unknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈
chā
branches of a tree
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈
chà
pitchfork; tree fork
n, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈
chà
fork of a tree
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈
chà
branches of a tree
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
chā(cha1)
primary
T1
1pitchfork; tree fork
2fork of a tree
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March 24, 2026
杈chā(cha1)
The character 杈 (chā) refers to a fork, particularly in the context of branches of a tree or tools like a pitchfork. It conveys the idea of something splitting into two or more parts, often used in agricultural contexts or when discussing natural forms. This character can also relate to the concept of division in broader contexts.
Strokes7Radical木Frequency#57549DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese agriculture, tools like pitchforks (杈) are essential for farming, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese history and culture. The concept of trees and their branches also symbolizes growth and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree with branches splitting off like a pitchfork. The character 杈 looks like a tree with two branches going out, and the 'chā' sound can remind you of 'chop' as if you're chopping the tree into branches.
Meanings of 杈
chā(cha1)
primary
1pitchfork; tree fork
2fork of a tree
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 杈
杈Simplified
7Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 杈
Podcast: 杈
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AI Study Notes for 杈
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree with branches splitting off like a pitchfork. The character 杈 looks like a tree with two branches going out, and the 'chā' sound can remind you of 'chop' as if you're chopping the tree into branches.
Usage Notes
While 杈 is quite specific, learners sometimes confuse it with similar characters related to branches or tools. It is used mostly in informal contexts or agricultural discussions. Be careful with the pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 杈 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other nature-related terms at lower levels. Focus on the radicals '木' (tree) and '叉' (fork) to reinforce understanding of related words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese agriculture, tools like pitchforks (杈) are essential for farming, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese history and culture. The concept of trees and their branches also symbolizes growth and prosperity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 杈 with other fork-related characters like 叉 (chā) or 分叉 (fēn chā), which can lead to incorrect usage. Always remember that 杈 specifically pertains to tree forks or pitchforks.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 杈
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Grammar Patterns of 杈
杈 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
这整个快要散架的搭建物吊挂在一棵枝繁叶茂的大树的枝____上。
This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.
Example Sentences for 杈 (1)
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1
这整个快要散架的搭建物吊挂在一棵枝繁叶茂的大树的枝杈上。
zhè zhěng gè kuài yào sàn jià de dā jiàn wù diào guà zài yī kē zhī fán yè mào de dà shù de zhī chā shàng。
This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.
Cultural Notes for 杈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese agriculture, tools like pitchforks (杈) are essential for farming, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese history and culture. The concept of trees and their branches also symbolizes growth and prosperity.
Word Family of 杈
Words Containing This Character3
杈chāpitchfork
打杈to prune (branches)
丫杈fork (of a tree)
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 杈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 杈
It primarily means a fork, especially in relation to tree branches or tools like pitchforks.
It is more commonly found in agricultural contexts rather than casual conversation.
Make sure to use the first tone when saying 杈, as it changes the meaning.
