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钳子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钳子qiánzipliersHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánzipincersHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánzitongsHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánziforcepsHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánziviseHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánziclampHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánziclaw (of a crab etc)HSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
钳子qiánzi(dialect) earringHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #13269, Very Hard
qiánzi(qian2zi5)qian zi T2
  1. 1pliers
  2. 2pincers
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March 24, 2026

钳子(鉗子)qiánzi(qian2zi5)

钳子 (qiánzi) refers to a tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting objects, typically made of metal. It is commonly used in various fields such as construction, mechanics, and electrical work. The term can also refer to specialized tools like forceps or tongs, emphasizing its versatility.

Strokes13Frequency#13269DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, tools like 钳子 are often associated with craftsmanship and DIY projects, reflecting the value placed on self-sufficiency and practical skills. Many Chinese festivals or family gatherings may include home improvement activities where such tools are utilized.

Memory tip

Imagine a crab with strong claws that can grip tightly, similar to how a pair of pliers (钳子) works. The '钳' (qián) part looks like a pair of pincers, and '子' (zi) can remind you of tiny things being held tightly. Picture the crab using its claws to hold onto a shiny earring.

Meanings of 钳子

qiánzi(qian2zi5)
1pliers
2pincers
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About 钳子

钳子Simplified
鉗子Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 钳子

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Podcast: 钳子

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AI study notes for 钳子

Quick Contrast

钳子 (qiánzi) vs 工具 (gōngjù) — 钳子 specifically refers to gripping tools, while 工具 is a general term for any tool.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 钳子, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be more common in everyday conversational settings. Common collocations include '使用钳子' (to use pliers) and '修理钳子' (to repair pliers).

HSK Study Tips

钳子 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it is useful for learners at HSK Level 3 or higher due to its practical applications. Students should focus on its usage in context, especially when discussing tools or repairs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钳子 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '钱包' (wallet) instead of 钳子 when discussing tools. Remember, 钳子 specifically denotes gripping tools, whereas 钱包 refers to a wallet.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钳子

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Component characters

钳qiánpincers, pliers, tongs; to compress
10 strokes钅
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say pliers in Chinese

“pliers” in Chinese is钳子qiánzi

钳子 (qiánzi) refers to a tool used for gripping, bending, or cutting objects, typically made of metal. It is commonly used in various fields such as construction, mechanics, and electrical work. The term can also refer to specialized tools like forceps or tongs, emphasizing its versatility.

When to use 钳子

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 钳子, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be more common in everyday conversational settings. Common collocations include '使用钳子' (to use pliers) and '修理钳子' (to repair pliers).

钳子 or something close to it

钳子 (qiánzi) vs 工具 (gōngjù) — 钳子 specifically refers to gripping tools, while 工具 is a general term for any tool.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钳子 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '钱包' (wallet) instead of 钳子 when discussing tools. Remember, 钳子 specifically denotes gripping tools, whereas 钱包 refers to a wallet.

Write 钳子

钳
子

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Frequently asked questions about 钳子

钳子 specifically refers to pliers or tongs, while other tools may include wrenches or screwdrivers, which serve different functions.

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