Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
锷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
èhigh, lofty; sharp; a knife's edgeg, 14 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
èblade edgeunknown, 14 strokes, radical 钅, Very Hard
è(e4) T4
  1. 1high, lofty; sharp; a knife's edge
  2. 2blade edge
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(鍔)è(e4)

The character 锷 (è) refers to something that is high or lofty, often associated with sharpness, particularly in relation to the edge of a knife or blade. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation but can appear in literary or formal contexts, emphasizing precision or a cutting quality.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the sharpness of a blade often symbolizes clarity of thought and decisiveness, which can be seen in literature and historical texts where swords and knives carry significant metaphorical weight.

Memory Tip

Imagine a high mountain peak (the shape of the character resembles a tall structure) with a sharp knife at its edge. The knife's sharpness symbolizes the character's meaning of high and sharp. Remember the 'è' sound by thinking of the word 'edge', which starts with a similar vowel sound.

Meanings of 锷

è(e4)
1high, lofty; sharp; a knife's edge
2blade edge
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 锷

Simplified
Traditional
14Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 锷

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 锷

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a high mountain peak (the shape of the character resembles a tall structure) with a sharp knife at its edge. The knife's sharpness symbolizes the character's meaning of high and sharp. Remember the 'è' sound by thinking of the word 'edge', which starts with a similar vowel sound.

Usage Notes

This character is not commonly used in daily conversation, so learners might misuse it by trying to apply it in informal contexts. It is typically used in more elevated or formal language. Be cautious with the tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

While 锷 (è) is not an HSK level word, it can be associated with vocabulary around sharpness and elevation found in HSK 4-5. Students should focus on the nuances of meaning in context, especially in literary texts.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the sharpness of a blade often symbolizes clarity of thought and decisiveness, which can be seen in literature and historical texts where swords and knives carry significant metaphorical weight.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 锷 with similar characters like 锥 (zhuī) which means 'cone' or 'awl.' For example, saying '我喜欢锷的形状' (I like the shape of 锷) instead of the correct usage within a more appropriate context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 锷

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 锷

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

metal

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 锷?

Decomposition of 锷

IDS Structure⿰钅咢
Full Character
=
jin1
left
e4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 锷?

Write 锷

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 锷

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, the sharpness of a blade often symbolizes clarity of thought and decisiveness, which can be seen in literature and historical texts where swords and knives carry significant metaphorical weight.

Word Family of 锷

Words Containing This Character2
èsharp
蔡锷Cai E (1882-1916), originator of the National protection army of 1915蔡鍔
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 锷 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 锷

No, 锷 is typically found in more formal or literary contexts.