HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Hard
镶
xiāng
to embed
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Hard
镶
xiāng
ridge
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Hard
镶
xiāng
border
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Hard
镶
xiāng
inset, inlay; to set, to mount; to fill
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Hard
xiāng(xiang1) T1
1to inlay
2to embed
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March 24, 2026
镶(鑲)xiāng(xiang1)
The character 镶 (xiāng) primarily means to inlay or embed something into a surface, creating a decorative effect. It is commonly used in contexts such as jewelry making, woodworking, and inlay work in art. The nuance of this word often conveys a sense of craftsmanship and detail-oriented work.
Strokes22Radical钅Frequency#12752DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,镶 is often associated with intricate craftsmanship seen in traditional jewelry and furniture, where artisans inlay materials like jade or gold into wood, reflecting status and artistry.
Memory Tip
Think of 镶 as a picture frame (the outer shape) that 'sets' a beautiful image inside it. The character has a metal radical (金) on the left, which reminds you of precious materials used in inlay work, and the '相' suggests a pairing or fitting together, similar to how inlays fit into surfaces.
Meanings of 镶
xiāng(xiang1)
1to inlay
2to embed
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 镶
镶Simplified
鑲Traditional
22Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#12752Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 镶
Podcast: 镶
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AI Study Notes for 镶
Quick Contrast
镶 (xiāng) vs 嵌 (qiàn) — use 镶 when referring specifically to decorative inlay, while 嵌 is used for embedding or fitting objects into one another without the decorative aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 镶 as a picture frame (the outer shape) that 'sets' a beautiful image inside it. The character has a metal radical (金) on the left, which reminds you of precious materials used in inlay work, and the '相' suggests a pairing or fitting together, similar to how inlays fit into surfaces.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 镶 with similar verbs like 装 (to install) or 嵌 (to embed). Use 镶 specifically for decorative inlay contexts, and remember it can be used both formally and informally. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing the first tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 镶 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other action verbs related to crafting and modifying objects. Focus on understanding its usage in practical contexts, such as in fashion or craftsmanship, to build your vocabulary around related terms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,镶 is often associated with intricate craftsmanship seen in traditional jewelry and furniture, where artisans inlay materials like jade or gold into wood, reflecting status and artistry.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 镶 to describe general installation rather than its specific context of decorative inlay. For example, saying '我镶了窗户' (I inlaid the window) is incorrect; instead, use '我安装了窗户' (I installed the window).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镶
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Grammar Patterns of 镶
镶 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这件女式睡衣的袖孔和领口都____着一圈手织花边。
The nightdress has handmade lace round the armholes and neckline.
The brown - panelled parlour was furnished all in old style. and with real old furniture.
Cultural Notes for 镶
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture,镶 is often associated with intricate craftsmanship seen in traditional jewelry and furniture, where artisans inlay materials like jade or gold into wood, reflecting status and artistry.
Word Family of 镶
Words Containing This Character5
镶xiāngto inlay鑲
镶嵌xiāngqiànto inlay鑲嵌
镶牙denture鑲牙
镶黄旗Bordered Yellow banner or Hövööt Shar khoshuu in Xilin Gol league 錫林郭勒盟|锡林郭勒盟[Xīlínguōlèméng], Inner Mongolia鑲黃旗
正镶白旗Plain and Bordered White banner or Shuluun Hövööt Chagaan khoshuu in Xilin Gol league 錫林郭勒盟|锡林郭勒盟[Xīlínguōlèméng], Inner Mongolia正鑲白旗
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 镶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镶
Use 镶 when discussing jewelry design, woodworking, or any context where materials are set into one another for aesthetic purposes.
Yes, characters like 嵌 and 装 can also convey embedding or installing, but they have distinct uses depending on the context.
Make sure to pronounce it in the first tone (xiāng) to avoid confusion with other characters.
