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锏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
锏jiǎnrapier; maceg, 12 strokes, radical 钅
锏jiǎnancient weapon like a long solid metal truncheonunknown, 12 strokes, radical 钅
jiǎn(jian3)jian T3
  1. 1rapier; mace
  2. 2ancient weapon like a long solid metal truncheon
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March 24, 2026

锏(鐧)jiǎn(jian3)

The character 锏 (jiǎn) refers to a type of ancient weapon, often likened to a mace or a heavy metal truncheon. It was used primarily in historical Chinese warfare, characterized by its solid structure and weight, making it effective for bludgeoning rather than cutting.

Strokes12Radical钅
Cultural note

The 锏 is significant in Chinese martial history, often associated with traditional weaponry and the martial arts of ancient China. It symbolizes the strength and brute force that was valued in combat techniques of the era.

Memory tip

Imagine a heavy metal club that looks like a giant key (the radical 钅 represents metal). The pronunciation 'jiǎn' can be remembered by picturing a knight (jiǎn sounds like 'knight') wielding this formidable weapon in battle.

Meanings of 锏

jiǎn(jian3)
1rapier; mace
2ancient weapon like a long solid metal truncheon
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 锏

锏Simplified
鐧Traditional
12Strokes
钅Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 锏

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Podcast: 锏

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AI study notes for 锏

Usage Notes

While 锏 is a specific term for an ancient weapon, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar terms for swords or other bladed weapons. It is more commonly used in historical texts or discussions about martial arts. In informal contexts, the word may not be well-known.

HSK Study Tips

Although 锏 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its connection to ancient Chinese history can enrich your understanding of cultural terms. Focus on understanding its use in historical contexts and how it relates to other weapon names in Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 锏 with 剑 (sword) due to their similar contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢锏' (I like the sword) instead of '我喜欢剑' is incorrect. Make sure to use the correct term based on the type of weapon being discussed.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锏

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Etymology of 锏

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 间 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鐧.

Memory hint

metal

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

Origin

锏 = 钅 + 间. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 锏

IDS Structure⿰钅间
锏Full character
=
钅jin1
left
间jian1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 锏?

How to say rapier; mace in Chinese

“rapier; mace” in Chinese is锏jiǎn

The character 锏 (jiǎn) refers to a type of ancient weapon, often likened to a mace or a heavy metal truncheon. It was used primarily in historical Chinese warfare, characterized by its solid structure and weight, making it effective for bludgeoning rather than cutting.

When to use 锏

While 锏 is a specific term for an ancient weapon, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with similar terms for swords or other bladed weapons. It is more commonly used in historical texts or discussions about martial arts. In informal contexts, the word may not be well-known.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 锏 with 剑 (sword) due to their similar contexts. For example, saying '我喜欢锏' (I like the sword) instead of '我喜欢剑' is incorrect. Make sure to use the correct term based on the type of weapon being discussed.

Write 锏

锏

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

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Word Family of 锏

Words containing this character3
杀手锏(fig.) trump card殺手鐧
锏jiǎnancient weapon like a long solid metal truncheon鐧
撒手锏(fig.) trump card撒手鐧
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 锏

What does 杀手锏 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 锏

锏 specifically refers to a heavy, blunt weapon, while 剑 (jiàn) means sword, which is a cutting weapon, and 斧 (fǔ) means axe, which also has a different purpose and design.

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