to chop, to cut, to sever

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (zhǎn) primarily means "to chop" or "to cut through" with a sharp instrument like a sword or knife. It often implies a decisive, forceful action of severing something completely.

Common Contexts

is frequently used in historical or literary contexts describing warriors cutting down enemies. It also appears in modern usage metaphorically, such as "职位" meaning to remove or dismiss someone from a role.

Collocations and Patterns

  • (zhǎn duàn): to cut off completely, often used with ropes, branches, or figuratively with ties or connections.
  • (zhǎn shā): to kill by cutting, used in battle or hunting contexts.
  • (zhǎn diào): to cut off or remove, often used metaphorically for dismissing or eliminating something.

Usage Notes

is more forceful and vivid than the general verb (qiē) for cutting. It usually implies a single, strong chopping action. Avoid confusing with (gē), which can mean to cut but often implies slicing or cutting in parts rather than a decisive chop.

When used metaphorically, conveys a sense of finality and decisiveness, such as in business or social contexts where something is abruptly ended or removed.

Example Sentences

He cut the rope with a knife.

Ancient warriors cut down enemies with swords.

He was cut from the position of project leader by the company.