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March 24, 2026
铐(銬)kào(kao4)
The character '铐' (kào) refers to shackles or manacles, typically used to restrain a person's hands or feet. It is often associated with imprisonment or law enforcement contexts, indicating physical restraint or confinement. The term can also carry connotations of oppression or lack of freedom.
Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#5912DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of shackles (铐) historically symbolizes punishment and control, particularly during periods of strict governance. This term may evoke images of historical punishment methods and the impact of law on society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of heavy metal shackles (铐) clamping down on someone's wrists, making them feel trapped. The character's form resembles the act of binding, with the metal component (金) at the top representing the material of the shackles, helping you remember its meaning.
Meanings of 铐
kào(kao4)
1shackles, manacles
2fetters
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 铐
铐Simplified
銬Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铐
Podcast: 铐
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AI Study Notes for 铐
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of heavy metal shackles (铐) clamping down on someone's wrists, making them feel trapped. The character's form resembles the act of binding, with the metal component (金) at the top representing the material of the shackles, helping you remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse '铐' with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as '靠' (kào), which means 'to lean' or 'to depend on'. This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in legal or law enforcement discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Though '铐' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for learners interested in legal terminology or discussions about crime. Students at this level should focus on contextual understanding and related vocabulary like '拘留' (jūliú - detention) or '逮捕' (dàibǔ - arrest).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of shackles (铐) historically symbolizes punishment and control, particularly during periods of strict governance. This term may evoke images of historical punishment methods and the impact of law on society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '铐' with '靠' (kào), leading to incorrect usage in sentences about support or dependency. For example, saying '我需要铐你' (I need to shackles you) instead of '我需要靠你' (I need to depend on you) illustrates this common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铐
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Grammar Patterns of 铐
铐 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
当斯考比在桌前往身后一靠,开始拨电话号码的时候,挂在墙上的锈迹斑驳的手____发出叮零零的响声.
The rusty handcuffs jangled on the wall as Scobie leant back from his desk and dialled.
The Federal Marshals took me away in handcuffs to the Santa Fe County Adult Correctional Facility.
Cultural Notes for 铐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of shackles (铐) historically symbolizes punishment and control, particularly during periods of strict governance. This term may evoke images of historical punishment methods and the impact of law on society.
Word Family of 铐
Words Containing This Character3
手铐manacles手銬
铐kàoshackles銬
镣铐manacles and leg-irons鐐銬
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 手铐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铐
'铐' specifically refers to shackles or manacles, while '绑' (bǎng) means to bind or tie something together, which can apply to various contexts.
While it can be used in discussions about law enforcement, it's not common in casual conversation unless discussing related topics.
Yes, '铐' typically has negative connotations related to restraint and imprisonment.
