Chopstick: meaning, definitions and examples
🥢
chopstick
[ˈtʃɒp.stɪk ]
Definition
utensil usage
Chopsticks are a pair of long, slender sticks used as eating utensils in many Asian countries. Typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, they are held in one hand and used to pick up food. The use of chopsticks is an integral part of dining in cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Mastering chopstick technique can take practice, as it requires coordination and precision.
Synonyms
eating sticks, utensils.
Examples of usage
- She deftly picked up sushi with her chopsticks.
- In many Asian restaurants, chopsticks are the standard utensils provided.
- He struggled to eat his noodles with chopsticks at first.
- Chopsticks are often used in communal dining settings.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'chopstick' comes from the Hokkien Chinese term 'chhap-chak', which means 'to use with quick movements'.
- In Chinese, chopsticks are called 'kuàizi', meaning 'quick ones'. This reflects their intended use in meals.
Cultural Significance
- In many Asian cultures, chopsticks are not just utensils but a symbol of respect towards food, emphasizing slow, mindful eating.
- In Japan, sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered a funeral practice, as it mimics incense offerings.
Design and Materials
- Chopsticks can be made from various materials such as wood, bamboo, stainless steel, and even plastic, depending on the culture and intended use.
- Some chopsticks are designed with textured tips or a tapered end for better grip on food.
Historical Origins
- Chopsticks are believed to have originated in ancient China over 5,000 years ago, evolving from cooking utensils to eating implements.
- Around the 10th century, chopsticks became mainstream across Asia, influencing dining customs in countries like Japan and Korea.
Usage Tips
- Learning to use chopsticks can be a fun challenge; hold one stick like a pencil and use the other to pinch food, practicing on small items like peas.
- Different cuisines have various etiquette rules; for example, in some cultures, it’s polite to not point chopsticks at others while eating.
Translations
Translations of the word "chopstick" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hashi
🇮🇳 चॉपस्टिक
🇩🇪 Essstäbchen
🇮🇩 sumpit
🇺🇦 палички для їжі
🇵🇱 pałeczki
🇯🇵 箸 (はし)
🇫🇷 baguettes
🇪🇸 palillos
🇹🇷 çubuk
🇰🇷 젓가락 (jeotgarak)
🇸🇦 عيدان الأكل (idan al'akal)
🇨🇿 hůlky
🇸🇰 hůlky
🇨🇳 筷子 (kuàizi)
🇸🇮 palčke
🇮🇸 pinnar
🇰🇿 таяқшалар
🇬🇪 ჩხიკვები (chkikvebi)
🇦🇿 çubuqlar
🇲🇽 palillos