noun HSK 3
fork
Meaning
叉子 is the everyday word for a fork, the utensil used for eating. It combines 叉 (a forked or crossed implement) with the diminutive suffix 子, which is commonly used for small objects and tools in Chinese.
Usage
This is the standard term used in restaurants, homes, and daily conversation when referring to Western-style forks. Chinese speakers might request 叉子 when eating Western food or salads. It's neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts.
Examples
- 01请给我一把叉子，我不太会用筷子。, .Please give me a fork, I'm not very good at using chopsticks.
- 02西餐一般用刀叉吃。.Western food is generally eaten with a knife and fork.
Characters
Measure words
- 把一把叉子
- 个一个叉子
Common collocations
- 用叉子to use a fork
- 拿叉子to hold/take a fork
- 刀叉knife and fork
Origin
叉 originally depicted a forked implement or crossed lines. The character itself shows the shape of a fork. The suffix 子 was added to create a noun for the eating utensil.