裁

cái

衣 + 𢦏

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

cái (verb) to cut; to trim

cái (verb) to reduce; to diminish

cái (noun) decision; judgment

Etymology

To cut 戈 cloth 衣

About

裁 is a phono-semantic compound: the semantic element 衣 (cloth, garment) points to the original meaning, and the upper component 𢦏 (zāi) gives the sound while contributing a semantic nuance of cutting or wounding through its 戈 (halberd) radical. Originally, 裁 meant cutting cloth to a specific size or pattern for making clothes. Over time, its meaning broadened beyond literal fabric cutting to abstract ideas of cutting down, reducing, and deciding. As a result, the character is now commonly used for reducing staff, cutting back on expenses, and rendering judgments in disputes.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

妈妈在裁剪布料。

Māma zài cáijiǎn bùliào.

Mom is cutting fabric.

裁判吹响了哨子。

Cáipàn chuīxiǎng le shàozi.

The referee blew the whistle.

他是专业的裁缝。

Tā shì zhuānyè de cáiféng.

He is a professional tailor.

公司决定裁员。

Gōngsī juédìng cáiyuán.

The company decided to lay off employees.

我们需要裁减开支。

Wǒmen xūyào cáijiǎn kāizhī.

We need to cut expenses.

国际社会实施制裁。

Guójì shèhuì shíshī zhìcái.

The international community imposed sanctions.

法官作出了公正的裁决。

Fǎguān zuòchū le gōngzhèng de cáijué.

The judge made a fair ruling.

这篇稿件需要裁断。

Zhè piān gǎojiàn xūyào cáiduàn.

This manuscript needs to be judged.

Related Characters

Component: 衣

Component: 𢦏

裁