Meanings of 刻舟求剑
By ear
Play it, then pick what 刻舟求剑 means.
About 刻舟求剑
Podcast: 刻舟求剑
Podcast: 刻舟求剑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 刻舟求剑
This idiom is often used in discussions about strategy and decision-making. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where adaptation is not necessary; it should only apply to situations where circumstances have changed significantly. Be mindful of the tone, as it can come off as critical.
Although not an HSK word, understanding 刻舟求剑 can enhance comprehension of idiomatic expressions in HSK Level 4 and above. Students should focus on recognizing the metaphorical implications of idioms and how they can convey complex ideas succinctly.
Learners often confuse 刻舟求剑 with other idioms that express determination or persistence. For example, saying '我会刻舟求剑，坚持到底' (I will 刻舟求剑 and persist until the end) is incorrect; the idiom emphasizes futility, not determination.
Pronunciation of 刻舟求剑
Drill the tone of 刻舟求剑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 刻舟求剑 to you
Let me explain 刻舟求剑 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 刻舟求剑 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 刻舟求剑?
Learning Lab
Knowing 刻舟求剑 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say lit. a notch on the side of a boat to locate a sword dropped overboard (idiom); fig. an action made pointless by changed circumstances in Chinese
“lit. a notch on the side of a boat to locate a sword dropped overboard (idiom); fig. an action made pointless by changed circumstances” in Chinese is刻舟求剑
刻舟求剑 refers to a futile action taken to achieve something that is no longer relevant due to changes in circumstances. This idiom often highlights the absurdity of sticking to outdated methods or plans when conditions have transformed. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting to new situations.
When to use 刻舟求剑
This idiom is often used in discussions about strategy and decision-making. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where adaptation is not necessary; it should only apply to situations where circumstances have changed significantly. Be mindful of the tone, as it can come off as critical.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 刻舟求剑 with other idioms that express determination or persistence. For example, saying '我会刻舟求剑，坚持到底' (I will 刻舟求剑 and persist until the end) is incorrect; the idiom emphasizes futility, not determination.
Write 刻舟求剑
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 刻舟求剑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 刻舟求剑?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 刻舟求剑
It's often used to critique someone who is clinging to outdated methods when faced with new challenges.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 刻舟求剑?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.