Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
鐐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鐐liàofetters, leg-ironszg, 20 strokes, radical 釒
liào(liao4)liao T4
  1. 1fetters, leg-irons
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鐐liào(liao4)

The character 鐐 (liào) refers to fetters or leg-irons, which are devices used to restrain someone's movement, particularly on the legs. This term often appears in historical contexts related to imprisonment or punishment, emphasizing the physical constraints imposed on individuals.

Strokes20Radical釒
Cultural note

The concept of 鐐 is tied to historical practices of punishment in ancient China, where physical restraints were commonly used in legal systems. This reflects the cultural attitude toward law and order in historical Chinese society.

Memory tip

Imagine a heavy iron chain wrapping around someone's legs, making it difficult to walk. The character 鐐 has the radical '金' (metal) on the left, indicating its connection to iron, while the right part resembles legs being bound together, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 鐐

liào(liao4)
1fetters, leg-irons
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 鐐 means.

About 鐐

鐐Simplified
20Strokes
釒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鐐

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鐐

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 鐐

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 鐐 in informal contexts, as it is more commonly found in literary or historical discussions. Common collocations include '鐐銬' (liàokào), meaning 'handcuffs', which reinforces its association with restraint. Ensure correct pronunciation, as misplacing tones can lead to confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鐐 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of historical texts in Chinese literature. Focus on the context in which it appears, especially in discussions surrounding justice and punishment, to deepen comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 鐐 with similar characters due to its uncommon usage. For instance, misusing it for '脚' (jiǎo, meaning 'foot') can lead to confusion. Always remember that 鐐 specifically refers to restraints.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鐐

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 鐐, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 鐐 to you

Let me explain 鐐 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 鐐 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 鐐?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 鐐 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 鐐

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 尞 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鐐.

Memory hint

metal

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

Origin

鐐 = 釒 + 尞. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 鐐

IDS Structure⿰釒尞
鐐Full character
=
釒jin1
left
尞liao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 鐐?

How to say fetters, leg-irons in Chinese

“fetters, leg-irons” in Chinese is鐐liào

The character 鐐 (liào) refers to fetters or leg-irons, which are devices used to restrain someone's movement, particularly on the legs. This term often appears in historical contexts related to imprisonment or punishment, emphasizing the physical constraints imposed on individuals.

When to use 鐐

Be cautious of using 鐐 in informal contexts, as it is more commonly found in literary or historical discussions. Common collocations include '鐐銬' (liàokào), meaning 'handcuffs', which reinforces its association with restraint. Ensure correct pronunciation, as misplacing tones can lead to confusion with other words.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 鐐 with similar characters due to its uncommon usage. For instance, misusing it for '脚' (jiǎo, meaning 'foot') can lead to confusion. Always remember that 鐐 specifically refers to restraints.

Write 鐐

鐐

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 鐐?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Word Family of 鐐

Words containing this character3
镣铐manacles and leg-irons鐐銬
脚镣fetters腳鐐
镣liàofetters鐐
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 鐐

What does 镣铐 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 鐐

In modern usage, 鐐 primarily retains its meaning related to fetters or leg-irons, often in historical or literary contexts.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鐐?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab