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March 24, 2026
锥(錐)zhuī(zhui1)
The character 锥 (zhuī) refers to a pointed tool used for boring holes, such as a drill or an awl. It can also describe conical shapes, emphasizing its sharp and tapered form. In practical contexts, it is often used in carpentry, metalworking, or other crafts where precise holes are required.
Strokes13Radical钅Frequency#21457DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like the 锥 have been essential for artisans, reflecting the importance of precision in Chinese woodworking and metalworking traditions. This character is often seen in discussions about traditional crafts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sharp, pointed drill that looks like a cone—this is a 锥 (zhuī). The character combines the radical for metal (金) on the left, suggesting a tool made from metal, and the component for 'to pierce' on the right, reinforcing its purpose as a boring instrument.
Meanings of 锥
zhuī(zhui1)
1gimlet, drill, awl; to drill, to bore
2cone
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锥
锥Simplified
錐Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 锥
Podcast: 锥
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AI Study Notes for 锥
Quick Contrast
锥 (zhuī) vs 钉 (dīng) — choose 锥 for a pointed tool used to bore holes, while 钉 refers specifically to a nail used for fastening.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sharp, pointed drill that looks like a cone—this is a 锥 (zhuī). The character combines the radical for metal (金) on the left, suggesting a tool made from metal, and the component for 'to pierce' on the right, reinforcing its purpose as a boring instrument.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 锥 with similar-sounding words like 追 (zhuī), which means 'to chase.' In informal settings, you can use 锥 when discussing tools, but in formal writing, it's better reserved for specific contexts like technical discussions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 锥 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it's useful for learners who are at or above HSK 4. Focus on its usage in contexts related to tools and construction, as well as its shape-related meanings.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like the 锥 have been essential for artisans, reflecting the importance of precision in Chinese woodworking and metalworking traditions. This character is often seen in discussions about traditional crafts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 锥 with 追 (zhuī) due to their similar pronunciation. Remember, 锥 refers to a drilling tool, while 追 means 'to chase.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锥
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Grammar Patterns of 锥
锥 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 2 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 2
Complete the Sentence
“沙____鸟”战斗机的驾驶舱空间不太宽敞。
There was not much elbow room in the cockpit of a Snipe.
There was not much elbow room in the cockpit of a Snipe.
2
一位徒步者从一块80英尺高的尖锥形岩石上摔了下来。
yī wèi tú bù zhě cóng yī kuài80 80 yīng chǐ gāo de jiān zhuī xíng yán shí shàng shuāi le xià。
A walker fell 80ft from a rocky pinnacle.
Cultural Notes for 锥
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like the 锥 have been essential for artisans, reflecting the importance of precision in Chinese woodworking and metalworking traditions. This character is often seen in discussions about traditional crafts.
Word Family of 锥
Words Containing This Character14
锥zhuīcone錐
锥形conical錐形
圆锥cone圓錐
锥子awl錐子
改锥screwdriver改錐
锥形瓶Erlenmeyer flask錐形瓶
锥面cone錐面
圆锥曲线conic section圓錐曲線
棱锥pyramid (geometry)稜錐
圆锥体cone圓錐體
角锥pyramid角錐
毛锥writing brush (old)毛錐
贫无立锥之地not even enough land to stand an awl (idiom); absolutely destitute貧無立錐之地
贫无立锥not even enough land to stand an awl (idiom); absolutely destitute貧無立錐
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 锥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锥
You might hear it in contexts discussing tools, like '钻孔锥' (drilling bit), which emphasizes its role in making holes.
The pinyin 'zhuī' has a high tone, so make sure to give it a rising intonation.
Yes, in some contexts, it can metaphorically describe piercing through something, like an idea or a problem.
