Meanings of 叉
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About 叉
Podcast: 叉
Podcast: 叉
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AI Study Notes for 叉
叉 (chā, fork) vs 刀 (dāo, knife) — choose 叉 when referring to a utensil for spearing food, while 刀 is used for cutting.
Imagine a fork (叉) that has two prongs sticking out like the letter 'X' (which is also represented by 叉). Picture using this fork to cross paths at a dinner table, reminding you that '叉' not only means fork but also the act of crossing.
Be mindful that 叉 can be used both literally and metaphorically. In informal settings, it's common to hear it referring simply to a fork, while in formal contexts, it may describe the action of intersecting. Avoid confusing it with similar sounding words like 查 (chá, to check).
Although 叉 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it can be found in advanced vocabulary related to dining or geometry. Students should focus on its dual meanings and practice using it in sentences to reinforce understanding.
In Chinese dining culture, the fork is less common compared to chopsticks, which makes 叉 an interesting term when discussing Western dining etiquette. The concept of crossing paths is also significant in traditional Chinese philosophies that emphasize harmony and balance.
Learners often confuse 叉 with other similar sounding characters. For example, they might mistakenly say '查' (chá, to check) instead of '叉' (chā). Always remember that 叉 relates to forks and crossing.
Pronunciation of 叉
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Etymology of 叉
A hand 又 grasping an object 丶
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 叉?
Decomposition of 叉
Identify the Components
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Write 叉
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Practice writing 叉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 叉
叉 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 11 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.
Complete the Sentence
格雷丝把刀____摆放在午餐桌上。
Grace laid out the knives and forks at the lunch-table.
Common Confusions with 叉
Same pinyin tone but different meaning and radical.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "fork"?
Example Sentences for 叉 (10)
Cultural Notes for 叉
In Chinese dining culture, the fork is less common compared to chopsticks, which makes 叉 an interesting term when discussing Western dining etiquette. The concept of crossing paths is also significant in traditional Chinese philosophies that emphasize harmony and balance.
Word Family of 叉
Compound Meaning
What does 蚤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 叉
One common phrase is '叉手', which means 'to cross one's hands', used to describe a gesture of defiance or disagreement.