刻 (kè) - to carve & to engrave

刻Tone 4

kè ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 刂

俊梁

刻 · kè

to carve;

to engrave;

a quarter (of time);

moment;

cutting;

severe;

to cut

to carveto engravea quarter (of time)

Usage highlights

to carvemomentimmediatelyprofoundengravingwood carving

Synonyms

  • 雕— to carve, to engrave
  • 镂— to engrave, to carve
  • 篆— to seal carve, seal script

Antonyms

  • 磨— to polish, to smooth (opposite of carving)
  • 抚— to caress, to soothe (opposite of cutting)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He carved a seal (刻印章).
  • Please wait a moment (请稍等片刻).
  • This is a profound lesson (深刻的教训).
  • The sculpture was meticulously carved (雕刻得很精细).

Collocations

  • to carve(雕刻)
  • moment(时刻)
  • immediately(立刻)
  • profound(深刻)
  • engraving(刻字)
  • wood carving(木刻)

Idioms

  • Carve a boat to seek the sword(刻舟求剑)
  • Carve muscles and cut bones(刻肌刻骨)
  • Engrave in one's heart and bones(刻骨铭心)
  • Carve a swan as a duck(刻鹄类鹜)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to carving on bone, wood, or stone; later extended to time measurement (quarter hours).
  • Used metaphorically for deep impressions or severe conditions.
  • Appears in philosophical idioms about rigid thinking (刻舟求剑).

FAQ