Meanings of 锉
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About 锉
Podcast: 锉
Podcast: 锉
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AI Study Notes for 锉
When using 锉, it's important to remember it generally refers to a physical tool rather than the action of filing, which is expressed differently in Chinese. It's more commonly used in informal contexts, especially among tradespeople. Be careful with the tone; 锉 is pronounced with a falling tone (cuò), which can be confused with similar-sounding words.
Although 锉 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to HSK Level 3 words about tools and actions (e.g., 工具, 'tool'). Students should focus on recognizing how tool-related vocabulary connects to practical activities in carpentry and other crafts.
Learners often confuse 锉 with similar-sounding characters like 错 (cuò, meaning 'wrong'). For example, saying '我用错' instead of '我用锉' (I used the file) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the correct character for the context.
Pronunciation of 锉
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Etymology of 锉
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 坐 represents the sound. Simplified form of 銼.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锉
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 坐 represents the sound. Simplified form of 銼.
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half坐 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymetal
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锉? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 锉?
Decomposition of 锉
Identify the Components
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How to say carpenter's file; to file smooth in Chinese
“carpenter's file; to file smooth” in Chinese is锉
锉 (cuò) refers to a carpenter's tool used for filing or smoothing surfaces, particularly in woodworking. It is similar to a rasp and is commonly utilized in carpentry and metalwork to refine shapes and edges. The term can also denote the action of filing something to create a smooth finish.
When to use 锉
When using 锉, it's important to remember it generally refers to a physical tool rather than the action of filing, which is expressed differently in Chinese. It's more commonly used in informal contexts, especially among tradespeople. Be careful with the tone; 锉 is pronounced with a falling tone (cuò), which can be confused with similar-sounding words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锉 with similar-sounding characters like 错 (cuò, meaning 'wrong'). For example, saying '我用错' instead of '我用锉' (I used the file) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure you're using the correct character for the context.
Write 锉
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Practice writing 锉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 锉
锉 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Complete the Sentence
这门关不上, 你得把它____一锉.
The door won't fit ; you'll have to file it down.
Example Sentences for 锉 (4)
Word Family of 锉
Compound Meaning
What does 锉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锉
锉 is primarily used as a tool for filing and smoothing surfaces in woodworking and metalworking.
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