unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to grasp with pincers
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to pinch
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to clamp
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to restrain
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to restrict
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
钳
qián
to gag
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅, rank #10037, Very Hard
qián(qian2) T2
1pincers, pliers, tongs; to compress
2claw (of animal)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
钳(鉗)qián(qian2)
The character 钳 (qián) refers to tools such as pincers, pliers, or tongs, which are used for gripping, compressing, or holding objects firmly. It can also describe the action of pinching or restraining something, making it applicable in both practical and metaphorical contexts.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#10037DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like钳 are essential for metalworking and carpentry, reflecting the importance of skilled trades in Chinese culture and history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of shiny metal pincers that 'pinch' tightly. The character 钳 looks like a pair of pincers ready to clamp down on something, and the 'qián' sounds like 'can' – as in, 'These pincers can hold tightly!'
Meanings of 钳
qián(qian2)
1pincers, pliers, tongs; to compress
2claw (of animal)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钳
钳Simplified
鉗Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钳
Podcast: 钳
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AI Study Notes for 钳
Quick Contrast
钳 (qián) vs 夹 (jiā) — use 钳 for specific gripping tools, while 夹 refers more generally to the action of clamping or holding between two surfaces.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 钳 with similar-sounding characters. In informal contexts, it's often used to describe the action of using these tools, such as in '用钳子' (to use pliers). Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 钳 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to tools and actions often discussed in HSK levels 3-4. Focus on related vocabulary around tools and their functions to enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钳 with similar characters such as 夹 (jiā), which means to clip or hold. For instance, saying '我用夹' (I use a clip) instead of '我用钳' (I use pliers) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钳
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 甘 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鉗.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half甘 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 钳? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 钳?
Decomposition of 钳
IDS Structure⿰钅甘
钳Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
甘Gan1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 钳?
How to say pincers, pliers, tongs; to compress in Chinese
“pincers, pliers, tongs; to compress” in Chinese is钳qián
The character 钳 (qián) refers to tools such as pincers, pliers, or tongs, which are used for gripping, compressing, or holding objects firmly. It can also describe the action of pinching or restraining something, making it applicable in both practical and metaphorical contexts.
When to use 钳
Common mistakes include confusing 钳 with similar-sounding characters. In informal contexts, it's often used to describe the action of using these tools, such as in '用钳子' (to use pliers). Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it could change the meaning.
钳 or something close to it
钳 (qián) vs 夹 (jiā) — use 钳 for specific gripping tools, while 夹 refers more generally to the action of clamping or holding between two surfaces.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 钳 with similar characters such as 夹 (jiā), which means to clip or hold. For instance, saying '我用夹' (I use a clip) instead of '我用钳' (I use pliers) is incorrect.
Write 钳
钳
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Practice writing 钳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 钳
钳 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). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. 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
他的外科手术器械是一把刀和一把____子。
His surgical instruments were a knife and a pair of pincers.
Example Sentences for 钳 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他的外科手术器械是一把刀和一把钳子。
tā de wài kē shǒu shù qì xiè shì yī bǎ dāo hé yī bǎ qián zǐ。
His surgical instruments were a knife and a pair of pincers.
2
她反对钳制新闻界言论的新法律。
tā fǎn duì qián zhì xīn wén jiè yán lùn de xīn fǎ lǜ。
She was opposed to new laws to muzzle the press.
3
台钳上有刻痕的虎钳牙帮助它紧咬住工件.
tái qián shàng yǒu kè hén de hǔ qián yá bāng zhù tā jǐn yǎo zhù gōng jiàn.
