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.
Think of 劈 (pī) as a strong hand (the left vertical stroke) wielding a large axe (the right side resembles an axe) to chop through wood. The sound 'pī' can remind you of the sound of something being split apart, like a loud crack when lightning strikes.
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.
In traditional Chinese practices, chopping wood was an essential skill, often depicted in stories and art, symbolizing hard work and preparation for winter. The concept of splitting as a form of preparation resonates with agricultural practices in rural areas.
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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Etymology of 劈
Phonosemantic compound. 刀 represents the meaning and 辟 represents the sound.
knife
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 劈
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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.
Complete the Sentence
老树让雷____了.
The old tree was struck by lightning.
Example Sentences for 劈 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
The old tree was struck by lightning.
Cultural Notes for 劈
In traditional Chinese practices, chopping wood was an essential skill, often depicted in stories and art, symbolizing hard work and preparation for winter. The concept of splitting as a form of preparation resonates with agricultural practices in rural areas.
Word Family of 劈
Compound Meaning
What does 劈 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.