Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
銚 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
diàohoe; spear; surnamex, 14 strokes, radical 釒, Very Hard
diào(diao4) T4
  1. 1hoe; spear; surname
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
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.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 銚

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

Podcast: 銚

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 銚

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 銚

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

metal

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 銚?

Decomposition of 銚

IDS Structure⿰釒兆
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Zhao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 銚?

Write 銚

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

Cultural Notes for 銚

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Word Family of 銚

Words Containing This Character1
diàosurname Yao
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 铫 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 銚

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