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March 24, 2026
钤(鈐)qián(qian2)
The character 钤 (qián) primarily means 'to seal' or 'to stamp,' often referring to the act of applying a seal to a document or package to indicate authenticity. It can also refer to a type of latch used on doors, signifying security or closure. This character is commonly used in contexts involving legal documents, official seals, and physical locks.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, seals (印章, yìnzhāng) were often used by officials and scholars to authenticate documents, making 钤 significant in historical contexts concerning governance and literature. The use of seals continues to be important in modern legal practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heavy door being sealed shut with a big red stamp that says 'Locked!' The character 钤 has a key component that looks like a latch (门), which relates to its meaning of locking or securing something. Think of the sound 'qián' as 'can'—you can lock it up!
Meanings of 钤
qián(qian2)
1lock, latch; to stamp, to seal
2latch of door
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 钤
钤Simplified
鈐Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钤
Podcast: 钤
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AI Study Notes for 钤
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a heavy door being sealed shut with a big red stamp that says 'Locked!' The character 钤 has a key component that looks like a latch (门), which relates to its meaning of locking or securing something. Think of the sound 'qián' as 'can'—you can lock it up!
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with other similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in contexts related to sealing or locking rather than in general terms of closing. This word is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, so be mindful of your audience.
HSK Study Tips
Since 钤 is not part of the official HSK levels, learners at any level should focus on understanding its specific contexts. Connecting it to related words like 密封 (mìfēng, to seal tightly) can enhance vocabulary and usage. Make sure to practice pronunciation as it can be confused with similar tones.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, seals (印章, yìnzhāng) were often used by officials and scholars to authenticate documents, making 钤 significant in historical contexts concerning governance and literature. The use of seals continues to be important in modern legal practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with 錢 (qián, meaning money) due to the similar pronunciation. It's important to remember that 钤 specifically relates to sealing or locking, while 錢 refers to currency.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钤
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Cultural Notes for 钤
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, seals (印章, yìnzhāng) were often used by officials and scholars to authenticate documents, making 钤 significant in historical contexts concerning governance and literature. The use of seals continues to be important in modern legal practices.
Word Family of 钤
Words Containing This Character1
钤qiánseal鈐
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 钤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钤
锁 (suǒ) specifically refers to a lock used to secure doors or boxes, while 钤 (qián) refers to the act of sealing or stamping. Use 钤 when discussing seals or stamps.
It's more commonly used in formal or official contexts, so while you might encounter it in documents, it's less likely to be used in casual conversation.
There are no widely recognized idiomatic expressions using 钤, but it can be combined with other words to form phrases related to sealing or security.
