"knife" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 18)
unknown, 2 strokes, radical 刂, Very Hard
dāo(dao1) T1
1knife
2"knife" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 18)
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March 24, 2026
刂dāo(dao1)
The character 刂 (dāo) means 'knife' and serves as a radical in various Chinese characters. It often conveys sharpness or cutting, and is commonly used in words related to cooking, tools, or actions involving cutting.
Strokes2Radical刂Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the knife is not just a tool but symbolizes precision and skill in cooking, especially in culinary traditions like Chinese knife techniques in food preparation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp knife (刂) slicing through an object. The character looks like a knife with its blade on the left, which helps you remember its meaning and pronunciation: 'dāo' sounds like the action of slicing.
Meanings of 刂
dāo(dao1)
1knife
2"knife" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 18)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 刂
刂Simplified
2Strokes
刂Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 刂
Podcast: 刂
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AI Study Notes for 刂
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp knife (刂) slicing through an object. The character looks like a knife with its blade on the left, which helps you remember its meaning and pronunciation: 'dāo' sounds like the action of slicing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 刂 with similar-looking radicals. This character is mainly used in formal contexts, and collocations include words like 刀具 (dāo jù - cutting tools) and 刀片 (dāo piàn - knife blade). The fourth tone in 'dāo' is essential for correct pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 刂 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it appears in many HSK words. Focus on recognizing it in characters related to cutting or sharp objects, which will enhance vocabulary connection at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the knife is not just a tool but symbolizes precision and skill in cooking, especially in culinary traditions like Chinese knife techniques in food preparation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the correct tone when pronouncing 刂, saying 'dao' instead of 'dāo'. Another mistake is misidentifying it as a standalone word rather than recognizing it as a radical in other characters.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 刂
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Cultural Notes for 刂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the knife is not just a tool but symbolizes precision and skill in cooking, especially in culinary traditions like Chinese knife techniques in food preparation.
Word Family of 刂
Words Containing This Character1
刂dāosee also 立刀旁[lìdāopáng]
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 刂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刂
Common characters include 刀 (dāo - knife), 剁 (duò - to chop), and 剪 (jiǎn - to cut/scissors).
Yes, it appears in various contexts related to food and cooking, making it relevant in daily discussions.
The pronunciation is 'dāo', with a high, level tone.
