叉

chā, chá, chǎ

丶 + 又

HSK 3.0Level 6

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 (又).

About

The character 叉 originated as a pictograph: a hand (又) with an additional stroke between the fingers, indicating an object being held, and thus conveying the idea of a fork or intersection. Over time, its meanings broadened to include specific forked tools like the pitchfork and dining fork, as well as the verbal sense of crossing out or creating an intersection, making it a versatile character for both physical objects and spatial relationships.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他把叉子放在桌上。

Tā bǎ chāzi fàng zài zhuō shàng.

He put the fork on the table.

我右手拿着一个叉子。

Wǒ yòushǒu názhe yī gè chāzi.

I am holding a fork in my right hand.

这辆叉车正在搬运货物。

Zhè liàng chāchē zhèngzài bānyùn huòwù.

This forklift is moving goods.

渔民使用鱼叉捕获大鱼。

Yúmín shǐyòng yúchā bǔhuò dà yú.

Fishermen use harpoons to catch big fish.

两条小路在前面交叉。

Liǎng tiáo xiǎolù zài qiánmiàn jiāochā.

Two paths intersect ahead.

这家店的叉烧非常美味。

Zhè jiā diàn de chāshāo fēicháng měiwèi.

The barbecued pork from this shop is very delicious.

他叉着腰站在门口等人。

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.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 丶

Component: 又

叉