Meanings of 刖
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 刖
Podcast: 刖
Podcast: 刖
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 刖
This term is highly formal and historical, rarely used in modern conversation. It is often found in literature or discussions about ancient punishments. Be careful with the tone; the fourth tone is critical as it changes the meaning significantly.
Although 刖 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners interested in historical contexts or legal terminology. Focus on its radical components and how they relate to other characters involving punishment or bodily actions.
Learners often confuse 刖 with similar characters like 刃 (blade) or 切 (to cut). For example, saying '我想要切脚' (I want to cut feet) instead of using 刖 is incorrect. Always use 刖 when referring to the historical act of amputation.
Pronunciation of 刖
Drill the tone of 刖 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 刖
knife
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 刖
- 1The meaning half刂 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half月 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayknife
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 刖? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 刖?
Decomposition of 刖
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 刖?
How to say cutting off the feet as a form of punishment in Chinese
“cutting off the feet as a form of punishment” in Chinese is刖
The character 刖 (yuè) refers to a historical form of punishment in ancient China, specifically the act of amputating one or both feet. This severe penalty was part of the five punishments (五刑) used during imperial times and symbolizes extreme retribution for serious crimes. Its usage is largely historical and reflects the harsh penal system of that era.
When to use 刖
This term is highly formal and historical, rarely used in modern conversation. It is often found in literature or discussions about ancient punishments. Be careful with the tone; the fourth tone is critical as it changes the meaning significantly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 刖 with similar characters like 刃 (blade) or 切 (to cut). For example, saying '我想要切脚' (I want to cut feet) instead of using 刖 is incorrect. Always use 刖 when referring to the historical act of amputation.
Write 刖
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 刖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 刖
Compound Meaning
What does 刖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刖
No, it is largely considered a historical term and is rarely used in contemporary language.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 刖?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.