Definitions
(noun)
edge of blade; cutting edge
Etymology
Pictograph of a knife. Similar to 刀 (knife), with an added dot marking where the blade is.
About
The character "刃" is etymologically derived from the basic pictograph for knife, "刀", with the addition of a distinct dot or mark placed near the blade to specifically indicate its sharp edge, making it an example of an indicative symbol within Chinese character formation. This structural composition has consistently pointed to its primary meaning of the cutting part of a weapon or tool, a definition that has remained central across periods. While its fundamental sense is concrete, referring to the blade itself, the character has also seen occasional verbal usage in classical texts, carrying the meaning to kill or cut with a blade, though this application is less prevalent in contemporary language. The essential form of "刃", built from "刀" and its defining mark, has preserved this conceptual clarity without major graphical alteration.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这把刀的刃很锋利。
小心别碰到刃。
刀刃上有一点锈。
他用刃切开了绳子。
这把匕首的刃很短。
刃的材质是不锈钢。
在打磨之后，刃变得非常锋利。
工程师设计了新型的刃具以提高效率。