剪纸 (jiǎnzhǐ) refers to the traditional Chinese art of paper-cutting, which involves creating intricate designs by cutting patterns into paper. This craft is often used for decoration during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. It showcases the creativity and skill of the artist, often reflecting cultural themes and local customs.
HSK 5, 16 strokes, Hard
jiǎnzhǐ(jian3zhi3) T3
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May 27, 2026
剪纸jiǎnzhǐ(jian3zhi3)
剪纸 (jiǎnzhǐ) refers to the traditional Chinese art of paper-cutting, which involves creating intricate designs by cutting patterns into paper. This craft is often used for decoration during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness. It showcases the creativity and skill of the artist, often reflecting cultural themes and local customs.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
剪纸 is closely associated with Chinese New Year celebrations, where these paper cuttings are used to adorn windows and doors, symbolizing the welcoming of good luck and the dispelling of evil spirits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of scissors (剪) delicately cutting through a sheet of red paper (纸) to create beautiful patterns. Picture a festive scene where these paper-cuttings hang everywhere, bringing joy and good fortune, as the sound of scissors snipping fills the air.
About 剪纸
剪纸Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 剪纸
Podcast: 剪纸
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AI Study Notes for 剪纸
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of scissors (剪) delicately cutting through a sheet of red paper (纸) to create beautiful patterns. Picture a festive scene where these paper-cuttings hang everywhere, bringing joy and good fortune, as the sound of scissors snipping fills the air.
Usage Notes
When using 剪纸, be mindful of context; it is typically used in cultural or artistic discussions rather than casual conversations. Common collocations include '传统剪纸' (traditional paper cutting) and '节日剪纸' (festival paper cutting). Ensure you use the correct tones, as incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 5, focus on understanding the cultural significance of 剪纸 and its role in celebrations. This word connects to other vocabulary related to art (艺术 yìshù) and festivals (节日 jiérì), enhancing your cultural knowledge as you progress.
Cultural Note
剪纸 is closely associated with Chinese New Year celebrations, where these paper cuttings are used to adorn windows and doors, symbolizing the welcoming of good luck and the dispelling of evil spirits.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 剪纸 with other forms of paper art, like 折纸 (zhézhǐ, origami). Remember, 剪纸 involves cutting, while 折纸 is about folding. Another common mistake is using the wrong tone; make sure to pronounce it as jiǎnzhǐ, not jiànzhǐ.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 剪纸
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Cultural Notes for 剪纸
🏮Cultural insight
剪纸 is closely associated with Chinese New Year celebrations, where these paper cuttings are used to adorn windows and doors, symbolizing the welcoming of good luck and the dispelling of evil spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 剪纸
You typically need thin paper, scissors, and a cutting mat. Some people also use special tools for more intricate designs.
Yes, there are many tutorials and videos available online that can guide you through the basic techniques and patterns.
While it is popular during festivals, many people also create剪纸 as a form of art for home decoration or gifts.
