Definitions

chā (noun) fork; prong; cross; X
chá (verb) to intersect; to cross
chǎ (verb) to spread apart; to diverge

Etymology

Depicts an object being held between fingers in the hand ().

About

叉 originated as a pictograph of fingers or hands crossing, later abstracted to represent an intersection or fork. Structurally, it functions as a basic ideographic element, sometimes seen as a modified hand (又) with a stroke highlighting the crossing point. Its core meaning expanded from a physical crossing to include forked tools like pitchforks or dining forks, and also acquired abstract verbal uses such as crossing out or intersecting lines. This makes it versatile for describing both concrete objects and spatial relationships.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

他把子放在桌上。

Tā bǎ chāzi fàng zài zhuō shàng.

He put the fork on the table.

我右手拿着一个子。

Wǒ yòushǒu názhe yī gè chāzi.

I am holding a fork in my right hand.

这辆车正在搬运货物。

Zhè liàng chāchē zhèngzài bānyùn huòwù.

This forklift is moving goods.

渔民使用鱼捕获大鱼。

Yúmín shǐyòng yúchā bǔhuò dà yú.

Fishermen use harpoons to catch big fish.

两条小路在前面交

Liǎng tiáo xiǎolù zài qiánmiàn jiāochā.

Two paths intersect ahead.

这家店的烧非常美味。

Zhè jiā diàn de chāshāo fēicháng měiwèi.

The barbecued pork from this shop is very delicious.

着腰站在门口等人。

Tā chāzhe yāo zhàn zài ménkǒu děng rén.

He stood at the door with his hands on his hips, waiting for someone.

我们在那个三岔路口向右拐。

Wǒmen zài nàgè sānchà lùkǒu xiàng yòu guǎi.

We turned right at that three-way intersection.