叉

• Pinyin: chā
• Hanzi breakdown: 叉 = pictograph of a forked shape

Meaning

To fork; to pierce with a fork. Also: fork (as a noun).

As a verb, means to pierce or pick up with a forked implement. As a noun, refers to the utensil. Can also mean to cross or intersect, as in 交叉.

Examples

1. 他用叉子叉起一块水果放进嘴里。 He forked up a piece of fruit and put it in his mouth.
2. 把肉叉起来放到盘子里。 Fork the meat and put it on the plate.
3. 十字路口的标志是一个叉形。 The intersection sign is X-shaped.

Usage Guide

Context: dining, tools, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 叉一块肉给我。(Fork a piece of meat for me.)
• 用叉子叉着吃。(Eat with a fork.)

Don't Say

• 混淆'叉'(chā)和'插'(chā)——发音相同但意思不同 (Don't confuse 叉 with 插 — same pronunciation but different meanings)

Origin & History

Pictograph depicting a forked tool or branching shape.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal