Definitions
(noun)
fork; prong; cross; X
(verb)
to intersect; to cross
(verb)
to spread apart; to diverge
Etymology
Depicts an object being held between fingers in the hand (又).
About
The character "叉" originates from a pictographic representation of a hand with fingers parted, depicting the action of forking or pinching something between them, which directly informs its core meaning as a noun for a fork-like tool or a verb meaning to cross or intersect. Its structure, composed of a central stroke crossed by a shorter one, visually conveys this idea of branching or crossing paths. Over time, while retaining its primary concrete sense, its usage broadened to form words describing actions such as poking or spearing, as well as abstract concepts of intersection and divergence, solidifying its role in describing both physical forms and conceptual interactions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他把叉子放在桌上。
我右手拿着一个叉子。
这辆叉车正在搬运货物。
渔民使用鱼叉捕获大鱼。
两条小路在前面交叉。
这家店的叉烧非常美味。
他叉着腰站在门口等人。
我们在那个三岔路口向右拐。