Meanings of 锨
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About 锨
Podcast: 锨
Podcast: 锨
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AI Study Notes for 锨
While 锨 is generally used in informal contexts, be mindful not to confuse it with other tools like '铲' (chǎn), which refers specifically to a spade. The tone is crucial; ensure you pronounce it as 'xiān' to differentiate from other similar-sounding words.
Although 锨 is not included in the official HSK levels, it can be associated with Level 3 vocabulary related to tools and construction. Students should focus on related terms, such as '工具' (gōngjù - tool) and '挖' (wā - to dig), to build a broader vocabulary around manual labor.
Learners often confuse 锨 with similar tools like 铲. For example, saying '我有一个铲来挖土' (I have a spade to dig the soil) when they mean to refer to a shovel is incorrect. The correct sentence should use 锨 instead.
Pronunciation of 锨
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Etymology of 锨
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锨
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half欣 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 锨? 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 锨?
Decomposition of 锨
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 锨?
How to say shovel in Chinese
“shovel” in Chinese is锨
The character 锨 (xiān) refers to a type of shovel used primarily for digging or moving earth and other materials. It is commonly used in construction and agriculture. In this context, it conveys the idea of a practical tool essential for manual labor.
When to use 锨
While 锨 is generally used in informal contexts, be mindful not to confuse it with other tools like '铲' (chǎn), which refers specifically to a spade. The tone is crucial; ensure you pronounce it as 'xiān' to differentiate from other similar-sounding words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锨 with similar tools like 铲. For example, saying '我有一个铲来挖土' (I have a spade to dig the soil) when they mean to refer to a shovel is incorrect. The correct sentence should use 锨 instead.
Write 锨
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Practice writing 锨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 锨
锨 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
他拿起一把铁____，挖了个坑，将自己曾经珍爱的物品埋了起来。
He took a shovel, dug a hole, and buried his once-prized possessions.
Example Sentences for 锨 (1)
Word Family of 锨
Compound Meaning
What does 铁锨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锨
You can say, '我需要一个锨来挖土。' (I need a shovel to dig the soil.)
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