HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
to cut
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
to trim
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
to reduce
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
to diminish
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
to cut back (e.g. on staff)
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
decision
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
裁
cái
judgment
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 衣, rank #10548, Hard
cái(cai2) T2
1to cut out (as a dress)
2to cut
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March 24, 2026
裁cái(cai2)
The character 裁 (cái) primarily means 'to cut' or 'to trim,' often in the context of tailoring or making decisions. It can also refer to the act of reducing something, such as cutting back on resources or staff. In decision-making contexts, it implies making a judgment or a choice.
Strokes12Radical衣Frequency#10548DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 裁 extends beyond simply cutting fabric; it symbolizes the art of tailoring and the importance of appearance in social contexts. Tailoring has a rich history in China, where clothing often signifies social status and personal identity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tailor using scissors to裁 (cái) cut a fabric into a perfect dress. The left part of the character represents clothing (衣), and the right part (裁) looks like scissors, reminding you that裁 is about cutting or shaping something.
Meanings of 裁
cái(cai2)
1to cut out (as a dress)
2to cut
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 裁
裁Simplified
12Strokes
衣Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10548Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 裁
Podcast: 裁
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AI Study Notes for 裁
Quick Contrast
裁 (cái) vs 剪 (jiǎn) — choose 裁 when referring to cutting or trimming in a broader or decision-making context, while 剪 specifically refers to cutting with scissors.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tailor using scissors to裁 (cái) cut a fabric into a perfect dress. The left part of the character represents clothing (衣), and the right part (裁) looks like scissors, reminding you that裁 is about cutting or shaping something.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 裁 (cái) with other similar-sounding words that also involve cutting or reducing, such as 削 (xuē), which means to peel. This character is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about fashion or organizational management.
HSK Study Tips
While 裁 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other words about cutting or decision-making at higher levels. Students should focus on its application in contexts like tailoring or management decisions, which often appear in advanced conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 裁 extends beyond simply cutting fabric; it symbolizes the art of tailoring and the importance of appearance in social contexts. Tailoring has a rich history in China, where clothing often signifies social status and personal identity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 裁 (cái) with 剪 (jiǎn), which specifically means 'to cut with scissors.' An incorrect use could be saying '我想剪衣服' (wǒ xiǎng jiǎn yīfú) instead of '我想裁衣服' (wǒ xiǎng cái yīfú) when referring to tailoring.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 裁
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Grammar Patterns of 裁
裁 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 8 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.
tā xiǎn rán yī zhí zài huī wǔ qí zǐ xī yǐn zhǔ cái pàn de zhù yì。
He had unmistakably been waving his flag to attract the referee's attention.
Cultural Notes for 裁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 裁 extends beyond simply cutting fabric; it symbolizes the art of tailoring and the importance of appearance in social contexts. Tailoring has a rich history in China, where clothing often signifies social status and personal identity.
Word Family of 裁
Words Containing This Character20
总裁zǒngcáichairman總裁
裁判cáipànjudgment
裁决cáijuéruling裁決
制裁zhìcáito punish
裁cáito cut
裁定cáidìngruling
副总裁vice-chairman (of an organization)副總裁
仲裁zhòngcáiarbitration
裁缝cáifengtailor裁縫
裁员cáiyuánto cut staff裁員
独裁dúcáidictatorship獨裁
独裁者dictator獨裁者
裁判员referee裁判員
剪裁to tailor (clothes)
裁军disarmament裁軍
裁减to reduce裁減
裁剪to cut out
别出心裁to adopt an original approach別出心裁
体裁tǐcáigenre體裁
裁缝店tailor's shop裁縫店
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 总裁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 裁
Common phrases include 裁缝 (cáifeng) meaning tailor and 裁员 (cáiyuán) meaning to cut staff.
Yes, 裁 can refer to making decisions or judgments, such as 裁决 (cáijué) meaning to adjudicate or make a ruling.
