Learn a Chinese Character - 砍

1. Character Basics

Radical: 石 (stone)

Stroke Count: 9

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kǎn

3. Meaning

English meaning: chop, cut, hack

4. Common Words

• 砍树 (kǎn shù) - cut down a tree
• 砍柴 (kǎn chái) - cut firewood
• 砍价 (kǎn jià) - bargain (lit. cut price)
• 砍伐 (kǎn fá) - fell, cut down
• 砍断 (kǎn duàn) - cut off

5. Grammar & Usage

Usage notes:

• Used as a transitive verb
• Often followed by objects like trees, prices, ropes, etc.
• Can be combined with other characters to form verbs and nouns

6. Cultural Background

The character "砍" consists of "石" (stone) and "欠" (lack). Originally, it referred to cutting with a stone tool. In Chinese culture, it's often associated with physical labor and traditional craftsmanship.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Mnemonic: The character "砍" has "石" (stone) on the left and "欠" on the right. Imagine using a stone tool to cut something that is lacking or needs to be removed.