剪刀
jiǎn dāo HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我需要一把剪刀。
Wǒ xūyào yī bǎ jiǎndāo.
I need a pair of scissors.
她用剪刀剪了纸。
Tā yòng jiǎndāo jiǎnle zhǐ.
She cut the paper with scissors.
这把剪刀很锋利。
Zhè bǎ jiǎndāo hěn fēnglì.
This pair of scissors is very sharp.
我需要剪刀。
Wǒ xūyào jiǎndāo.
I need scissors.
剪刀很锋利。
Jiǎndāo hěn fēnglì.
The scissors are very sharp.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the word down: 剪 (jiǎn) means 'to cut' or 'scissors,' and 刀 (dāo) means 'knife.' So, 剪刀 literally combines 'cut' and 'knife' to form 'scissors,' helping you remember it as a cutting tool.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese across everyday contexts, such as crafting, office work, or household tasks. It is typically paired with measure words like 把 (bǎ) when counting, as in 一把剪刀 (yī bǎ jiǎndāo).

📖 Grammar Points

剪刀 is a non-count noun that requires a measure word when quantified, most commonly 把 (bǎ). For example, 我需要一把剪刀 (Wǒ xūyào yī bǎ jiǎndāo, I need a pair of scissors). It can also be used in compound words like 剪刀石头布 (jiǎndāo shítou bù, rock-paper-scissors).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, scissors are sometimes associated with cutting away negative energy or bad luck, and they are avoided as gifts in some regions due to superstitions about severing relationships. They are also central to traditional crafts like paper-cutting.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 刀 (dāo, a general term for knife) and 剪子 (jiǎnzi, a more colloquial synonym for scissors). 剪刀 specifically denotes the two-bladed scissor tool, while 刀 is broader and can refer to any blade, and 剪子 is interchangeable but less formal.

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