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March 24, 2026
鞘qiào(qiao4)
The character 鞘 (qiào) refers to a scabbard or sheath, typically used to hold a sword or knife. It is often associated with traditional Chinese weaponry and symbolizes protection and containment. In a broader sense, it can also represent the concept of safeguarding something sharp or dangerous.
Strokes16Radical革Frequency#21568DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the scabbard has historical significance, often being artistically designed and symbolizing the harmony between the weapon and its protective cover. Scabbards are also featured in martial arts demonstrations, showcasing skill and respect for the weapon.
Memory Tip
Imagine a knight sheathing his sword into a protective scabbard. The character 鞘 has the radical 鞭 (biān), which relates to leather or weaponry, and the shape resembles a protective cover. Think of 'qiào' as 'cow' (which sounds similar) wearing a sheath to protect its horns, making it memorable.
Meanings of 鞘
qiào(qiao4)
1scabbard, sheath
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞘
鞘Simplified
16Strokes
革Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞘
Podcast: 鞘
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AI Study Notes for 鞘
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a knight sheathing his sword into a protective scabbard. The character 鞘 has the radical 鞭 (biān), which relates to leather or weaponry, and the shape resembles a protective cover. Think of 'qiào' as 'cow' (which sounds similar) wearing a sheath to protect its horns, making it memorable.
Usage Notes
The term 鞘 is typically used in formal contexts related to weapons or martial arts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in informal settings, which may not convey the intended meaning. It often collocates with words like 剑 (jiàn, sword) or 刀 (dāo, knife).
HSK Study Tips
While 鞘 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to words for weapons and protection, which are often studied at higher levels. Focus on the context of traditional weapons and cultural references to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the scabbard has historical significance, often being artistically designed and symbolizing the harmony between the weapon and its protective cover. Scabbards are also featured in martial arts demonstrations, showcasing skill and respect for the weapon.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鞘 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 巧 (qiǎo, clever). For example, saying '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiǎo) is incorrect; it should be '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiào).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞘
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Grammar Patterns of 鞘
鞘 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
马刀在刀____里咔嗒作响，骑手催马向前。
Sabres rasped from scabbards and the horsemen spurred forward.
Sabres rasped from scabbards and the horsemen spurred forward.
2
阳光把出鞘的剑照得闪闪发亮.
yáng guāng bǎ chū qiào de jiàn zhào dé shǎn shǎn fā liàng.
The sun gleamed on naked swords.
3
匕首牢牢地卡在银质刀鞘中。
bǐ shǒu láo láo dì kǎ zài yín zhì dāo qiào zhōng。
The dagger stuck tightly in the silver scabbard.
4
他现在坐在那里时,面前总是放着一把出鞘的弯刀.
tā xiàn zài zuò zài nà lǐ shí, , miàn qián zǒng shì fàng zháo yī bǎ chū qiào de wān.
He sits with a drawn cutlass.
5
把你们的剑插到鞘里！
bǎ nǐ mén de jiàn chā dào qiào lǐ！
Sheathe your swords!
Cultural Notes for 鞘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the scabbard has historical significance, often being artistically designed and symbolizing the harmony between the weapon and its protective cover. Scabbards are also featured in martial arts demonstrations, showcasing skill and respect for the weapon.
Word Family of 鞘
Words Containing This Character11
鞘qiàoscabbard
出鞘(of a sword etc) to unsheath
刀鞘scabbard
髓鞘myelin sheath (membrane surrounding axon of nerve cell)
海鞘Ascidiacea
腱鞘epitendon
腱鞘炎tenosynovitis (medicine)
胚芽鞘coleoptile, protective sheath covering an emerging shoot (botany)
鞘翅目Coleoptera (insect order including beetles)
鞘翅elytrum (hardened forewing of Coleoptera beetle, encasing the flight wing)
鞘脂sphingolipid
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鞘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞘
It is pronounced as 'qiào' with a falling tone.
Yes, it is still used, especially in contexts relating to traditional weapons or martial arts.
In English, 'sheath' is a more general term, while 鞘 specifically refers to traditional scabbards often associated with swords.
