Meanings of 坼
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坼
Podcast: 坼
Podcast: 坼
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 坼
裂 (liè) vs 破 (pò) — use 坼 (chè) when emphasizing a clean or distinct crack, while 裂 (liè) often refers to a more general splitting, and 破 (pò) implies breaking something into pieces.
Common mistakes include confusing 坼 with similar characters like 裂 (liè), which also means to split but often refers to a more significant or deeper crack. This word is more commonly used in informal contexts. Learners should be mindful of tone, ensuring they pronounce 坼 with the fourth tone to avoid confusion.
Although 坼 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK words related to breaking or splitting, such as 破 (pò). Students should focus on the context in which 坼 is used to enhance their understanding of related verbs in Mandarin.
Learners often confuse 坼 with 裂 (liè) when referring to cracks. For example, saying '这条路裂了' instead of '这条路坼了' can lead to incorrect usage, as 裂 often implies a more serious type of split.
Pronunciation of 坼
Drill the tone of 坼 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 坼
earth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 坼
- 1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half斥 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayearth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 坼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 坼?
Decomposition of 坼
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 坼?
How to say to crack, to open, to split, to tear in Chinese
“to crack, to open, to split, to tear” in Chinese is坼
The character 坼 (chè) means to crack, split, or tear apart. It often describes the action of breaking something into pieces or creating a fissure. This term can be used in both physical contexts, such as describing a cracked surface, and metaphorical ones, indicating a division or rift in relationships.
When to use 坼
Common mistakes include confusing 坼 with similar characters like 裂 (liè), which also means to split but often refers to a more significant or deeper crack. This word is more commonly used in informal contexts. Learners should be mindful of tone, ensuring they pronounce 坼 with the fourth tone to avoid confusion.
坼 or something close to it
裂 (liè) vs 破 (pò) — use 坼 (chè) when emphasizing a clean or distinct crack, while 裂 (liè) often refers to a more general splitting, and 破 (pò) implies breaking something into pieces.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 坼 with 裂 (liè) when referring to cracks. For example, saying '这条路裂了' instead of '这条路坼了' can lead to incorrect usage, as 裂 often implies a more serious type of split.
Write 坼
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 坼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 坼
Compound Meaning
What does 坼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坼
You can say '这个墙壁上有一个大坼' (There is a big crack in this wall).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 坼?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.