We have learnt Chinese numbers from One to Six as "一","二", “三”, "四","五", "六". Before we jump to Seven, it is better to know another Chinese character first - "刀".
You might wonder what is the meaning of "刀", and how is it related to Seven?
Anyway, let us check "刀" evolution history first:
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| Chinese character 刀 |
"刀" it is a Pictograph character. Its Oracle script
was straightforward to show an image of following object:
was straightforward to show an image of following object:![]() |
| 刀 - Knife |
Chinese ancestors cleverly leave the sharp edge of
invisible to actually show its sharpest edge of the weapon.
invisible to actually show its sharpest edge of the weapon.
"刀" Seal script
has curved the handle shape, as it evolved to
, the upper part of the knife handle is simplified out.
is quite close to what we are using now: "刀".
has curved the handle shape, as it evolved to
, the upper part of the knife handle is simplified out.
is quite close to what we are using now: "刀".
so "刀" means Knife. It is a cold weapon.
As usual, let us end this topic with a Chinese calligraphy art with "刀" inside.
![]() |
| 饮马渡秋水,水寒风似刀 |
And you might still wonder why Knife is related to Chinese number Seven - "七". You will understand it after knowing the way how "七" is created.



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