (shǒushì hé)` is “jewelry box.”
• Example 8:
  • 这枚戒指是祖母传下来的。
  • Pinyin: Zhè méi jièzhi shì zǔmǔ chuán xiàlái de.
  • English: This ring was passed down from my grandmother.
  • Analysis: `传下来 (chuán xiàlái)` is a phrasal verb meaning “to pass down” or “to hand down” through generations.
• Example 9:
  • 我不知道我的戒指尺寸是多少。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù zhīdào wǒ de jièzhi chǐcùn shì duōshǎo.
  • English: I don't know what my ring size is.
  • Analysis: `尺寸 (chǐcùn)` means “size” or “measurement,” a useful word when shopping.
• Example 10:
  • 别担心，这只是一个很便宜的戒指。
  • Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, zhè zhǐshì yí ge hěn piányi de jièzhi.
  • English: Don't worry, this is just a very cheap ring.
  • Analysis: This shows how `戒指` can be used for inexpensive, everyday fashion items, not just valuable ones.

A common mistake for learners is to confuse 戒指 (jièzhi) with other words that can be translated as “ring” or “circle” in English.

• 戒指 (jièzhi) is exclusively for a finger ring.
• 环 (huán) refers to a ring shape in a more general sense.
  • Correct: 钥匙环 (yàoshi huán) - Key ring
  • Incorrect: 钥匙戒指 (yàoshi jièzhi) - This would sound like a key shaped like a finger ring.
• 圈 (quān) refers to a circle, loop, or圈圈 (quānquān, “a circle”).
  • Correct: 游泳圈 (yóuyǒng quān) - Swimming ring (inner tube)
  • Correct: 画一个圈 (huà yí ge quān) - Draw a circle
  • Incorrect: 游泳戒指 (yóuyǒng jièzhi) - This makes no sense.

Remember: If it goes on your finger, it's a 戒指. If it's a ring-shaped object for another purpose, it's likely a 环 (huán) or a 圈 (quān).

• 戴 (dài) - To wear (accessories). The essential verb used with `戒指`.
• 首饰 (shǒushì) - Jewelry. The broader category that `戒指` belongs to.
• 订婚 (dìnghūn) - To be engaged. An engagement ring is a `订婚戒指`.
• 求婚 (qiúhūn) - To propose marriage. The action often done with a `戒指`.
• 结婚 (jiéhūn) - To get married. A wedding ring is a `结婚戒指`.
• 钻石 (zuànshí) - Diamond. Often combined to form `钻戒 (zuànjiè)`.
• 手指 (shǒuzhǐ) - Finger. The place where you wear a `戒指`.
• 男左女右 (nán zuǒ nǚ yòu) - “Male left, female right.” A cultural principle related to wearing wedding rings.
• 礼物 (lǐwù) - Gift. A `戒指` is often given as a gift.
• 项链 (xiàngliàn) - Necklace. Another common piece of `首饰 (shǒushì)`.