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March 24, 2026
剀(剴)kǎi(kai3)
The character 剀 (kǎi) refers to the action of sharpening or making something more precise. It can also imply being careful or thorough in one's actions, suggesting a sense of moderation and attention to detail. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or formal contexts.
Strokes8Radical刂Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and meticulousness. The concept of being careful and thorough is highly valued, especially in traditional arts such as calligraphy and woodworking.
Memory Tip
Imagine a craftsman sharpening a blade with great care. The left radical 剁 (to chop) hints at the action of sharpening, while the sound 'kǎi' can be remembered by thinking of 'care' in 'careful'. Picture the craftsman ensuring every edge is perfect, embodying the essence of carefulness.
Meanings of 剀
kǎi(kai3)
1to sharpen; careful, thorough
2carefully
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 剀
剀Simplified
剴Traditional
8Strokes
刂Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 剀
Podcast: 剀
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AI Study Notes for 剀
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a craftsman sharpening a blade with great care. The left radical 剁 (to chop) hints at the action of sharpening, while the sound 'kǎi' can be remembered by thinking of 'care' in 'careful'. Picture the craftsman ensuring every edge is perfect, embodying the essence of carefulness.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 剀 with similar-sounding characters. It is more formal and less frequently used in casual conversation, so reserve it for contexts that require precision. Common collocations include phrases related to careful preparation or moderation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 剀 is not on the HSK list, it connects to HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to actions and qualities. Students should focus on understanding its nuanced meanings and how it can enhance descriptions of careful actions or processes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and meticulousness. The concept of being careful and thorough is highly valued, especially in traditional arts such as calligraphy and woodworking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 剀 with similar characters like 开 (kāi, to open) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 剀 specifically relates to carefulness and sharpening, while 开 is about opening something.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 剀
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Cultural Notes for 剀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and meticulousness. The concept of being careful and thorough is highly valued, especially in traditional arts such as calligraphy and woodworking.
Word Family of 剀
Words Containing This Character1
剀kǎicarefully剴
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 剀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 剀
Synonyms for 剀 include 小心 (xiǎoxīn, careful) and 细心 (xìxīn, meticulous).
Use 剀 when discussing careful actions, particularly in formal or literary contexts.
No, 剀 is more formal and not typically used in everyday speech.
