磨刀石
módāoshí
The English word "grindstone" is translated into Chinese as 磨刀石 (módāoshí). Wiktionary also lists 磨石 (móshí) and 磨子 (mòzi).
Meaning: wheel for grinding (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 磨刀石 | módāoshí |
| 磨石 | móshí |
| 磨子 | mòzi |
| 磨 | mò |
| 石磨 | shímò |
Chinese has several words for a grindstone or grinding tool depending on the specific object you are describing, such as whether it is for sharpening a blade or for milling grain.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 磨刀石 is composed of 磨 (grind), 刀 (knife) and 石 (stone).
Which one should you use?
While 磨石 is a general term for any grinding stone, 磨刀石 specifically refers to a stone used for sharpening knives. If you are referring to a large stone mill used for grinding grain or making paste, use 石磨. 磨子 is a common colloquial way to refer to a grinding tool or millstone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The single character 磨 can function as a noun meaning a grinding tool or as a verb meaning to grind.
How do you pronounce it?
módāoshí
Did you know?
- The phrase 磨洋工 uses the character for 'grind' 磨 to describe someone who is intentionally working slowly or wasting time on the job.
- In Chinese, the verb 磨 is used metaphorically to describe the process of improving one's character or skills through hard work and persistence.
- The character 磨 is a phono-semantic compound that combines the radical for 'rock' 石 with a phonetic component originally meaning 'to fade' or 'to disappear'.
Examples in context
- 请把磨盘放在适当的位置。Please place the grindstone in the appropriate position.
- 我需要去买一个石磨来磨豆腐。I need to buy a grindstone to grind tofu.
- 他在用磨刀石磨刀。Tā zài yòng módǎoshí módāo.He is using a grindstone to sharpen a knife.
- 这块磨刀石很旧了。Zhè kuài módǎoshí hěn jiù le.This grindstone is very old.
- 请把那块磨刀石给我。Qǐng bǎ nà kuài módǎoshí gěi wǒ.Please give that grindstone to me.
Example conversation
A man is preparing tools in a garden workshop.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，你的剪刀很钝了。Wěi, nǐ de jiǎndāo hěn dùn le.Wei, your scissors are very dull.
- 伟 Wei是吗？我需要用磨刀石吗？Shì ma? Wǒ xūyào yòng módǎoshí ma?Really? Do I need to use a grindstone?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，用磨刀石磨一下吧。Shì de, yòng módǎoshí mó yīxià ba.Yes, use the grindstone to sharpen them.
- 伟 Wei好的，谢谢晓雯。Hǎo de, xièxiè Xiǎowén.Okay, thanks Xiaowen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grindstone” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 磨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
