Meanings of 箝
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About 箝
Podcast: 箝
Podcast: 箝
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AI Study Notes for 箝
钳 (qián, tongs) — use 箝 when emphasizing the action of gripping or holding tightly, while 钳 refers more specifically to a type of tool that is broader and used for lifting or moving.
When using 箝, be careful to use it in contexts specifically related to tools or actions involving clamping. Avoid using it in informal settings unless discussing tools directly. Common collocations include '箝子' (qiánzi) for 'pliers' or '钳制' (qiánzhì) meaning 'to clamp down'.
Though 箝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students at an intermediate level can relate it to other tool-related vocabulary. Focus on distinguishing it from similar words like '夹' (jiā), which also means to hold or clamp but in broader contexts.
Learners often confuse 箝 with 夹 (jiā) because both relate to gripping. For example, saying '我用箝子夹东西' is incorrect; instead, use '我用夹子夹东西' for 'I use tweezers to grip things.'
Pronunciation of 箝
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Etymology of 箝
Bamboo ⺮ used to grasp 拑 things; 拑 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 箝
- 1The giveawayBamboo ⺮ used to grasp 拑 things; 拑 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 箝? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 箝
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How to say tweezers, pincers; pliers, tongs in Chinese
“tweezers, pincers; pliers, tongs” in Chinese is箝
The character 箝 (qián) refers to tools like tweezers, pincers, or pliers that are used to grip, hold, or manipulate objects. It can also refer to the action of clamping something tightly. In a broader context, it suggests a sense of restriction or holding something in place.
When to use 箝
When using 箝, be careful to use it in contexts specifically related to tools or actions involving clamping. Avoid using it in informal settings unless discussing tools directly. Common collocations include '箝子' (qiánzi) for 'pliers' or '钳制' (qiánzhì) meaning 'to clamp down'.
箝 or something close to it
钳 (qián, tongs) — use 箝 when emphasizing the action of gripping or holding tightly, while 钳 refers more specifically to a type of tool that is broader and used for lifting or moving.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 箝 with 夹 (jiā) because both relate to gripping. For example, saying '我用箝子夹东西' is incorrect; instead, use '我用夹子夹东西' for 'I use tweezers to grip things.'
Write 箝
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Practice writing 箝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 箝
Compound Meaning
What does 箝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 箝
While both can mean to clamp or grip, 箝 specifically refers to tools like pliers, whereas 夹 is more general and can refer to holding or pinching anything.
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