Meanings of 镖
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About 镖
Podcast: 镖
Podcast: 镖
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AI study notes for 镖
镖 (biāo, spear or escort) vs 矛 (máo, spear) — use 镖 when emphasizing the escorting aspect; use 矛 for the weapon itself.
镖 is often used in formal contexts related to security and transportation, especially in historical narratives or discussions about trade. Be cautious with tone; the second tone (biāo) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '护镖' (hù biāo, to escort goods) and '镖师' (biāo shī, escort or bodyguard).
Although 镖 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with Level 3 and 4 vocabulary related to travel and trade. Students should focus on understanding the context of its use in sentences, especially with terms related to security and protection.
Learners often confuse 镖 with similar-sounding characters like 标 (biāo), which means 'mark' or 'label.' To avoid this, remember that 镖 involves protection and escorting, while 标 is more about identification.
Pronunciation of 镖
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Jason Explains 镖 to you
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Etymology of 镖
Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 票 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鏢.
metal
Origin
镖 = 钅 + 票. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 镖
Parts
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How to say spear, harpoon, dart; to escort in Chinese
“spear, harpoon, dart; to escort” in Chinese is镖
The character 镖 (biāo) primarily refers to a type of spear or throwing weapon, often used for hunting or combat. It also conveys the meaning of escorting goods, particularly in the context of transporting valuables under protection, a practice historically significant in Chinese commerce. This dual meaning highlights both the physical and metaphorical aspects of protection and security.
When to use 镖
镖 is often used in formal contexts related to security and transportation, especially in historical narratives or discussions about trade. Be cautious with tone; the second tone (biāo) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '护镖' (hù biāo, to escort goods) and '镖师' (biāo shī, escort or bodyguard).
镖 or something close to it
镖 (biāo, spear or escort) vs 矛 (máo, spear) — use 镖 when emphasizing the escorting aspect; use 矛 for the weapon itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 镖 with similar-sounding characters like 标 (biāo), which means 'mark' or 'label.' To avoid this, remember that 镖 involves protection and escorting, while 标 is more about identification.
Write 镖
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Practice writing 镖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 镖
镖 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 3 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.
Fill the gap
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他招手把另一姓罗的保____叫过来.
He beckoned a second bodyguard, Lou.
Example sentences for 镖 (6)
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Word Family of 镖
Words with 镖
What does 保镖 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 镖
While both refer to weapons, 矛 specifically means 'spear' in a general sense, whereas 镖 has a stronger association with escorting and protecting goods.
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