筷 (kuài) - Chopsticks — eating utensils consisting of two slender

筷Tone 4

kuài ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

筷 · kuài

Chopsticks — eating utensils consisting of two slender sticks held between fingers, used throughout East Asia for picking up food.

Chopsticks — eating utensils consisting of two slender

Usage highlights

A pair of chopsticksBamboo chopsticksWooden chopsticksMetal chopsticksDisposable chopsticksChopstick rest

Synonyms

  • 箸— Classical term for chopsticks

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need a pair of chopsticks (一双筷子) for dinner.
  • These bamboo chopsticks (竹筷子) are eco-friendly.
  • He is learning to use chopsticks (用筷子).
  • Disposable chopsticks (一次性筷子) are common in restaurants.

Collocations

  • A pair of chopsticks(一双筷子)
  • Bamboo chopsticks(竹筷子)
  • Wooden chopsticks(木筷子)
  • Metal chopsticks(金属筷子)
  • Disposable chopsticks(一次性筷子)
  • Chopstick rest(筷子架)

Idioms

  • As straightforward as chopsticks picking up beans(筷子夹豆 — straightforward task)
  • Chopsticks can't pick up bean curd(筷子夹豆腐 — too delicate to handle)
  • Silver-tipped chopsticks test for poison(银筷子试毒 — ancient poison detection method)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 筷 (kuài) combines 竹 (bamboo) with 快 (quick), suggesting 'quick bamboo' — efficient eating utensils.
  • Chopsticks represent Chinese dining culture and are used in rituals and ceremonies.
  • Proper chopstick etiquette includes not sticking them upright in rice (resembles funeral incense).

FAQ