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March 24, 2026
筷kuài(kuai4)
The character 筷 (kuài) refers to chopsticks, the traditional eating utensils used in Chinese cuisine. It is commonly used in contexts related to dining and food culture, symbolizing not just the utensils themselves but also the shared experience of meals in Chinese society.
Strokes13Radical⺮Frequency#72535DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Chopsticks are an essential part of Chinese dining etiquette, highlighting the importance of communal meals and sharing food. The way they are used and held can reflect respect and familiarity among diners.
Memory Tip
Imagine two long sticks (the shape of chopsticks) crossing each other to form a cross (the radical for bamboo, 竹, is part of the character). Remember that 'kuài' sounds like 'quick', as using chopsticks takes a bit of practice to become quick at picking up food.
Meanings of 筷
kuài(kuai4)
1chopstick
2chopsticks
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 筷
筷Simplified
13Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#65535Frequency Rank
Podcast: 筷
Podcast: 筷
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AI Study Notes for 筷
Quick Contrast
筷子 (kuàizi) — use 筷 when referring to chopsticks in a more formal or literary context, while 筷子 is the more common colloquial term.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two long sticks (the shape of chopsticks) crossing each other to form a cross (the radical for bamboo, 竹, is part of the character). Remember that 'kuài' sounds like 'quick', as using chopsticks takes a bit of practice to become quick at picking up food.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 筷 with other similar-sounding words. It is an informal term, so it is best used in everyday conversations rather than formal writing. Common collocations include ‘筷子’ (kuàizi), which is the plural form meaning chopsticks.
HSK Study Tips
While 筷 is not officially listed in HSK levels, it's relevant for students interested in food vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences about meals, as it connects with other food-related vocabulary at beginner levels.
Cultural Note
Chopsticks are an essential part of Chinese dining etiquette, highlighting the importance of communal meals and sharing food. The way they are used and held can reflect respect and familiarity among diners.
Common Mistakes
Learners often incorrectly pronounce 筷 as 'kuai' with a rising tone. The correct pronunciation is with a falling tone, 'kuài'. Additionally, some may confuse it with other similar characters like 快 (kuài) meaning 'fast'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 筷
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Grammar Patterns of 筷
筷 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Same pronunciation but refers to a different concept.
筷vs快
kuài
Same pronunciation but different meaning and usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "chopstick"?
or
Example Sentences for 筷 (2)
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1
在桌上有些盘子 、 碗和筷子.
zài zhuō shàng yǒu xiē pán zǐ、 、 wǎn hé kuài.
There are some plates, bowls and chopsticks on the table.
2
(桌上)有一些盘子 、 碗和筷子.
( ( zhuō) shàng ) yǒu yī xiē、 pán zǐ 、 wǎn.
There are some plates, bowls and chopsticks.
Cultural Notes for 筷
💡Did you know?
Chopsticks, known as '筷子' (kuàizi) in Chinese, are believed to have originated in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. Initially, they were used for cooking, not eating. Today, they are an essential part of Chinese dining culture.
🏮Cultural insight
Chopsticks are an essential part of Chinese dining etiquette, highlighting the importance of communal meals and sharing food. The way they are used and held can reflect respect and familiarity among diners.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, utensils like forks and knives dominate, while chopsticks symbolize a different approach to dining that emphasizes dexterity and skill.
Word Family of 筷
Words Containing This Character4
筷子kuàizichopsticks
筷kuàichopstick
公筷serving chopsticks
火筷子fire tongs
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 筷子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 筷
Yes, there are different types of 筷 (kuài), including wooden, bamboo, plastic, and metal chopsticks. Each type has its own cultural significance and use, varying from casual dining to formal settings.
Common phrases include '筷子' (kuàizi), which means chopsticks, and '一双筷子' (yī shuāng kuàizi), meaning a pair of chopsticks. These phrases are useful for discussing dining and eating customs in Chinese culture.
To use 筷 (kuài) in a sentence, you can say something like '我用筷子吃饭' (Wǒ yòng kuàizi chīfàn), which means 'I eat with chopsticks.' This illustrates the practical application of the word in everyday conversation.
筷 (kuài) refers to chopsticks, which are a traditional eating utensil used in many Asian cultures. In Chinese, it can be used in both singular and plural forms to denote chopsticks.
筷 (kuài) refers to chopsticks in general, while 筷子 (kuàizi) specifically means chopsticks and is the more commonly used term.
Connect the sound 'kuài' to the idea of being 'quick' in mastering the use of chopsticks.
It's best to avoid using 筷 in formal contexts; instead, use the full term 筷子 for clarity.
