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March 24, 2026
岔chà(cha4)
The character 岔 (chà) refers to a fork or bifurcation in various contexts, such as roads, rivers, or mountain ranges. It can also imply diverging from a path, changing the subject in conversation, or interrupting a flow. Its versatility makes it applicable in both literal and figurative scenarios.
Strokes7Radical山Frequency#18657DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'fork in the road' can symbolize important life decisions and the notion of fate, often reflected in traditional stories and proverbs. It emphasizes the importance of choices and their consequences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fork in the road where two paths diverge; the character 岔 looks like a 'fork' with the top part resembling two diverging lines. The pronunciation 'chà' sounds like 'cha,' which you can associate with the sound of a fork clinking against a plate, signaling a decision to be made at the junction.
Meanings of 岔
chà(cha4)
1fork in road
2bifurcation
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 岔
岔Simplified
7Strokes
山Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#18657Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 岔
Podcast: 岔
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AI Study Notes for 岔
Quick Contrast
岔 (chà) vs 分叉 (fēnchà) — use 岔 for a more general or abstract sense of divergence, while 分叉 specifically refers to a physical fork or branching.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fork in the road where two paths diverge; the character 岔 looks like a 'fork' with the top part resembling two diverging lines. The pronunciation 'chà' sounds like 'cha,' which you can associate with the sound of a fork clinking against a plate, signaling a decision to be made at the junction.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tonal pronunciation of 'chà' as it can change meaning; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing topics like travel or navigation, it's more common. Collocations include '岔路' (fork in the road) and '岔开' (to diverge).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 term, 岔 connects to other words about direction and decision-making, such as 路 (road) and 转 (turn). Focus on mastering its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'fork in the road' can symbolize important life decisions and the notion of fate, often reflected in traditional stories and proverbs. It emphasizes the importance of choices and their consequences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 岔 with similar-sounding words, leading to errors like saying '查' (chá, to check) instead of '岔' (chà). Always remember that 岔 involves divergence, while 查 refers to verification.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 岔
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Grammar Patterns of 岔
岔 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 11 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.
Follow the main road until it branches and then turn to the left.
9
在树分岔的地方有个鸟巢.
zài shù fēn chà de dì fāng yǒu gè niǎo cháo.
There's a bird's nest in the place where the branch forks.
10
快到城镇边界时要走岔路的左边一条小路。
kuài dào chéng zhèn biān jiè shí yào zǒu chà lù de zuǒ biān yī tiáo xiǎo lù。
Just before the town boundary fork left onto a minor road.
Cultural Notes for 岔
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'fork in the road' can symbolize important life decisions and the notion of fate, often reflected in traditional stories and proverbs. It emphasizes the importance of choices and their consequences.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, a fork in the road often signifies a decision point, while in Chinese culture, it may also imply destiny and the interconnectedness of choices, adding a philosophical layer to the concept.
Word Family of 岔
Words Containing This Character14
岔chàfork in road
岔子branch road
岔路fork in the road
打岔dǎchàinterruption
岔开to diverge岔開
出岔子to go wrong
岔道side road
三岔口At the Crossroads, famous opera, based on a story from 水滸傳|水浒传[ShuǐhǔZhuàn]
分岔bifurcation
道岔railroad switch
岔口junction
岔流branch stream
找岔子to find fault
南岔区Nancha district of Yichun city 伊春市[Yīchūnshì], Heilongjiang南岔區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 岔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 岔
You can say, '在这个岔口，你应该选择左转或右转,' meaning 'At this fork, you should choose to turn left or right.'
Yes, words like 分岔 (fēnchà) also mean to diverge, but with a more explicit focus on splitting.
The correct tone is the fourth tone, pronounced 'chà', which is crucial for clarity.
