to cut

HSK 6

漢字分解

Usage of (gē)

The character primarily means "to cut" or "to slice," often involving a sharp tool like a knife or blade. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Literal Use

is frequently used to describe physically cutting something, such as fruit, fabric, or wounds. For example, (gē kāi) means "to cut open."

Figurative Use

can also be used metaphorically to mean "to cut off" or "to reduce," especially in business or organizational contexts, such as 部门 (cutting departments).

Common Collocations

  • (gē kāi): to cut open
  • (gē diào): to cut off, to remove
  • (gē shāng): to cut and injure

Notes

is more formal and specific than (qiē), which also means "to cut" but is more general and often used for slicing food. often implies a sharper or more forceful cutting action. Avoid confusing with (jiǎn), which means "to cut" with scissors or shears.

Understanding these nuances will help you use accurately in both everyday and professional contexts.

例文

他用刀割开了水果。

Tā yòng dāo gē kāi le shuǐguǒ.

He cut open the fruit with a knife.

这家公司决定割掉一些不盈利的部门。

Zhè jiā gōngsī juédìng gē diào yīxiē bù yínglì de bùmén.

This company decided to cut some unprofitable departments.

医生用手术刀割开了伤口。

Yīshēng yòng shǒushù dāo gē kāi le shāngkǒu.

The doctor cut open the wound with a surgical knife.