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錨 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
máoanchorx, 17 strokes, radical 釒, Very Hard
máo(mao2) T2
  1. 1anchor
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

máo(mao2)

The character 錨 (máo) means 'anchor,' which is a device used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom. It is commonly associated with maritime activities, symbolizing stability and security. In a metaphorical sense, it can also refer to something that provides support or grounding in various contexts.

Strokes17RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese maritime culture, the anchor symbolizes not just physical stability but also the emotional grounding that comes from having a secure home or base. The concept of anchoring is prevalent in Chinese poetry and literature as a metaphor for stability in life.

Memory Tip

Imagine an old sailor named Mao who always carries a heavy anchor with him. The character 錨 has a metal component (金) that represents the strength of the anchor, and the overall shape resembles an anchor reaching down into the water, holding the ship in place.

Meanings of 錨

máo(mao2)
1anchor
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 錨

Simplified
17Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 錨

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 錨

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine an old sailor named Mao who always carries a heavy anchor with him. The character 錨 has a metal component (金) that represents the strength of the anchor, and the overall shape resembles an anchor reaching down into the water, holding the ship in place.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the tone; 'máo' is pronounced with the second tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This word is generally used in formal contexts related to maritime discussions, and it does not commonly appear in everyday conversation. It often appears with other nautical terms.

HSK Study Tips

Although 錨 is not part of the standard HSK curriculum, it is beneficial for learners who are interested in maritime vocabulary or travel-related discussions. Students should focus on recognizing the character's components and understanding its usage in context.

Cultural Note

In Chinese maritime culture, the anchor symbolizes not just physical stability but also the emotional grounding that comes from having a secure home or base. The concept of anchoring is prevalent in Chinese poetry and literature as a metaphor for stability in life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 錨 with other similar-sounding words, like 毛 (máo, hair). For example, saying '我有一个錨在我的头上' (I have an anchor on my head) instead of using it in a correct nautical context. Always remember that 錨 refers specifically to 'anchor.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 錨

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Etymology of 錨

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 錨.

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 錨?

Decomposition of 錨

IDS Structure⿰釒苗
Full Character
=
jin1
left
Miao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 錨?

Write 錨

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 錨

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese maritime culture, the anchor symbolizes not just physical stability but also the emotional grounding that comes from having a secure home or base. The concept of anchoring is prevalent in Chinese poetry and literature as a metaphor for stability in life.

Word Family of 錨

Words Containing This Character4
máoanchor
抛锚to drop anchor拋錨
起锚to weigh anchor起錨
锚链anchor chain錨鏈
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 锚 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 錨

You could say, '船的錨很重' (The anchor of the ship is very heavy).