unknown, 11 strokes, radical 钅, rank #48855, Very Hard
zhá(zha2) T2
1a sickle used to cut grass or hay
2lever-knife
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March 24, 2026
铡(鍘)zhá(zha2)
The character 铡 (zhá) refers to a specific tool known as a sickle, which is used for cutting grass or hay. It is commonly found in agricultural contexts, particularly in rural areas where traditional farming practices are still prevalent. The term can also refer to a type of lever-knife, emphasizing its utility in manual cutting tasks.
Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#48855DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, tools like the sickle (铡) have significant cultural value, often symbolizing hard work and connection to the land. The use of such tools is also reflected in various Chinese proverbs and idioms related to farming.
Memory Tip
Imagine a farmer using a sickle (铡) to cut through tall grass in a sunny field. The character resembles a blade cutting downwards, and the sound 'zhá' can remind you of the sharp noise made when cutting through plants.
Meanings of 铡
zhá(zha2)
1a sickle used to cut grass or hay
2lever-knife
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About 铡
铡Simplified
鍘Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铡
Podcast: 铡
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AI Study Notes for 铡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer using a sickle (铡) to cut through tall grass in a sunny field. The character resembles a blade cutting downwards, and the sound 'zhá' can remind you of the sharp noise made when cutting through plants.
Usage Notes
This character is primarily used in informal contexts related to agriculture. Learners often confuse it with similar characters related to cutting tools, so it's important to remember its specific meaning. Common collocations include '铡草' (cutting grass) and '铡刀' (sickle knife).
HSK Study Tips
Although 铁 (iron) is an HSK level 1 word, 铡 is less frequently encountered in basic vocabulary. Students should focus on its agricultural context and related tools to enhance their understanding of rural life vocabulary. It can be connected with other cutting-related terms like 刀 (dāo, knife) and 剪 (jiǎn, scissors).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, tools like the sickle (铡) have significant cultural value, often symbolizing hard work and connection to the land. The use of such tools is also reflected in various Chinese proverbs and idioms related to farming.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铡 with other cutting-related characters due to their similar appearances. For example, using 铡 when they mean 刀 (knife) can lead to confusion; be sure to use 铡 specifically for sickles or lever-knives.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铡
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Cultural Notes for 铡
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese agriculture, tools like the sickle (铡) have significant cultural value, often symbolizing hard work and connection to the land. The use of such tools is also reflected in various Chinese proverbs and idioms related to farming.
