Chopstick: meaning, definitions and examples

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chopstick

 

[ ˈtʃɒp.stɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

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

Etymology

The term 'chopstick' is thought to originate from the Chinese Pidgin English word 'chop', meaning 'quick' or 'to make haste', combined with 'stick'. This reflects the quick method in which they are used for eating. The history of chopsticks dates back to ancient China, around 1200 BC, where they were initially used for cooking rather than eating. Over time, they became the primary utensils for consumption in many East Asian cultures. Initially made from bronze and later from wood, chopsticks transitioned into everyday use as dining customs evolved. The design, length, and type of material used for chopsticks can vary significantly among different cultures, reflecting local customs and practices.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,822, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.