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钤 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钤qiánlock, latch; to stamp, to sealvg, 9 strokes, radical 钅
钤qiánlatch of doorunknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅
钤qiánsealunknown, 9 strokes, radical 钅
qián(qian2)qian T2
  1. 1lock, latch; to stamp, to seal
  2. 2latch of door
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March 24, 2026

钤(鈐)qián(qian2)

The character 钤 (qián) primarily means 'to seal' or 'to stamp,' often referring to the act of applying a seal to a document or package to indicate authenticity. It can also refer to a type of latch used on doors, signifying security or closure. This character is commonly used in contexts involving legal documents, official seals, and physical locks.

Strokes9Radical钅
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, seals (印章, yìnzhāng) were often used by officials and scholars to authenticate documents, making 钤 significant in historical contexts concerning governance and literature. The use of seals continues to be important in modern legal practices.

Memory tip

Imagine a heavy door being sealed shut with a big red stamp that says 'Locked!' The character 钤 has a key component that looks like a latch (门), which relates to its meaning of locking or securing something. Think of the sound 'qián' as 'can'—you can lock it up!

Meanings of 钤

qián(qian2)
1lock, latch; to stamp, to seal
2latch of door
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 钤

钤Simplified
鈐Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 钤

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Podcast: 钤

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AI study notes for 钤

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with other similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in contexts related to sealing or locking rather than in general terms of closing. This word is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, so be mindful of your audience.

HSK Study Tips

Since 钤 is not part of the official HSK levels, learners at any level should focus on understanding its specific contexts. Connecting it to related words like 密封 (mìfēng, to seal tightly) can enhance vocabulary and usage. Make sure to practice pronunciation as it can be confused with similar tones.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with 錢 (qián, meaning money) due to the similar pronunciation. It's important to remember that 钤 specifically relates to sealing or locking, while 錢 refers to currency.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钤

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Etymology of 钤

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)今
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

钤 = 钅 + 今. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 钤

IDS Structure⿰钅今
钤Full character
=
钅jin1
left
今jin1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 钤?

How to say lock, latch; to stamp, to seal in Chinese

“lock, latch; to stamp, to seal” in Chinese is钤qián

The character 钤 (qián) primarily means 'to seal' or 'to stamp,' often referring to the act of applying a seal to a document or package to indicate authenticity. It can also refer to a type of latch used on doors, signifying security or closure. This character is commonly used in contexts involving legal documents, official seals, and physical locks.

When to use 钤

Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with other similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in contexts related to sealing or locking rather than in general terms of closing. This word is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts, so be mindful of your audience.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钤 (qián) with 錢 (qián, meaning money) due to the similar pronunciation. It's important to remember that 钤 specifically relates to sealing or locking, while 錢 refers to currency.

Write 钤

钤

Practice writing 钤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 钤

Words containing this character1
钤qiánseal鈐

Frequently asked questions about 钤

锁 (suǒ) specifically refers to a lock used to secure doors or boxes, while 钤 (qián) refers to the act of sealing or stamping. Use 钤 when discussing seals or stamps.

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