Meanings of 镰
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About 镰
Podcast: 镰
Podcast: 镰
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AI Study Notes for 镰
锄 (chú) - choose 镰 (lián) for a tool specifically designed for cutting grain or grass, while 锄 refers to a hoe used for digging and weeding.
Be careful not to confuse 镰 (lián) with similar-sounding words or characters, particularly 鐮 (lián), which is an old variant. This word is generally used in informal contexts related to agriculture and may not be commonly found in formal writing.
While 镰 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 3 topics like farming and tools. Learners should focus on recognizing the character's components and how they relate to similar agricultural terms.
Learners often mispronounce 镰 (lián) by using a flat tone, confusing it with other characters. For example, saying 'liang' instead of 'lián' changes its meaning entirely. Always remember the rising tone for correct pronunciation.
Pronunciation of 镰
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Etymology of 镰
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 镰
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half廉 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 镰? 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 镰?
Decomposition of 镰
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 镰?
How to say sickle in Chinese
“sickle” in Chinese is镰
The character 镰 (lián) refers to a sickle, a farming tool used for cutting grain or grass. It is often associated with traditional agricultural practices and can symbolize hard work and rural life in Chinese culture. The character may also appear in historical contexts, particularly relating to farming techniques.
When to use 镰
Be careful not to confuse 镰 (lián) with similar-sounding words or characters, particularly 鐮 (lián), which is an old variant. This word is generally used in informal contexts related to agriculture and may not be commonly found in formal writing.
镰 or something close to it
锄 (chú) - choose 镰 (lián) for a tool specifically designed for cutting grain or grass, while 锄 refers to a hoe used for digging and weeding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 镰 (lián) by using a flat tone, confusing it with other characters. For example, saying 'liang' instead of 'lián' changes its meaning entirely. Always remember the rising tone for correct pronunciation.
Write 镰
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Practice writing 镰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 镰
镰 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.
Complete the Sentence
他正在用一把大____刀割草.
He's cutting grass with a scythe.
Example Sentences for 镰 (1)
Word Family of 镰
Compound Meaning
What does 镰刀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镰
镰 (lián) is a character that represents a sickle, while 鐮 (lián) is an older variant of the same character. Both refer to the tool used in farming.
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