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镟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镟xuànlathezg, 16 strokes, radical 钅
镟xuànto shape on a latheunknown, 16 strokes, radical 钅
镟xuànto peel with a knifeunknown, 16 strokes, radical 钅
镟xuànto turn in (a screw)unknown, 16 strokes, radical 钅
xuàn(xuan4) T4
  1. 1lathe
  2. 2to shape on a lathe
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March 24, 2026

镟(鏇)xuàn(xuan4)

The character 镟 (xuàn) refers to a lathe, a tool used for shaping materials such as wood or metal. It can also mean to shape something on a lathe, peel with a knife, or turn something in, like a screw. It's commonly used in contexts related to manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Strokes16Radical钅
Cultural Note

In Chinese craftsmanship, the lathe has a significant role in shaping both traditional and modern materials, symbolizing precision and skill in making objects. The usage of lathes reflects the importance of manual craftsmanship in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a skilled craftsman at a lathe, using a knife to peel away layers of wood. The character 镟 resembles a knife (the radical '刂' on the right) and a spinning wheel (the radical '金' on the left), reminding you of the shaping process. The sound 'xuàn' can be remembered as the sound of the lathe whirring.

Meanings of 镟

xuàn(xuan4)
1lathe
2to shape on a lathe
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 镟

镟Simplified
鏇Traditional
16Strokes
钅Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镟

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Podcast: 镟

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AI Study Notes for 镟

Usage Notes

This character is generally used in technical contexts, so it's more formal than casual. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters; always remember it relates specifically to lathes and shaping. Be careful with the tones; 'xuàn' has a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

This character is not part of the official HSK levels, but it can be useful for learners interested in technical vocabulary. Focus on its usage in manufacturing contexts and connect it with related terms like 刀 (dāo - knife) and 车床 (chēchuáng - lathe).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 镟 with similar characters like 切 (qiē - to cut). Remember that 镟 specifically involves shaping on a lathe, not just any cutting action. For example, saying '我镟苹果' (I lathe an apple) is incorrect; use it in contexts like '我在镟木头' (I am shaping wood on the lathe).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镟

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Etymology of 镟

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

metal

Semantic (meaning)钅
+
Phonetic (sound)旋
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 镟

  1. 1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half旋 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaymetal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 镟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 镟?

Decomposition of 镟

IDS Structure⿰钅旋
镟Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
旋xuan2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 镟?

How to say lathe in Chinese

“lathe” in Chinese is镟xuàn

The character 镟 (xuàn) refers to a lathe, a tool used for shaping materials such as wood or metal. It can also mean to shape something on a lathe, peel with a knife, or turn something in, like a screw. It's commonly used in contexts related to manufacturing and craftsmanship.

When to use 镟

This character is generally used in technical contexts, so it's more formal than casual. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding characters; always remember it relates specifically to lathes and shaping. Be careful with the tones; 'xuàn' has a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 镟 with similar characters like 切 (qiē - to cut). Remember that 镟 specifically involves shaping on a lathe, not just any cutting action. For example, saying '我镟苹果' (I lathe an apple) is incorrect; use it in contexts like '我在镟木头' (I am shaping wood on the lathe).

Write 镟

镟

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 镟

Words Containing This Character1
镟xuànto shape on a lathe鏇
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 镟 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 镟

It primarily refers to a lathe used for shaping materials in manufacturing.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 镟?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.