剪刀
jiǎndāo
The English word 'scissors' is translated into Chinese as 剪刀 (jiǎndāo). Wiktionary also lists 剪子 (jiǎnzi).
Meaning: tool used for cutting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 剪刀 | jiǎndāo |
| 剪子 | jiǎnzi |
The term for the tool used for cutting is 剪刀. It is the most common and widely recognized term in Mandarin Chinese. The phrase 石头剪刀布 (shítou jiǎndāo bù) is the standard way to refer to the game 'Rock-Paper-Scissors'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 剪刀 is composed of 剪 (jiǎn), meaning 'to cut' and 刀 (dāo), meaning 'knife'.
Which one should you use?
While 剪刀 is the standard term used in most contexts, 剪子 is a common colloquial variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting or specifying a single pair of scissors, use the measure word 把 instead of the standard 个.
How do you pronounce it?
jiǎndāo
When do people say it?
The phrase 石头剪刀布 is used when playing the game 'Rock-Paper-Scissors'.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Chinese contexts, giving scissors as a gift can be seen as bad luck, as the act of 'cutting' might symbolize cutting ties in a relationship.
- The verb 剪 (jiǎn) is used for cutting things like paper or hair, but for cutting food like meat, one would typically use different verbs like 切 (qiē) to avoid sounding like they are using scissors.
- The character 剪 (cut) contains the 'metal' radical 金 on the left, which is a common feature in Chinese words for tools and weapons.
Examples in context
- 石头剪刀布！Rock-paper-scissors, shoot!Tatoeba #13953741 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13953742 by jan_OkulaJu
- 这把剪刀不好使。These scissors don't cut well.Tatoeba #1733453 by sadhen, translation #60708 by CK
- 来玩石头剪刀布吧！Let's play rock-paper-scissors!Tatoeba #13953747 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13953739 by jan_OkulaJu
- 我需要一把剪刀。I need a pair of scissors.
- 请拿给我一把剪子。Please give me a pair of scissors.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are working on an arts and crafts project at home.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你有剪刀吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ yǒu jiǎndāo ma?Xiaowen, do you have scissors?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我这儿有一把。Wǒ zhèr yǒu yī bǎ.I have a pair here.
- 伟 Wei太好了，谢谢你。Tài hǎole, xièxiè nǐ.Great, thank you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen不客气，伟。Bù kèqì, Wěi.You're welcome, Wei.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scissors” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
