钻

zuān

HSK 6

钻 — zuān

1. to drill; to bore (make a hole)

   工人正在用机器钻孔。 gōngrén zhèngzài yòng jīqì zuānkǒng — The workers are drilling holes with a machine.

2. to get into; to make one's way into; to thread one's way through (move into a confined space)

   猫钻进了沙发和墙之间的缝隙里。 māo zuānjìn le shāfā hé qiáng zhījiān de fèngxì lǐ — The cat slipped into the gap between the sofa and the wall.

3. to study intensively; to dig into (a subject)

   他在图书馆钻研古典文学。 tā zài túshūguǎn zuānyán gǔdiǎnwénxué — He is studying classical literature intensively in the library.

4. to curry favor for personal gain; to ingratiate oneself (often with negative connotation)

   他总是在领导面前钻营，大家都看不惯。 tā zǒngshì zài lǐngdǎo miànqián zuānyíng dàjiā dōu kànbùguàn — He is always currying favor with the boss; everyone disapproves.