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銚 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
銚diàohoe; spear; surnamex, 14 strokes, radical 釒
diào(diao4)diao T4
  1. 1hoe; spear; surname
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March 24, 2026

銚diào(diao4)

The character 銚 (diào) primarily refers to a type of agricultural tool known as a hoe, traditionally used for tilling soil. It can also denote a spear in some contexts and is used as a surname. This character is less common in everyday language and is more likely encountered in historical or literary texts.

Strokes14Radical釒
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese agriculture, tools like the 銚 were essential for farming, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between Chinese culture and agricultural practices. The character may also appear in discussions about historical weaponry, indicating the dual importance of tools and weapons in Chinese history.

Memory tip

Imagine a farmer using a hoe (similar to 'diào') to dig into the ground, with the sharp end resembling a spear. The character 銚 has the metal radical (金) on the left, hinting at its strength and utility in farming and warfare.

Meanings of 銚

diào(diao4)
1hoe; spear; surname
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 銚 means.

About 銚

銚Simplified
14Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 銚

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Podcast: 銚

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AI study notes for 銚

Usage Notes

When using 銚, ensure clarity about whether you are referring to the tool or the weapon, as the context can change its meaning. It is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Be careful with pronunciation, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 銚 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for advanced learners interested in historical texts or specialized vocabulary. Students should focus on similar characters with the metal radical (金) to enhance their understanding of this category.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 銚 with similar-sounding characters, leading to errors in both writing and speaking. For example, confusing it with 角 (jiǎo, horn or angle) can change the meaning entirely. Always double-check character components and context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 銚

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Etymology of 銚

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)釒
+
Phonetic (sound)兆
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

銚 = 釒 + 兆. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 銚

IDS Structure⿰釒兆
銚Full character
=
釒jin1
left
兆Zhao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 銚?

How to say hoe; spear; surname in Chinese

“hoe; spear; surname” in Chinese is銚diào

The character 銚 (diào) primarily refers to a type of agricultural tool known as a hoe, traditionally used for tilling soil. It can also denote a spear in some contexts and is used as a surname. This character is less common in everyday language and is more likely encountered in historical or literary texts.

When to use 銚

When using 銚, ensure clarity about whether you are referring to the tool or the weapon, as the context can change its meaning. It is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Be careful with pronunciation, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 銚 with similar-sounding characters, leading to errors in both writing and speaking. For example, confusing it with 角 (jiǎo, horn or angle) can change the meaning entirely. Always double-check character components and context.

Write 銚

銚

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

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Word Family of 銚

Words containing this character1
铫diàosurname Yao銚

Frequently asked questions about 銚

No, 銚 is not commonly used in everyday conversation and is more likely found in historical or literary contexts.

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