爼 (zǔ) - Chopping block & sacrificial altar

爼Tone 3

zǔ ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

志

爼 · zǔ

Chopping block;

sacrificial altar;

ancient ritual vessel used for offerings;

cutting board.

Chopping blocksacrificial altarancient ritual vessel used for offerings

Usage highlights

Chopping blockSacrificial altarRitual vesselCeremonial implementCutting board

Synonyms

  • 俎— Alternative form of 爼 with same meaning
  • 砧— Chopping block, anvil

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The meat was placed on the chopping block (爼).
  • Ancient rituals used ceremonial vessels (爼) for offerings.
  • The character appears in classical texts referring to sacrificial altars.

Collocations

  • Chopping block(爼)
  • Sacrificial altar(爼)
  • Ritual vessel(爼)
  • Ceremonial implement(爼)
  • Cutting board(爼)

Idioms

  • To be on the chopping block(人为刀爼)
  • As fish on the cutting board(如鱼在爼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to a wooden sacrificial vessel used in ancient Chinese rituals.
  • Later extended to mean any cutting board or chopping block for food preparation.
  • Appears in classical texts describing ceremonial practices and kitchen implements.

FAQ