Definition
砍 (kǎn) is the general verb for chopping or cutting down with a blade. 劈 (pī) implies splitting along the grain, while 斩 (zhǎn) is specifically to behead or chop off. For reducing costs or content, 砍 is colloquial and drastic, stronger than 缩短 (suō duǎn 'shorten') or 缩减 (suō jiǎn 'reduce').
verb
to chopto cut down (with a blade or axe)to cut downto reduce (e.g., cost, length, content)(colloquial) to throw something at someone
Easily confused
- 矿kuànglook-alikemine (a place where minerals are extracted)
- 看kànsound-aliketo see; to look at; to watch
- 破pòlook-alike(adjective) worn out, damaged, broken
- 看kānsound-aliketo look after, to take care of; to guard, tend
Examples
- 砍。Tā yòng dāo kǎn mùtou.He chops wood with a knife.
- 砍。Gōngsī kǎn diào le jīnnián de yùsuàn.The company cut this year's budget.
- 砍。Tā kǎn le wǒ yì shítou.He threw a stone at me.
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