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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#10037DifficultyHard
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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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!'
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.
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.
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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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)
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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.
Pincers poised and eyes gleaming , a bulldog ant surveys its surroundings.
Cultural Notes for 钳
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like钳 are essential for metalworking and carpentry, reflecting the importance of skilled trades in Chinese culture and history.
Word Family of 钳
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 钳
钳 refers specifically to tools like pincers and pliers, while 夹 generally means to clip or hold something between two surfaces.
While it's primarily used for tools, you can metaphorically use 钳 to describe a strong grip, but it's less common.
钳 is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, but it is often used in practical contexts involving tools.
