chè
坼
split; thorough
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to split open; to crack
literaryA classical, literary usage, often describing cracking due to cold or dryness. In modern Chinese, this sense is mostly preserved in idioms or classical references. The more common meaning of '彻' is 'thorough' or 'penetrating'.
Tiān天
hán寒
dì地
chè彻
。
The sky is cold and the earth cracks.
Dōng冬
rì日
yán严
hán寒
，
hé河
bīng冰
jìn尽
chè彻
。
In the severe winter cold, the river ice cracks completely.
adjective
thorough; penetrating; complete
neutralThis is the dominant modern meaning. It describes something done completely or understood deeply.
Tā他
duì对
zhè这
ge个
wèn问
tí题
yǒu有
tòu透
chè彻
de的
lǐ理
jiě解
。
He has a thorough understanding of this issue.
Wǒ我
men们
xū需
yào要
jìn进
xíng行
yī一
cì次
chè彻
dǐ底
de的
diào调
chá查
。
We need to conduct a thorough investigation.
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Chè彻
yè夜
wèi未
mián眠
。
Did not sleep the whole night.