noun HSK 3
knife · small knife
Meaning
刀子 is the everyday word for a knife, especially smaller knives used in the kitchen or for general cutting tasks. The 子 suffix makes it more colloquial and concrete compared to just 刀, which can refer to knives more generally or even swords.
Usage
This is the standard conversational term for a knife in daily life. Native speakers use 刀子 when talking about kitchen knives, pocket knives, or any handheld cutting tool. In formal or literary contexts, just 刀 might be used, but 刀子 is more natural in everyday speech.
Examples
- 01你能把刀子递给我吗？?Can you pass me the knife?
- 02这把刀子太钝了，切不动肉。, .This knife is too dull; it can't cut through the meat.
Characters
Measure words
- 把一把刀子
Common collocations
- 用刀子切to cut with a knife
- 拿刀子to hold/take a knife
- 磨刀子to sharpen a knife
- 一把刀子a knife
Origin
刀 is one of the oldest Chinese characters, originally depicting a blade. The 子 suffix is a common colloquial diminutive that makes nouns more concrete and familiar in everyday speech.