Learn a Chinese Character - 刀 (Dāo) - Knife

Chinese Character: 刀 (Dāo - Knife)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 刀（刀字旁） (Knife radical, representing cutting tools)

Stroke Count: 2 (Number of strokes: 2)

Structure Analysis: 象形字，像古代刀的形状，刀尖、刀刃、刀柄清晰可见。本义指用于切割的工具（如“菜刀”）。(Pictographic character, resembling a knife with visible blade and handle. Originally means "cutting tool" (e.g., "kitchen knife").)

Stroke Order:

Stroke Order Animation

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Dāo (First tone)

3. Meaning

"刀" mainly means:
1. Noun: Knife (cutting tool, e.g., "菜刀" - kitchen knife);
2. Measure word: Ream (for paper, e.g., "一刀纸" - a ream of paper). “刀”主要表示：
1. 名词：刀（切割工具，如“菜刀”）；
2. 量词：刀（用于纸张，如“一刀纸”）。)

4. Common Words

5. Grammar & Usage

"刀" is a noun, often collocating with "子" (diminutive), "菜" (vegetable), or "剪" (scissors) (e.g., "刀子" - knife). Used as subject/object (e.g., "这把刀很锋利" - This knife is sharp) or in measure phrases (e.g., "买了一刀纸" - bought a ream of paper). “刀”多作名词，常与“子”“菜”“剪”等字搭配（如“刀子”“菜刀”），可作主语/宾语（如“这把刀很锋利”）或构成量词短语（如“买了一刀纸”）。)

6. Cultural Background

Knives were essential tools and weapons in ancient China, reflected in phrases like "刀耕火种" (slash-and-burn farming). The idiom "刀光剑影" (sword and knife shadows) describes intense conflict. 刀是中国古代重要工具和武器，“刀耕火种”反映早期农业方式；成语“刀光剑影”形容激烈斗争场景。)

7. Example Sentence

He used a knife to cut the apple. 他用刀切开了苹果。

Please pass me the kitchen knife on the table. 请把桌上的菜刀递给我。

8. Memory Tips

Associate "刀" with its pictographic shape: imagine a simple drawing of a knife with a blade and handle. Link to "刀子" to reinforce the basic meaning of "knife". 联想“刀”的象形结构：想象一把带有刀刃和刀柄的简单刀具图案；结合“刀子”强化“刀”的基础含义记忆。)

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