Definition
剪 (jiǎn) specifically means to cut with scissors — used for hair, nails, paper, cloth, etc. 修理 (xiūlǐ) can also mean 'trim/prune' (e.g., plants) but more commonly means 'repair/fix', and does not imply scissors. For cutting fabric or paper, 裁 (cái) is a more formal verb used in tailoring.
verb
to cut with scissorsto trim
Measure word · 把
Easily confused
- 煎jiānlook-aliketo pan-fry; to sauté
- 见jiànsound-aliketo see; to meet
- 箭jiànlook-alikearrow
- 件jiànsound-alike(classifier) for items of clothing, objects, and matters
- 前qiánlook-alikefront (location)
- 间jiānsound-alike(classifier) for rooms, offices, and other enclosed spaces
- 建jiànsound-aliketo build, to establish, to construct
- 剑jiànsound-alikedouble-edged sword
- 捡jiǎnsound-aliketo pick up; to collect; to gather
- 尖jiānsound-alike(adjective) sharp, pointed; shrill, tapering; shrill, piercing; acute, keen
Examples
- 剪。Wǒ měitiān yòng zhè bǎ jiǎndāo jiǎn dōngxi.I use this pair of scissors to cut things every day.
- 剪。Nǎinai bǎ jiù bàozhǐ jiǎn chéng le xiǎo tiáo.Grandma cut old newspapers into small strips.
- 剪。Nǐ jiǎn zhǐjia de shíhou xiǎoxīn yì diǎnr.Be careful when you cut your nails.
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