navel

IPA/ˈneɪvl/
KK[nˈevəl]IPA/ˈneɪvl/

navel — 名詞

  • navelsingular
  • navelsplural

1. The small hollow or raised mark in the middle of the stomach where the cord that

1.名詞A2
釋義

肚臍

腹部中央的小凹痕或隆起

The small hollow or raised mark in the middle of the stomach where the cord that once connected a baby to its mother was attached and later fell off.

例句

The toddler lifted his shirt and showed everyone his navel, still pink from the warm bath.

那個學步的小孩掀起襯衫，向大家展示他洗完熱水澡後仍泛紅的肚臍。

body part: the small mark in the centre of the stomach

The yoga teacher asked the class to put a hand below the navel and breathe deeply.

瑜伽老師請學員將手放在肚臍下方，然後深呼吸。

collocation: below the navel

同義詞
  • belly button

    informal term used in everyday speech; far more common than 'navel' in casual contexts

  • umbilicus

    formal medical term, rarely used outside clinical settings

用法筆記

In everyday conversation, 'belly button' is far more common than 'navel'. 'Navel' is the standard term in medical and anatomical writing.

常見錯誤

❌My navel hurts because I have a stomach bug.
✅My belly button hurts because I have a stomach bug.
💡In casual speech, 'belly button' sounds more natural than 'navel'.

2. The most important or central part of a place, system, or activity — for example

2.名詞B2
釋義

中心

某地方或系統的核心

The most important or central part of a place, system, or activity — for example, calling a capital city the navel of a country, or a key market the navel of trade.

例句

The ancient temple was the navel of the kingdom, where all important ceremonies took place.

這座古老神廟是王國的中心，所有重大儀典都在此舉行。

figurative: 'the navel of' = the centre of

In Greek myth, the Oracle at Delphi was the navel of the earth, linking mortals to the gods.

在希臘神話中，德爾斐神諭所是大地的中心，連結凡人與眾神。

同義詞
  • centre

    neutral and widely used; the standard word for a middle point

  • heart

    suggests the most active or emotionally important part of something

  • hub

    suggests a place where activity, transport, or communication comes together

反義詞
  • edge

    the outer limit or boundary, opposite of the central point

  • periphery

    the outer edge of an area, especially in formal or academic contexts

文法句型

the navel of [place/system]

用法筆記

This figurative sense is mostly found in literary, historical, or formal writing. In everyday English, 'centre', 'heart', or 'hub' are far more common choices.

常見錯誤

❌Taipei 101 is the navel of the city.
✅Taipei 101 is at the heart of the city.
💡'Heart' or 'centre' sounds natural for modern urban locations; 'navel' sounds overly poetic or old-fashioned.