Meanings of 锚
By ear
Play it, then pick what 锚 means.
About 锚
Podcast: 锚
Podcast: 锚
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 锚
While 锚 is primarily used in nautical contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is important. In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the second tone.
Although 锚 is not commonly found in basic HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to themes of stability and security, which can be linked to other HSK terms related to safety and support. Focus on recognizing the character's components to aid in memorization.
Learners often confuse 锚 with other words that sound similar, such as 毛 (máo, hair) and 矛 (máo, spear). Remembering the context of 'anchor' can help avoid this confusion.
Pronunciation of 锚
Drill the tone of 锚, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 锚 to you
Let me explain 锚 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 锚 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 锚?
Learning Lab
Knowing 锚 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 锚
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 錨.
metal
Origin
锚 = 钅 + 苗. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 锚
Parts
Which of these is part of 锚?
How to say anchor in Chinese
“anchor” in Chinese is锚
锚 (máo) means 'anchor,' a device used to secure a vessel to the sea floor. It is commonly used in both maritime contexts and metaphorically to represent stability or security in various situations, such as emotional or financial stability.
When to use 锚
While 锚 is primarily used in nautical contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is important. In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the second tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锚 with other words that sound similar, such as 毛 (máo, hair) and 矛 (máo, spear). Remembering the context of 'anchor' can help avoid this confusion.
Write 锚
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 锚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 锚
锚 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我租的车行驶五公里后抛____了.
The car that I rent drop anchor after five kilometers are driven.
Example sentences for 锚 (4)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 锚?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 锚
Words with 锚
What does 抛锚 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 锚
It is pronounced as 'máo' with the second tone, rising slightly.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 锚?
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.