About
切 is a phono-semantic compound combining the action of slicing with the concept of urgency. It is structured with the semantic component 刀 (dāo, "knife") on the right and the phonetic component 七 (qī, "seven") on the left. Its primary meaning, pronounced qiē, is to cut, slice, or carve with a blade. The secondary pronunciation, qiè, conveys notions of closeness, eagerness, and absolute correspondence. This meaning derives from the idea of a knife cutting so cleanly and precisely that it reaches the core of something, leading to terms expressing strong emotions, pressing needs, and totality.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
妈妈在切菜。
他用刀切面包。
老师很亲切。
一切都很顺利。
他的回答很切题。
切蛋糕的时候要小心。
为了健康，他切掉了不良习惯。
在数学中，切线与曲线相切。