noun HSK 5
Traditional 腳掌
sole of the foot · bottom of the foot · foot pad
Meaning
脚掌 refers to the flat bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. It's the part of the foot that makes contact with the ground when standing or walking. This is the anatomical term for the sole or plantar surface of the foot.
Usage
This is a standard anatomical term used in both everyday conversation and medical contexts. Native speakers use it when discussing foot health, massage, injuries, or when describing sensations on the bottom of the foot. It's more specific than just 脚 (foot) as it focuses on the sole portion.
Examples
- 01走了一整天，我的脚掌很疼。, .After walking all day, the soles of my feet hurt a lot.
- 02按摩脚掌可以帮助放松全身。.Massaging the soles of the feet can help relax the whole body.
Characters
Measure words
- 只一只脚掌
Common collocations
- 脚掌疼sole of the foot hurts
- 按摩脚掌to massage the sole of the foot
- 脚掌中心center of the sole
Origin
The word combines 脚 (foot) with 掌 (palm/pad), literally meaning 'foot palm.' The character 掌 is used for both the palm of the hand (手掌) and the sole of the foot, referring to the flat, padded surface.