unknown, 8 strokes, radical 钅, rank #84187, Very Hard
qiān(qian1) T1
1awl; a tool for boring holes
2a drill (for boring through rock)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
钎(釺)qiān(qian1)
The character 钎 (qiān) refers to a specific type of tool used for boring holes, particularly in harder materials such as wood or rock. It is commonly associated with drilling or creating openings, making it relevant in construction and craftsmanship contexts.
Strokes8Radical钅Frequency#84187DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 钎 were essential for creating intricate wooden structures, reflecting the value placed on skilled labor and precision in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy drill (qiān) piercing through rock, forming a perfect hole. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests this tool's strong, metallic nature, while the sound 'qiān' can remind you of a keen edge—like a sharp awl ready to create openings.
Meanings of 钎
qiān(qian1)
1awl; a tool for boring holes
2a drill (for boring through rock)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钎
钎Simplified
釺Traditional
8Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钎
Podcast: 钎
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 钎
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy drill (qiān) piercing through rock, forming a perfect hole. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests this tool's strong, metallic nature, while the sound 'qiān' can remind you of a keen edge—like a sharp awl ready to create openings.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 钎 (qiān) with similar-sounding characters like 千 (qiān, thousand), as the contexts are very different. This character is more commonly used in technical or specialized discussions rather than everyday conversations.
HSK Study Tips
Though 钎 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to tools and construction terms relevant in HSK Level 3-4. Focus on understanding related material and tool vocabulary to enhance your practical language skills.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 钎 were essential for creating intricate wooden structures, reflecting the value placed on skilled labor and precision in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钎 (qiān) with 钢 (gāng, steel) due to the similar radical. Remember that 钎 refers specifically to a drilling tool, while 钢 refers to the material itself.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钎
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 钎 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 钎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 钎
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 钎 were essential for creating intricate wooden structures, reflecting the value placed on skilled labor and precision in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 钎
Words Containing This Character3
钎子hammer drill for boring through rock釺子
钎qiāna drill (for boring through rock)釺
钢钎a steel drill鋼鐱
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 钎子 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钎
钎 specifically refers to a type of awl or drill used for creating holes, while other terms might refer to more general drilling equipment.
No, 钎 is more specialized and is typically used in technical or professional contexts related to construction and craftsmanship.
