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杈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
杈chāpitchfork; tree forkn, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈chāfork of a treeunknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈chābranches of a treeunknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈chàpitchfork; tree forkn, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈chàfork of a treeunknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
杈chàbranches of a treeunknown, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #57549, Very Hard
chā(cha1)
primary
T1
  1. 1pitchfork; tree fork
  2. 2fork of a tree
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

杈chā(cha1)

The character 杈 (chā) refers to a fork, particularly in the context of branches of a tree or tools like a pitchfork. It conveys the idea of something splitting into two or more parts, often used in agricultural contexts or when discussing natural forms. This character can also relate to the concept of division in broader contexts.

Strokes7Radical木Frequency#57549DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese agriculture, tools like pitchforks (杈) are essential for farming, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Chinese history and culture. The concept of trees and their branches also symbolizes growth and prosperity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tree with branches splitting off like a pitchfork. The character 杈 looks like a tree with two branches going out, and the 'chā' sound can remind you of 'chop' as if you're chopping the tree into branches.

Meanings of 杈

chā(cha1)
primary
1pitchfork; tree fork
2fork of a tree
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 杈

杈Simplified
7Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 杈

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Podcast: 杈

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AI Study Notes for 杈

Usage Notes

While 杈 is quite specific, learners sometimes confuse it with similar characters related to branches or tools. It is used mostly in informal contexts or agricultural discussions. Be careful with the pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone to avoid confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 杈 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other nature-related terms at lower levels. Focus on the radicals '木' (tree) and '叉' (fork) to reinforce understanding of related words.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 杈 with other fork-related characters like 叉 (chā) or 分叉 (fēn chā), which can lead to incorrect usage. Always remember that 杈 specifically pertains to tree forks or pitchforks.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 杈

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Etymology of 杈

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

Where two branches 木 fork 叉; 叉 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 杈?

Decomposition of 杈

IDS Structure⿰木叉
杈Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
叉cha1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 杈?

How to say pitchfork; tree fork in Chinese

“pitchfork; tree fork” in Chinese is杈chā

The character 杈 (chā) refers to a fork, particularly in the context of branches of a tree or tools like a pitchfork. It conveys the idea of something splitting into two or more parts, often used in agricultural contexts or when discussing natural forms. This character can also relate to the concept of division in broader contexts.

When to use 杈

While 杈 is quite specific, learners sometimes confuse it with similar characters related to branches or tools. It is used mostly in informal contexts or agricultural discussions. Be careful with the pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone to avoid confusion with other words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 杈 with other fork-related characters like 叉 (chā) or 分叉 (fēn chā), which can lead to incorrect usage. Always remember that 杈 specifically pertains to tree forks or pitchforks.

Write 杈

杈

Practice writing 杈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 杈

杈 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这整个快要散架的搭建物吊挂在一棵枝繁叶茂的大树的枝____上。

This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.

Example Sentences for 杈 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这整个快要散架的搭建物吊挂在一棵枝繁叶茂的大树的枝杈上。

zhè zhěng gè kuài yào sàn jià de dā jiàn wù diào guà zài yī kē zhī fán yè mào de dà shù de zhī chā shàng。

This entire rickety structure was hanging from the limb of an enormous leafy tree.

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Word Family of 杈

Words Containing This Character3
杈chāpitchfork
打杈to prune (branches)
丫杈fork (of a tree)
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 杈

What does 打杈 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 杈

It primarily means a fork, especially in relation to tree branches or tools like pitchforks.

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