Traditional: 劃
huà HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

老师给我们划了重点。
Lǎoshī gěi wǒmen huàle zhòngdiǎn.
The teacher assigned key points for us.
他正在划明天的计划。
Tā zhèngzài huà míngtiān de jìhuà.
He is planning tomorrow's schedule.
公司划了新的工作区域。
Gōngsī huàle xīn de gōngzuò qūyù.
The company assigned new work areas.
他划了一条线。
Tā huà le yī tiáo xiàn.
He drew a line.
我们划了区域。
Wǒmen huà le qūyù.
We divided the area.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of the sound 'huá' resembling a light scraping noise, like a knife scratching a surface. The character includes 刂 (knife radical) on the right, hinting at its connection to cutting actions.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It's common in everyday contexts to describe minor injuries (e.g., cuts from sharp objects) or surface damage (e.g., scratching a car). It can be used formally or informally, but is more frequent in casual descriptions of accidents.

📖 Grammar Points

划 is often used as a transitive verb (e.g., 划破手指) and can be combined with resultative complements like 破 or 伤 to indicate the outcome (e.g., 划破了). It can also be used in serial verb constructions, such as 用刀划 (to scratch with a knife).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, minor injuries like being 划破 are often mentioned in daily life as cautions about handling sharp objects, reflecting a practical awareness of safety. No strong cultural symbolism is attached.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 切 (qiē, to cut, usually intentionally and deeply, like slicing food) and 割 (gē, to cut or sever, often with more force, like cutting grass), 划 emphasizes a lighter, often accidental, surface action. 划 is also distinct from 划 (huà, meaning to plan or delimit), which has a different pronunciation and meaning.

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