A knife is a sharp, handheld tool primarily used for cutting, but it can also metaphorically describe sharp, stinging words.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A sharp tool used for cutting food or materials.
- Commonly used in daily kitchen activities.
- Can also refer to sharp, hurtful language metaphorically.
常见语境：在厨房中，它是切菜、切肉的必备工具。在比喻义中，人们常说“嘴像刀子一样”，形容语言刻薄、伤人。此外，在手工制作时，也常使用小型的刀子进行精细切割。
- 1近义词比较：“刀”与“刀子”在大多数情况下可以互换，但“刀”通常显得更为正式或抽象（如：手术刀、菜刀），而“刀子”在口语中更具生活气息，有时带有一种亲切感或具体的指代色彩。对于初学者，掌握“刀子”即可应对大部分日常生活场景。
Examples
请把那把刀子递给我。
everydayPlease pass me that knife.
手术刀是外科医生必备的工具。
formalA scalpel is an essential tool for surgeons.
别用这种刀子切肉，太钝了。
informalDon't use this knife to cut meat; it's too dull.
在考古发掘中，发现了青铜时代的刀子。
academicKnives from the Bronze Age were discovered during the archaeological excavation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
快刀斩乱麻
Cut the Gordian knot; resolve a complicated issue quickly.
刀子嘴豆腐心
Sharp tongue but soft heart.
磨刀不误砍柴工
Sharpening the knife does not delay the woodcutting; proper preparation saves time.
Often Confused With
剪刀 (jiǎndāo) refers specifically to scissors, which have two blades that pivot. 刀子 (dāozi) refers to a single-bladed knife.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '刀子' is neutral and commonly used in daily conversation. When referring to professional tools, '刀' is often preferred as part of a compound word. Always remember to use the measure word '把' when quantifying it.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '一个' instead of '一把' as the measure word. Another error is confusing '刀子' (knife) with '剪刀' (scissors). Ensure the context clearly distinguishes between a cutting blade and a pivoting pair of blades.
Tips
Use '把' as the measure word
When counting knives, always use the measure word '把' (bǎ). For example, say '一把刀子' instead of just '一个刀子'.
Be careful with sharp objects
Always handle knives with care. When teaching children, emphasize that knives are tools, not toys.
Knives in Chinese culture
Giving a knife as a gift is traditionally considered bad luck in some Chinese regions, as it symbolizes 'cutting off' a relationship.
Word Origin
The character '刀' is a pictograph representing the shape of an ancient knife blade. Over time, the suffix '子' was added to create the noun '刀子' to distinguish the object from the abstract concept of a blade.
Cultural Context
In traditional Chinese culture, knives are essential kitchen tools. However, they are also associated with danger and power, appearing frequently in martial arts literature as symbols of strength and skill.
Memory Tip
Think of the '刀' radical looking like a blade. Use the rhyme: 'Kitchen knife is sharp and bright, hold it by the handle tight.'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思基本相同，都可以指代切割工具。“刀”的使用范围更广，常用于复合词中，而“刀子”更具口语色彩。
这是一个比喻，形容一个人说话非常刻薄、尖锐，像刀子一样刺伤别人的心。通常用来批评那些言语伤人的人。
虽然通用名称是刀子，但根据用途不同，通常会有更具体的称呼，比如切菜的叫“菜刀”，削水果的叫“水果刀”。
不可以，刀子是名词。如果指代数量，通常使用量词“把”，例如“一把刀子”。
Test Yourself
厨房里有___刀子。
刀子作为工具，标准量词是“把”。
当你需要切苹果时，你应该用什么？
水果刀是专门用于处理水果的刀子。
刀子 / 小心 / 拿 / 手 / 别 / 伤到
这是正确的祈使句语序。
Score: /3
Summary
A knife is a sharp, handheld tool primarily used for cutting, but it can also metaphorically describe sharp, stinging words.
- A sharp tool used for cutting food or materials.
- Commonly used in daily kitchen activities.
- Can also refer to sharp, hurtful language metaphorically.
Use '把' as the measure word
When counting knives, always use the measure word '把' (bǎ). For example, say '一把刀子' instead of just '一个刀子'.
Be careful with sharp objects
Always handle knives with care. When teaching children, emphasize that knives are tools, not toys.
Knives in Chinese culture
Giving a knife as a gift is traditionally considered bad luck in some Chinese regions, as it symbolizes 'cutting off' a relationship.
Examples
4 of 4请把那把刀子递给我。
Please pass me that knife.
手术刀是外科医生必备的工具。
A scalpel is an essential tool for surgeons.
别用这种刀子切肉，太钝了。
Don't use this knife to cut meat; it's too dull.
在考古发掘中，发现了青铜时代的刀子。
Knives from the Bronze Age were discovered during the archaeological excavation.
