Meanings of 劈
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About 劈
Podcast: 劈
Podcast: 劈
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AI Study Notes for 劈
劈 (pī) vs 砍 (kǎn) — use 劈 when referring specifically to chopping or splitting with a sharp instrument, while 砍 is more general for cutting.
Learners often confuse 劈 with similar verbs like 切 (qiē), which means to cut more generally. 劈 is more forceful and implies splitting or chopping rather than just cutting. This word is typically used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in discussions around cooking or physical actions.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 劈 connects well with other verbs expressing physical actions or transformations, such as 切 (qiē - to cut) and 砍 (kǎn - to chop). Focus on using it in describing actions that involve force or division, and practice its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Learners may use 劈 incorrectly in contexts that require a softer action, such as using it to describe slicing fruits. Instead, they should use 切 (qiē) for such situations. For example, saying '我用刀劈苹果' (I use a knife to split an apple) is incorrect; it should be '我用刀切苹果'.
Pronunciation of 劈
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Jason Explains 劈 to You
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Etymology of 劈
Phonosemantic compound. 刀 represents the meaning and 辟 represents the sound.
knife
Origin
劈 = 刀 + 辟. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 劈
Parts
Which of these is part of 劈?
How to say to hack in Chinese
“to hack” in Chinese is劈
The character 劈 (pī) refers to the action of chopping or splitting something, often with a sharp instrument. It is commonly used in contexts such as woodworking or cooking, as well as metaphorically to describe dividing or splitting ideas or groups. In addition, it can also describe the action of lightning striking down, highlighting its dynamic and forceful connotation.
When to use 劈
Learners often confuse 劈 with similar verbs like 切 (qiē), which means to cut more generally. 劈 is more forceful and implies splitting or chopping rather than just cutting. This word is typically used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in discussions around cooking or physical actions.
劈 or something close to it
劈 (pī) vs 砍 (kǎn) — use 劈 when referring specifically to chopping or splitting with a sharp instrument, while 砍 is more general for cutting.
What learners get wrong
Learners may use 劈 incorrectly in contexts that require a softer action, such as using it to describe slicing fruits. Instead, they should use 切 (qiē) for such situations. For example, saying '我用刀劈苹果' (I use a knife to split an apple) is incorrect; it should be '我用刀切苹果'.
Write 劈
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Practice writing 劈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 劈
劈 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 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
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老树让雷____了.
The old tree was struck by lightning.
Example Sentences for 劈 (10)
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Rebuild it: “The old tree was struck by lightning.”
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Word Family of 劈
Words with 劈
What does 劈叉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 劈
While both mean to cut, 劈 specifically implies a forceful chopping or splitting action, often with an axe, whereas 切 is a more general term for cutting.
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