剪刀

• Pinyin: jiǎn dāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 剪 = 前 (front) + 刀 (knife), meaning to cut; 刀 = pictograph of a knife

Meaning

Scissors. A cutting tool with two blades.

The most common word for scissors. Used in households, offices, and various professions. 剪刀石头布 is the Chinese version of rock-paper-scissors. Different types exist for specific purposes.

Examples

1. 抽屉里有一把剪刀，你可以用来剪包装。 There's a pair of scissors in the drawer; you can use them to cut the packaging.
2. 裁缝的剪刀非常锋利，剪布料又快又整齐。 The tailor's scissors are very sharp, cutting fabric quickly and neatly.
3. 孩子们在玩剪刀石头布，决定谁先开始游戏。 The children are playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who starts the game first.

Usage Guide

Context: household, office, crafts, games

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请把剪刀递给我。(Please pass me the scissors.)
• 小心使用剪刀，别伤到手。(Be careful using scissors; don't hurt your hand.)

Don't Say

• 我有两个剪刀 (剪刀 takes 把 as measure word — say 两把剪刀)

Origin & History

Compound of 剪 (to cut) + 刀 (knife/blade), meaning cutting blade or scissors.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal