折 (shé) — to snap, to break (of long thin objects like sticks, bones, pencils)
Definition
折 (shé) is an informal verb meaning a long thin object snaps or breaks under pressure — narrower than 断, which covers any break or cut. It often pairs with 骨 as 折骨 / 骨折 for broken bones.
verb
to snapto break (of long thin objects like sticks, bones, pencils)
Easily confused
Examples
- 折。Tā bǎ nà gēn mù gùn shé le.He snapped that stick.
- ，折。Zhè gēn kuài zi tài cuì, yí yòng lì jiù shé le.This chopstick is too brittle; it snapped as soon as I applied force.
- 折。Lǎo rén de tuǐ gǔ bù xiǎo xīn shé le.The old man's leg bone accidentally broke.
Origin
Compound ideograph六书liùshū
会意huìyìTwo or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.
- 屮𣏄𣏄a tree {{zh-m|*木}} cut in half
- 斤斤jīnaxe
The shape originally showed an axe (斤) cutting a tree in half; in 折 the left part is now written as a hand.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.