Meanings of 锚
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About 锚
Podcast: 锚
Podcast: 锚
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AI Study Notes for 锚
While 锚 is primarily used in nautical contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is important. In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the second tone.
Although 锚 is not commonly found in basic HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to themes of stability and security, which can be linked to other HSK terms related to safety and support. Focus on recognizing the character's components to aid in memorization.
Learners often confuse 锚 with other words that sound similar, such as 毛 (máo, hair) and 矛 (máo, spear). Remembering the context of 'anchor' can help avoid this confusion.
Pronunciation of 锚
Drill the tone of 锚 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 锚
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 錨.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锚
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 苗 represents the sound. Simplified form of 錨.
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half苗 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 锚? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 锚?
Decomposition of 锚
Identify the Components
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How to say anchor in Chinese
“anchor” in Chinese is锚
锚 (máo) means 'anchor,' a device used to secure a vessel to the sea floor. It is commonly used in both maritime contexts and metaphorically to represent stability or security in various situations, such as emotional or financial stability.
When to use 锚
While 锚 is primarily used in nautical contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is important. In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce it with the second tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锚 with other words that sound similar, such as 毛 (máo, hair) and 矛 (máo, spear). Remembering the context of 'anchor' can help avoid this confusion.
Write 锚
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Practice writing 锚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 锚
锚 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我租的车行驶五公里后抛____了.
The car that I rent drop anchor after five kilometers are driven.
Example Sentences for 锚 (4)
Word Family of 锚
Compound Meaning
What does 锚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锚
It is pronounced as 'máo' with the second tone, rising slightly.
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