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斦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
斦yínThe character 斦 (yín) refers to a type of ancient weapon, specifically a halberd or spear-like tool used in battles. It is not commonly used in everyday language and is primarily found in historical texts or discussions about ancient military equipment.8 strokes, radical 斤
yín(yin2) T2
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March 24, 2026

斦yín(yin2)

The character 斦 (yín) refers to a type of ancient weapon, specifically a halberd or spear-like tool used in battles. It is not commonly used in everyday language and is primarily found in historical texts or discussions about ancient military equipment.

Strokes8Radical斤
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 斦 was a significant weapon for military generals and soldiers, symbolizing strength and strategy in warfare. Understanding this character can provide insights into the martial traditions and historical warfare tactics of Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fierce warrior wielding a long spear (the shape of 斦) in battle, shouting the sound 'yín' as he charges forward. The radical 斧 (axe) suggests the cutting or piercing nature of the weapon, making it easier to remember its meaning.

About 斦

斦Simplified
8Strokes
斤Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 斦

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Podcast: 斦

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AI Study Notes for 斦

Usage Notes

斦 is not frequently used in modern Mandarin, so learners might encounter it mostly in literary or historical contexts. It is important to note the correct pronunciation, as confusing it with similar-sounding words could lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As 斦 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, students at higher levels (HSK 4 and above) should focus on understanding its historical context and recognizing it in literature or historical texts. This character can enhance vocabulary related to ancient themes.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 斦 with similar characters that have different meanings, such as 斧 (axe). It's essential to pay attention to pronunciation and context to avoid using the wrong character in conversation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 斦

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Etymology of 斦

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Semantic (meaning)斤
+
Phonetic (sound)斤
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 斦

  1. 1The meaning half斤 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half斤 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 斦? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 斦?

Decomposition of 斦

IDS Structure⿰斤斤
斦Full Character
=
斤jin1
left
斤jin1
right
Exercise 1 of 1

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 斦?

How to say 斦 in Chinese

This in Chinese is斦yín

The character 斦 (yín) refers to a type of ancient weapon, specifically a halberd or spear-like tool used in battles. It is not commonly used in everyday language and is primarily found in historical texts or discussions about ancient military equipment.

When to use 斦

斦 is not frequently used in modern Mandarin, so learners might encounter it mostly in literary or historical contexts. It is important to note the correct pronunciation, as confusing it with similar-sounding words could lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 斦 with similar characters that have different meanings, such as 斧 (axe). It's essential to pay attention to pronunciation and context to avoid using the wrong character in conversation.

Write 斦

斦

Practice writing 斦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 斦

斦 refers to a type of weapon, specifically a halberd or spear-like tool used in ancient Chinese warfare.

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