Understanding "折叠" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 折叠
• Pinyin: zhé dié
• Literal Meaning: "fold" (折) + "layer/stack" (叠)
• Primary Meaning: To fold or bend something (like paper, clothes, or objects) into a compact form.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"折叠" is commonly used to describe the action of folding physical objects, such as paper (折纸 zhé zhǐ), clothes, or furniture (e.g., folding chairs 折叠椅 zhé dié yǐ). It implies reducing the size or volume of an item by bending or layering it.

This word can also metaphorically describe abstract concepts, like "folding time" (时间折叠 shí jiān zhé dié) in sci-fi contexts, though this usage is less common.

Character Breakdown

• 折 (zhé): Means "to bend," "to break," or "to fold."
• 叠 (dié): Means "to layer" or "to stack," emphasizing repeated folding or piling.

Together, they emphasize the action of creating layers by folding.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 请把这张纸折叠成一只鸟。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ zhè zhāng zhǐ zhé dié chéng yī zhī niǎo.
   English: Please fold this piece of paper into a bird.

2. Chinese: 这把椅子可以折叠，方便携带。
   Pinyin: Zhè bǎ yǐ zi kě yǐ zhé dié, fāng biàn xié dài.
   English: This chair can be folded, making it easy to carry.

3. Chinese: 她喜欢折叠衣服并整齐地放进衣柜。
   Pinyin: Tā xǐ huān zhé dié yī fu bìng zhěng qí de fàng jìn yī guì.
   English: She likes folding clothes and putting them neatly in the wardrobe.

Cultural Notes

Folding is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, especially in origami (折纸 zhé zhǐ) and traditional practices like folding lanterns or paper crafts for festivals. The concept of "折叠" also appears in modern designs, such as foldable smartphones (折叠手机 zhé dié shǒu jī), reflecting innovation in compact living.

Conclusion

"折叠" (zhé dié) is a practical word meaning "to fold," used for both physical objects and abstract ideas. Remember it by linking 折 (bend) and 叠 (layer) to visualize the action of folding. Try using it when discussing paper crafts, furniture, or organizing items!