Meanings of 鎖
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About 鎖
Podcast: 鎖
Podcast: 鎖
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AI Study Notes for 鎖
锁 (suǒ, lock) vs 钥匙 (yàoshi, key) — choose 鎖 when referring specifically to the locking device, not the instrument used to unlock it.
Be careful not to confuse 鎖 (suǒ) with 锁 (suǒ), which is a simplified version used in Mainland China. The term is generally informal when used in conversation, but can be used in formal contexts when discussing security. Common collocations include '鎖頭' (lock head) and '鎖住' (to lock up).
Since 鎖 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on its usage in everyday conversations about security. Connecting it to related words like 锁 (lock) and 监狱 (prison) can help reinforce its meaning at lower HSK levels.
Learners often confuse 鎖 with similar characters due to the complexity of traditional characters. For example, writing 鎖 as 锁 is incorrect in contexts requiring traditional characters. Remember to use 鎖 when writing in traditional Chinese contexts.
Pronunciation of 鎖
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Etymology of 鎖
Simplified form of 鎖. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 𧴪 represents the sound.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鎖
Simplified form of 鎖. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 𧴪 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half⺌ is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymetal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鎖? 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 鎖
Identify the Components
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How to say lock, padlock; chains, shackles in Chinese
“lock, padlock; chains, shackles” in Chinese is鎖
The character 鎖 (suǒ) primarily means 'lock' or 'padlock,' referring to devices used for securing doors or containers. It can also imply chains or shackles, often in the context of imprisonment or confinement. This word is commonly used when discussing security measures or physical restraints.
When to use 鎖
Be careful not to confuse 鎖 (suǒ) with 锁 (suǒ), which is a simplified version used in Mainland China. The term is generally informal when used in conversation, but can be used in formal contexts when discussing security. Common collocations include '鎖頭' (lock head) and '鎖住' (to lock up).
鎖 or something close to it
锁 (suǒ, lock) vs 钥匙 (yàoshi, key) — choose 鎖 when referring specifically to the locking device, not the instrument used to unlock it.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鎖 with similar characters due to the complexity of traditional characters. For example, writing 鎖 as 锁 is incorrect in contexts requiring traditional characters. Remember to use 鎖 when writing in traditional Chinese contexts.
Write 鎖
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Practice writing 鎖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 鎖
Compound Meaning
What does 锁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鎖
鎖 is the traditional form, while 锁 is the simplified form used in Mainland China. Their meanings are the same.
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