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叉子 (chā zi) — fork

Definition

Standard everyday word for a Western-style fork (the eating utensil). Use 筷子 for chopsticks; 叉 is more formal/general and covers pitchforks and tools, not just table forks.

noun
fork
Measure word · 把

Examples

  • 叉子。
    Zhuō shàng yǒu yì bǎ chā zi.
    There is a fork on the table.
  • 叉子？
    Nǐ néng jiè wǒ yì bǎ chā zi ma?
    Can you lend me a fork?
  • 叉子。
    Wǒ yòng chā zi chī fàn.
    I eat with a fork.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

叉chāfork
子zǐnoun suffix

叉 names the fork itself, while 子 is a light ending that turns it into an everyday noun.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The form 叉 is made by combining 又 with the dot stroke 丶.

Open 叉 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Open 子 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 5HSK 2.0 Level 5Kitchenware & Tableware

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