Meanings of 锲
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About 锲
Podcast: 锲
Podcast: 锲
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AI Study Notes for 锲
刻 (kè) — use 锲 (qiè) when emphasizing a careful or meticulous carving process, while 刻 (kè) generally refers to the act of cutting or engraving without the same nuance of precision.
Learners should be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 锲, as it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone). It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing art or craftsmanship. Common collocations include 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě), meaning to work diligently without giving up.
While 锲 is not included in the HSK levels, students should focus on its connections to other verbs describing actions (like 切, qiē, to cut) to build a broader vocabulary related to physical actions. Understanding the nuance between different types of 'cutting' can enhance comprehension.
Learners often confuse 锲 with 切, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我用锲切苹果' (wǒ yòng qiè qiē píngguǒ) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我用刀切苹果' (wǒ yòng dāo qiē píngguǒ), meaning 'I use a knife to cut the apple.'
Pronunciation of 锲
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Etymology of 锲
Something engraved 契 in metal 钅; 契 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锲
- 1The giveawaySomething engraved 契 in metal 钅; 契 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锲? 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
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Decomposition of 锲
Identify the Components
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How to say to cut in Chinese
“to cut” in Chinese is锲
The character 锲 (qiè) primarily means to cut, carve, or engrave, often in a meticulous manner. It is commonly used in contexts involving craftsmanship, art, or the careful shaping of materials. Additionally, it carries a figurative meaning of gradually working at something or chiseling away at an idea or task.
When to use 锲
Learners should be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 锲, as it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone). It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing art or craftsmanship. Common collocations include 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě), meaning to work diligently without giving up.
锲 or something close to it
刻 (kè) — use 锲 (qiè) when emphasizing a careful or meticulous carving process, while 刻 (kè) generally refers to the act of cutting or engraving without the same nuance of precision.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锲 with 切, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我用锲切苹果' (wǒ yòng qiè qiē píngguǒ) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我用刀切苹果' (wǒ yòng dāo qiē píngguǒ), meaning 'I use a knife to cut the apple.'
Write 锲
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Practice writing 锲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 锲
Compound Meaning
What does 锲而不舍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锲
While 锲 (qiè) emphasizes the act of carving or engraving, 切 (qiē) generally refers to cutting in a more straightforward manner. 锲 involves artistry, whereas 切 can be more practical.
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