卷笔刀
juǎnbǐdāo
The English phrase pencil sharpener is translated into Mandarin as 卷笔刀 (juǎnbǐdāo).
A pencil sharpener is a device used to sharpen the lead and wood of a pencil.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 卷笔刀 is composed of 卷 (juǎn, to roll/wind), 笔 (bǐ, pen/pencil) and 刀 (dāo, knife).
Which one should you use?
削笔刀 (xuē bǐ dāo) is a common alternative term, using the verb 削 (xuē) which means 'to shave' or 'to peel'.
How do you pronounce it?
juǎnbǐdāo
Did you know?
- In Chinese schools, the act of sharpening a pencil is often described using the verb 削 (xuē), which is the same word used for peeling a potato or an apple.
- The term 刀 in 卷笔刀 means 'knife', reflecting a time when students used handheld blades to shave pencils by hand rather than using mechanical grinders.
- While 卷笔刀 is the standard term, some regions use 削笔器 (xuē bǐ qì), replacing 'knife' with 器 (qì), a general term for a 'device' or 'instrument'.
Examples in context
- 我需要找个削笔刀。I need to find a pencil sharpener (pencil knife).
- 这个卷笔刀坏了。Zhège juǎnbǐdāo huài le.This pencil sharpener is broken.
- 请给我那个卷笔刀。Qǐng gěi wǒ nàge juǎnbǐdāo.Please give me that pencil sharpener.
- 你的卷笔刀在哪儿？Nǐ de juǎnbǐdāo zài nǎ'er?Where is your pencil sharpener?
Example conversation
Two students are preparing for a drawing class in a classroom.
- 俊杰 Junjie晓雯，你有卷笔刀吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ yǒu juǎnbǐdāo ma?Xiaowen, do you have a pencil sharpener?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我有，你要用吗？Wǒ yǒu, nǐ yào yòng ma?I have one, do you want to use it?
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢，我的铅笔太钝了。Xièxiè, wǒ de qiānbǐ tài dùn le.Thanks, my pencil is too blunt.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没关系，用我的吧。Méiguānxì, yòng wǒ de ba.No problem, use mine.
