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鑊 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
鑊huòcauldron, large iron potzg, 22 strokes, radical 釒
huò(huo4) T4
  1. 1cauldron, large iron pot
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

鑊huò(huo4)

The character 鑊 (huò) refers to a large iron pot or cauldron typically used for cooking or heating. It often has historical significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing wealth and abundance when associated with cooking large meals for gatherings or ceremonies.

Strokes22Radical釒
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 鑊 was not just a cooking utensil but also a symbol of prosperity and hospitality, often used during important festivals or family reunions to prepare meals for large groups.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant iron pot bubbling over a fire, filled with delicious food for a feast. The character 鑊 has a metal radical (金) which signifies its metallic nature, while the bottom part (霍) can remind you of the heat and excitement of cooking.

Meanings of 鑊

huò(huo4)
1cauldron, large iron pot
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鑊

鑊Simplified
22Strokes
釒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鑊

JasonAmy

Podcast: 鑊

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 鑊

Usage Notes

This word is more commonly used in formal contexts or historical literature rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful with the pronunciation, especially the fourth tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. Collocations might include terms related to cooking or large gatherings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 鑊 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of cultural texts and historical references at HSK Level 5 and above. Focus on recognizing its structure and related terms like pot (锅, guō) to build your culinary vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鑊 (huò) with similar sounding words like 火 (huǒ, fire), due to the similar pronunciation. Remember, 鑊 specifically refers to a type of pot, while 火 refers to fire.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鑊

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Etymology of 鑊

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

metal

Semantic (meaning)釒
+
Phonetic (sound)蒦
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 鑊

  1. 1The meaning half釒 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half蒦 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymetal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 鑊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 鑊?

Decomposition of 鑊

IDS Structure⿰釒蒦
鑊Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
蒦huo4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鑊?

How to say cauldron, large iron pot in Chinese

“cauldron, large iron pot” in Chinese is鑊huò

The character 鑊 (huò) refers to a large iron pot or cauldron typically used for cooking or heating. It often has historical significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing wealth and abundance when associated with cooking large meals for gatherings or ceremonies.

When to use 鑊

This word is more commonly used in formal contexts or historical literature rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful with the pronunciation, especially the fourth tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. Collocations might include terms related to cooking or large gatherings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 鑊 (huò) with similar sounding words like 火 (huǒ, fire), due to the similar pronunciation. Remember, 鑊 specifically refers to a type of pot, while 火 refers to fire.

Write 鑊

鑊

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 鑊

Words Containing This Character1
镬huòwok (dialect)鑊
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镬 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 鑊

You can use 鑊 in discussions about traditional Chinese cooking, historical texts, or when describing large communal meals.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 鑊?

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.