Common Meanings
1
xiāo削
To peel or pare something with a knife, especially the outer layer; to sharpen.
妈妈正在厨房里削苹果。
Mom is peeling an apple in the kitchen.
In table tennis, to chop (a ball); to hit the ball with a flat and slightly slanted racket to impart backspin, often to defend or control the pace.
他擅长用削球来限制对手的进攻。
He is good at using chop shots to restrict his opponent's attacks.
2
xuē削
Used in compound words like "削铁如泥" (xuē tiě rú ní), meaning "to cut iron like mud," describing extreme sharpness or efficiency; or "削足适履" (xuē zú shì lǚ), meaning "to cut one's feet to fit the shoes," describing making awkward and often detrimental changes to fit an unsuitable standard. Both usages are similar to "削" (xiāo).
这把刀锋利无比，削铁如泥
This knife is incredibly sharp, cutting through iron like mud.
To reduce or cut down (e.g., expenses, numbers).
为了提高效率，公司决定削减一些不必要的开支。
To improve efficiency, the company decided to cut down some unnecessary expenses.
To dismiss or remove someone from a position or duty.
他因工作失误被削去经理一职。
He was dismissed from his manager position due to work errors.
To exploit or extort something from someone; to fleece.
不要总是想着去削他人的利益。
Don't always think about exploiting the interests of others.