Meanings of 锹
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About 锹
Podcast: 锹
Podcast: 锹
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AI Study Notes for 锹
铲 (chǎn) - use 锹 for larger digging tasks, while 铲 is more suited for scraping or lifting materials.
When using 锹, ensure you are in the right context, as it's typically used in more practical settings. Some may confuse it with other digging tools like 铲 (chǎn), which means 'spade.' Remember that 锹 is less formal and more practical.
锹 is not included in the HSK levels but is a useful word for learners interested in construction or gardening vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in sentences related to outdoor activities.
Learners might confuse 锹 with similar tools like 铲, leading to incorrect usage in context. For example, saying '我需要一个锹来铲土' (I need a shovel to spade dirt) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个铲来铲土.'
Pronunciation of 锹
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Etymology of 锹
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 秋 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鍬.
metal
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 锹
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 秋 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鍬.
- 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half秋 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 锹? 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 锹?
Decomposition of 锹
Identify the Components
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How to say shovel in Chinese
“shovel” in Chinese is锹
锹 (qiāo) refers to a shovel or spade, commonly used in gardening, construction, or outdoor work. It signifies a tool designed for digging, lifting, or moving bulk materials. This character emphasizes practical utility in both professional and domestic contexts.
When to use 锹
When using 锹, ensure you are in the right context, as it's typically used in more practical settings. Some may confuse it with other digging tools like 铲 (chǎn), which means 'spade.' Remember that 锹 is less formal and more practical.
锹 or something close to it
铲 (chǎn) - use 锹 for larger digging tasks, while 铲 is more suited for scraping or lifting materials.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 锹 with similar tools like 铲, leading to incorrect usage in context. For example, saying '我需要一个锹来铲土' (I need a shovel to spade dirt) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个铲来铲土.'
Write 锹
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Practice writing 锹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 锹
锹 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
____和耙的手柄较长，可发挥较好的杠杆作用。
The spade and fork have longer shafts, providing better leverage.
Example Sentences for 锹 (5)
Word Family of 锹
Compound Meaning
What does 铁锹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 锹
It is pronounced as 'qiāo' with a first tone.
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