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March 24, 2026
鉗qián(qian2)
The character 鉗 (qián) refers to tools such as pincers, pliers, or tongs, which are used for gripping or compressing objects. In a broader context, it can imply the action of compressing or squeezing something tightly, often used in mechanical or crafting scenarios.
Strokes13Radical釒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 鉗 are essential for metalwork and sculpting, reflecting the importance of precision and skill in Chinese art forms.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant pair of metallic pincers (鉗) squeezing a soft object. The character 鉗 has the metal radical 金 (jin) on the left, reminding you that these tools are often made of metal, and the right side sounds like 'qian,' which can remind you of the action of compressing tightly.
Meanings of 鉗
qián(qian2)
1pincers, pliers, tongs; to compress
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鉗
鉗Simplified
13Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鉗
Podcast: 鉗
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AI Study Notes for 鉗
Quick Contrast
钳 (qián, specifically refers to pliers or tongs) vs 夹 (jiā, means to clip or clamp) — use 鉗 when emphasizing gripping tools, while 夹 focuses on the action of clamping.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant pair of metallic pincers (鉗) squeezing a soft object. The character 鉗 has the metal radical 金 (jin) on the left, reminding you that these tools are often made of metal, and the right side sounds like 'qian,' which can remind you of the action of compressing tightly.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 鉗 with similar sounding words that refer to other tools or actions. It is more formal and specific than general terms for gripping tools. Common collocations include 鉗子 (qiánzi - pliers) and use in industrial contexts.
HSK Study Tips
While 鉗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your technical vocabulary related to tools. Focus on the radicals and how they combine to form meaning in other words related to machinery or tools.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 鉗 are essential for metalwork and sculpting, reflecting the importance of precision and skill in Chinese art forms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 鉗 to refer to general gripping tools, while it specifically denotes pincers or pliers. For example, saying '我需要一个鉗' (I need a tool) is vague; instead, say '我需要一个鉗子' (I need a pair of pliers).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鉗
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Cultural Notes for 鉗
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 鉗 are essential for metalwork and sculpting, reflecting the importance of precision and skill in Chinese art forms.
Word Family of 鉗
Words Containing This Character8
钳qiánpincers鉗
钳子qiánzipliers鉗子
钳工fitter鉗工
钳制to suppress鉗制
老虎钳vise老虎鉗
火钳fire tongs火鉗
产钳obstetric forceps產鉗
虎钳vise虎鉗
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 钳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鉗
Related words include 鉗子 (qiánzi - pliers) and other tool-related terms that share the metal radical.
It is more commonly used in technical or crafting contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Yes, 鉗 specifically refers to pincers or pliers, while other words may refer to different types of tools or grips.
