to snap

JLPT N1 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (shé)

The character primarily means "to snap" or "to break" something, especially something long and thin like a branch or a chair leg. It is often used in physical contexts where an object is broken by bending or force.

Another common use of is in the context of discounts or sales, where it means "to discount" or "to reduce the price." For example, 打折 means "to give a discount."

Common Collocations

  • (zhé duàn): to break off completely
  • 打折 (dǎ zhé): to give a discount
  • 折腾 (zhē teng): to toss about, to suffer

Notes

When used to describe breaking, often implies a clean break or snap, different from cracking or bending without breaking. In sales contexts, is usually combined with to form 打折, a very common phrase in shopping.

Avoid confusing with (duàn), which also means "to break" but is more general and can apply to non-physical breaks such as breaking a contract or cutting off communication.

Example Sentences

The leg of this chair is broken; it can't be sat on.

The store is having a sale; clothes are much cheaper than usual.

He broke his wrist during the competition and can't continue.