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镣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镣liàofetters, leg-ironsn, 17 strokes, radical 钅, rank #57130, Very Hard
镣liàoshacklesunknown, 17 strokes, radical 钅, rank #57130, Very Hard
liào(liao4)liao T4
  1. 1fetters, leg-irons
  2. 2shackles
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March 24, 2026

镣(鐐)liào(liao4)

The character 镣 (liào) refers to fetters or leg-irons used to restrain prisoners. It is often used in a historical or literary context, symbolizing oppression or confinement. In modern usage, it may also be metaphorically applied to describe situations that restrict freedom.

Strokes17Radical钅Frequency#57130DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese history, fetters were commonly used in the legal system as a means of punishment for crimes. The concept of imprisonment is deeply woven into Chinese literature, often reflecting societal views on justice and morality.

Memory tip

Imagine a pair of heavy chains clanking around your ankles, making it difficult to walk. The character 镣 resembles a heavy iron shackle, with the metal components highlighting its meaning of confinement. Remember 'liào' as the sound of chains dragging on the ground.

Meanings of 镣

liào(liao4)
1fetters, leg-irons
2shackles
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 镣

镣Simplified
鐐Traditional
17Strokes
钅Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 镣

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Podcast: 镣

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AI study notes for 镣

Usage Notes

镣 is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in literature discussing imprisonment or historical accounts of punishment. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you remember its specific meaning related to fetters. It often appears in collocations with words related to imprisonment.

HSK Study Tips

Although 镣 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, recognizing it can enhance understanding of texts related to historical or literary themes. Focus on contextual usage and its association with themes of imprisonment, as it can enrich vocabulary at higher levels.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 镣 interchangeably with other words for chains or restraints. For example, saying '我会戴上镣' (I will wear fetters) is awkward; instead, use it in contexts discussing historical punishment or literature.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镣

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Etymology of 镣

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 尞 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鐐.

Memory hint

metal

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

Origin

镣 = 钅 + 尞. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 镣

IDS Structure⿰钅尞
镣Full character
=
钅jin1
left
尞liao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 镣?

How to say fetters, leg-irons in Chinese

“fetters, leg-irons” in Chinese is镣liào

The character 镣 (liào) refers to fetters or leg-irons used to restrain prisoners. It is often used in a historical or literary context, symbolizing oppression or confinement. In modern usage, it may also be metaphorically applied to describe situations that restrict freedom.

When to use 镣

镣 is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in literature discussing imprisonment or historical accounts of punishment. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you remember its specific meaning related to fetters. It often appears in collocations with words related to imprisonment.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 镣 interchangeably with other words for chains or restraints. For example, saying '我会戴上镣' (I will wear fetters) is awkward; instead, use it in contexts discussing historical punishment or literature.

Write 镣

镣

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

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Word Family of 镣

Words containing this character3
镣铐liàokàomanacles and leg-irons鐐銬
脚镣jiǎoliàofetters腳鐐
镣liàofetters鐐
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 镣

What does 镣铐 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 镣

Synonyms include 拘束 (jūshù, restraint) and 铐 (kào, handcuffs), but these terms refer to different types of restraints.

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