Meanings of 折
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About 折
Podcast: 折
Podcast: 折
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AI Study Notes for 折
折 (shé) vs 断 (duàn) — use 折 for folding or bending, while 断 refers specifically to breaking something into separate parts.
Learners often confuse 折 (shé) with similar-sounding characters like 这 (zhè) or 设 (shè). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but watch out for tone pitfalls, as the pronunciation is critical. Common collocations include 折扣 (zhékòu) meaning 'discount' and 折断 (zhéduàn) meaning 'to break.'
As an HSK Level 6 word, 折 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to actions and financial terms. Students should focus on its multiple meanings and usages in different contexts, especially its application in commerce.
Learners often mistakenly use 折 (shé) when they mean '折扣' (zhékòu) for discount, or confuse it with 折返 (zhéfan), which means 'to return.' Correct usage is essential to convey the right meaning.
Pronunciation of 折
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Etymology of 折
Depicts a hand (扌) cutting something off with an axe (斤).
A hand 扌 wielding an axe 斤
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 折
Depicts a hand (扌) cutting something off with an axe (斤).
- 1The giveawayA hand 扌 wielding an axe 斤
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 折? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 折?
Decomposition of 折
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How to say to break (e.g. stick or bone) in Chinese
“to break (e.g. stick or bone)” in Chinese is折
The character 折 (shé) primarily means 'to break' or 'to fold.' It is commonly used in contexts involving physical actions, such as breaking a stick or bending a paper. It can also refer to financial terms like 'discount' or 'rebate,' indicating a reduction in price.
When to use 折
Learners often confuse 折 (shé) with similar-sounding characters like 这 (zhè) or 设 (shè). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but watch out for tone pitfalls, as the pronunciation is critical. Common collocations include 折扣 (zhékòu) meaning 'discount' and 折断 (zhéduàn) meaning 'to break.'
折 or something close to it
折 (shé) vs 断 (duàn) — use 折 for folding or bending, while 断 refers specifically to breaking something into separate parts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 折 (shé) when they mean '折扣' (zhékòu) for discount, or confuse it with 折返 (zhéfan), which means 'to return.' Correct usage is essential to convey the right meaning.
Write 折
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Practice writing 折 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 折
折 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 22 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
为了灌制这张唱片你们大家似乎都经历了重重波____。
All of you seem to have gone through hell making this record.
Common Confusions with 折
Similar pronunciation and tone.
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to break (e.g. stick or bone)"?
Usage Notes for 折
Learners often misuse 折 in contexts where other verbs like '折叠' (to fold) or '打折' (to discount) are more appropriate.
请不要折这个纸张。
Please do not break this paper.
Fill in the Blank
请不要____这个纸张。
Please do not break this paper.
Example Sentences for 折 (10)
Cultural Notes for 折
In Chinese culture, the act of breaking something often symbolizes a change or a new beginning, as it represents transformation from one state to another.
Word Family of 折
Compound Meaning
What does 誓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 折
Yes, 折 is used in various Chinese idioms, such as '折戟沉沙' (zhé jǐ chén shā), which means 'to suffer a setback or defeat.' Understanding these idioms can help learners grasp the cultural nuances of the language.
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