Meanings of 削
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About 削
Podcast: 削
Podcast: 削
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AI Study Notes for 削
削 (xiāo) vs 切 (qiē) — use 削 for paring or peeling, while 切 is for cutting in general.
Imagine a chef named Xiao who expertly peels apples with a swift knife. The character 削 combines the radical 刀 (knife) on the left, hinting at its cutting action, and the phonetic component 𠂇, which sounds like 'xiao.' Visualize Xiao slicing through an apple, making it easier to remember the meaning and pronunciation.
Be careful not to confuse 削 with 切 (qiē), which means 'to cut' more broadly and does not imply peeling or paring. The word can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context, such as cooking or financial discussions. Common collocations include 削苹果 (xiāo píngguǒ) - to peel an apple.
As a HSK Level 6 word, 削 connects with other verbs that describe actions involving tools or processes, such as 切 (qiē - to cut) and 划 (huá - to scrape). Students should focus on using this word in context, especially in cooking or discussions about reduction.
In Chinese cooking, the act of 削 is often seen as an essential skill, reflecting the importance of presentation and preparation. This ties into the cultural value placed on food aesthetics and meticulous preparation in Chinese cuisine.
Learners often confuse 削 with 切, using it incorrectly in contexts that don't involve peeling or trimming. For example, saying '我削面包' (wǒ xiāo miànbāo - I peel bread) is incorrect; instead, use '我切面包' (wǒ qiē miànbāo - I cut bread).
Pronunciation of 削
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Etymology of 削
Phonosemantic compound. 刂 represents the meaning and 肖 represents the sound.
knife
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 削
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Write 削
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Practice writing 削 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 削
削 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
制造商之间的恶性价格战已将利润____减到了最低。
A vicious price war between manufacturers has cut margins to the bone.
Example Sentences for 削 (10)
Cultural Notes for 削
In Chinese cooking, the act of 削 is often seen as an essential skill, reflecting the importance of presentation and preparation. This ties into the cultural value placed on food aesthetics and meticulous preparation in Chinese cuisine.
Word Family of 削
Compound Meaning
What does 削 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 削
You can say 削皮 (xiāo pí) for 'to peel' or 削减 (xiāo jiǎn) for 'to reduce'.