Definitions
(noun)
spoon; ladle
Etymology
Pictograph of a ladle with food in it.
About
The character "勺" began as a pictogram of a ladle or spoon, with its earliest depictions showing a distinct bowl and handle that gradually simplified into its current abstract form. Its primary meaning as a utensil for scooping persisted, but it also acquired a metrological function as a unit for measuring volume, often equivalent to a spoonful. Structurally, this character functions as both a semantic and phonetic element in composite characters, such as in "酌" which relates to pouring wine, thereby extending its conceptual influence beyond its standalone use. While its graphical shape became more stylized over time, the core idea of a vessel for conveying liquids has remained central to its identity.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请给我一把勺子。
勺子放在桌子上。
我用勺子喝汤。
妈妈用勺子搅拌锅里的菜。
这把勺子是不锈钢制成的。
如果你需要勺子，就在抽屉里找。
厨师用大勺子从锅里舀出美味的汤。
在传统的中国厨房里，勺子是一种不可或缺的烹饪工具。