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砧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhēnanvil, flat stonen, 10 strokes, radical 石, rank #31852, Very Hard
zhēn(zhen1) T1
  1. 1anvil, flat stone
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
zhēn(zhen1)

The character 砧 (zhēn) refers to a type of anvil or a flat stone used in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, particularly in blacksmithing and stone carving. It signifies a tool that provides a stable surface for shaping materials and is commonly used in contexts involving craftsmanship and manual work.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#31852DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese blacksmithing, the anvil (砧) plays a crucial role in shaping metal, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture. This connection highlights the value placed on skilled labor and artisanal techniques.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong, flat stone that serves as the foundation for forging metal. The character 砧 resembles a flat stone resting on a base, helping you remember that it represents stability and support in craftsmanship.

Meanings of 砧

zhēn(zhen1)
1anvil, flat stone
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 砧

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 砧

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 砧

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a strong, flat stone that serves as the foundation for forging metal. The character 砧 resembles a flat stone resting on a base, helping you remember that it represents stability and support in craftsmanship.

Usage Notes

This word is typically used in more formal contexts related to trade and craftsmanship. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone of zhēn must be pronounced accurately. Common collocations include 砧板 (zhēnbǎn), meaning cutting board, which also uses the character for its flat surface.

HSK Study Tips

Although 砧 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it relates to other terms in the realm of tools and craftsmanship. Students should focus on understanding its usage in context, especially when learning related terms like 砧板.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese blacksmithing, the anvil (砧) plays a crucial role in shaping metal, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture. This connection highlights the value placed on skilled labor and artisanal techniques.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 砧 with similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with 震 (zhèn), which means to shake or tremble. Always remember that 砧 relates to tools, while 震 relates to movement.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 砧

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Etymology of 砧

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 占 represents the sound. Simplified form of 碪.

Memory Hint

stone

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 砧?

Decomposition of 砧

IDS Structure⿰石占
Full Character
=
dan4
left
zhan1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 砧?

Write 砧

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 砧

砧 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

铁匠锤打铁____.

The blacksmith smote the anvil.

Example Sentences for 砧 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
铁匠锤打铁砧.

tiě jiàng chuí dǎ tiě zhēn.

The blacksmith smote the anvil.
Exercise 1 of 1

Reorder the Sentence

The blacksmith smote the anvil.

Tap tokens to build the sentence

Cultural Notes for 砧

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese blacksmithing, the anvil (砧) plays a crucial role in shaping metal, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese culture. This connection highlights the value placed on skilled labor and artisanal techniques.

Word Family of 砧

Words Containing This Character5
zhēnanvil
砧板chopping board or block
砧木rootstock (stem onto which a branch is grafted)
砧骨incus or anvil bone of middle ear, passing sound vibration from malleus hammer bone to stapes stirrup bone
铁砧anvil鐵砧
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 砧 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 砧

砧 typically refers to an anvil or a flat stone used in various crafts, though it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.