dāo HSK 4

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

这把刀很锋利。
Zhè bǎ dāo hěn fēnglì.
This knife is very sharp.
我用刀切水果。
Wǒ yòng dāo qiē shuǐguǒ.
I use a knife to cut fruit.
厨房里有一把刀。
Chúfáng lǐ yǒu yī bǎ dāo.
There is a knife in the kitchen.
这把刀很锋利。
Zhè bǎ dāo hěn fēnglì.
This knife is very sharp.
他用刀切菜。
Tā yòng dāo qiē cài.
He uses a knife to cut vegetables.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine the character 刀 looks like a side view of a knife blade with a handle—the left vertical stroke is the handle, and the right slanted stroke is the sharp edge.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in everyday life (e.g., kitchen tools), martial arts, and idiomatic expressions. It is a basic, high-frequency noun.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a noun in subject or object position (e.g., 这把刀很锋利). Can act as a measure word for slices of certain foods (e.g., 一刀纸 - one ream of paper, though this is specialized). Also appears in compound words and idioms.

🏯 Cultural Notes

刀 has deep cultural significance in Chinese history as a tool, weapon, and symbol. It is one of the ancient 'Eighteen Arms' in martial arts. In idioms, it can represent decisiveness or danger (e.g., 刀山火海 - extreme danger).

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 剑 (jiàn - double-edged sword, often for combat), 刀 is broader and includes everyday tools. 刃 (rèn) specifically means the 'blade edge' of a knife or sword, not the whole object.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words