unknown, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #28284, Very Hard
guǎ(gua3) T3
1to cut; to sever flesh from bone
2cut off the flesh as punishment
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March 24, 2026
剐(剮)guǎ(gua3)
The character 剐 (guǎ) primarily means 'to cut' or 'to sever flesh from bone.' It is often used in the context of punishment, particularly in historical texts referring to a method of execution where flesh was cut off as a form of capital punishment. This word carries a heavy connotation and is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Strokes9Radical刂Frequency#28284DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 剐 was a notorious method of execution used during certain dynasties, reflecting the harshness of historical legal systems. This word encapsulates a dark aspect of Chinese history and societal norms regarding punishment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp knife (the radical 刀, meaning knife) slicing through flesh. The pronunciation 'guǎ' sounds like 'gore,' which reminds you of cutting or severing flesh. Visualize a gruesome scene to help remember the intensity of this word.
Meanings of 剐
guǎ(gua3)
1to cut; to sever flesh from bone
2cut off the flesh as punishment
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 剐
剐Simplified
剮Traditional
9Strokes
刂Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 剐
Podcast: 剐
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AI Study Notes for 剐
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp knife (the radical 刀, meaning knife) slicing through flesh. The pronunciation 'guǎ' sounds like 'gore,' which reminds you of cutting or severing flesh. Visualize a gruesome scene to help remember the intensity of this word.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the use of 剐, as it is a strong and graphic term. It is more appropriate in literary or historical contexts rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 剐刑 (guǎ xíng, meaning 'cutting punishment').
HSK Study Tips
Although 剐 is not included in the HSK levels, understanding this word can enhance your comprehension of historical texts and legal language in Chinese. Focus on recognizing the radical 刀 and connecting it to other words related to cutting or slicing.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 剐 was a notorious method of execution used during certain dynasties, reflecting the harshness of historical legal systems. This word encapsulates a dark aspect of Chinese history and societal norms regarding punishment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 剐 with similar-sounding words or misinterpret its severity. For example, using it casually to mean 'to cut vegetables' would be incorrect; instead, use 切 (qiē) for such contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 剐
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Cultural Notes for 剐
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 剐 was a notorious method of execution used during certain dynasties, reflecting the harshness of historical legal systems. This word encapsulates a dark aspect of Chinese history and societal norms regarding punishment.
Word Family of 剐
Words Containing This Character2
剐guǎcut off the flesh as punishment剮
千刀万剐to make mincemeat of sb千刀萬剮
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 剐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 剐
It is rarely used in modern contexts and is mostly found in historical or literary discussions.
While there are no direct synonyms, related terms might include 切 (qiē, to cut) or 割 (gē, to slice).
It is pronounced as 'guǎ,' with a falling-rising tone, similar to how you would say 'wa' with a slight rise.
