Meanings of 筷
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About 筷
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Podcast: 筷
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AI Study Notes for 筷
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.
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.
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.
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'.
Pronunciation of 筷
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Jason Explains 筷 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 筷 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 筷
Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 快 represents the sound.
bamboo
Origin
筷 = ⺮ + 快. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 筷
Parts
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How to say chopstick in Chinese
“chopstick” in Chinese is筷
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.
When to use 筷
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.
筷 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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'.
Write 筷
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Practice writing 筷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____子不能那样拿。
You can't hold chopsticks like that.
Common Confusions with 筷
Same pronunciation but refers to a different concept.
Same pronunciation but different meaning and usage.
Which one
Which one means “chopstick”?
Example Sentences for 筷 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 筷
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.
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 with 筷
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.
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