Definitions

(verb) to chop; to split; to cleave
(verb) (of lightning) to strike

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

劈 is a phono-semantic compound primarily used as a verb for forceful actions. The semantic radical 刀 at the bottom indicates a bladed tool, while the upper component 辟 provides its phonetic value. The core meaning is to hack, chop, or split something apart, often with a heavy blade. Beyond literal cutting, it can describe objects splitting naturally or metaphorically convey abrupt, forceful impacts like a lightning strike.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他把木头成了两半。

Tā bǎ mùtou pī chéngle liǎng bàn.

He split the wood into two halves.

哥哥正在后院柴。

Gēge zhèngzài hòuyuàn pī chái.

Older brother is chopping firewood in the backyard.

闪电中了那棵大树。

Shǎndiàn pī zhòngle nà kē dà shù.

Lightning struck that big tree.

她用斧头开了那个椰子。

Tā yòng fǔtou pī kāile nàgè yēzi.

She used an axe to split open that coconut.

这个动作需要先练习叉。

Zhège dòngzuò xūyào xiān liànxí pǐ chà.

This move requires practicing the splits first.

他的谎言把他们的关系出了一道裂痕。

Tā de huǎngyán bǎ tāmen de guānxi pī chūle yī dào lièhén.

His lie caused a crack in their relationship.

传闻他因为腿而分手了。

Chuánwén tā yīnwèi pī tuǐ ér fēnshǒu le.

Rumors say he broke up because he was cheating.

那道峡谷仿佛是巨人用斧头出来的。

Nà dào xiágǔ fǎngfú shì jùrén yòng fǔtou pī chūlái de.

That canyon looks as if it was carved out by a giant with an axe.