chopsticks
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Eating utensils: "Chopsticks" are a pair of thin, long sticks used as eating utensils, traditionally in many East Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. They are typically made of wood, bamboo, plastic, or metal and are held between the thumb and fingers to pick up food.
Usage Examples
- (She practiced using the sticks to eat.)
- (The sticks are meant for single use.)
Advanced Usage
- "Chopsticks" can also refer to a famous piano composition by Euphemia Allen, often taught to beginners.
- He played 'Chopsticks' on the piano as his first song. (A simple, repetitive duet for piano.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chopstick (singular): one stick from the pair; rarely used alone except in technical or manufacturing contexts.
- One chopstick fell off the table. (A single stick from the set.)
Synonyms
- Eating sticks: a descriptive term for chopsticks in English.
- Hashis (Japanese loanword): used in English contexts referring specifically to Japanese chopsticks.
Related Idioms
- "Chopsticks and forks": a phrase used to contrast Eastern and Western dining customs.
- The dinner table had both chopsticks and forks to accommodate all guests. (Both utensils were available.)
Cultural Note
- Etiquette: In many cultures, chopsticks should not be stuck vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense sticks used at funerals, and is considered taboo.
- It is bad manners to stand chopsticks upright in your food. (Avoid this action during meals.)