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March 24, 2026
镩(鑹)cuān(cuan1)
The character 镩 (cuān) refers to a type of metal tool, specifically a pick or poker used for digging or breaking up hard surfaces. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction or mining, where tools are essential for manual labor. The character emphasizes the strength and utility of iron tools in these industries.
Strokes17Radical钅Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 镩 were vital for agriculture and construction, reflecting the importance of manual labor in Chinese history. The use of metal tools is celebrated in many cultural artifacts and practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong iron pick (镩) breaking through tough ground—the radical 钅 (metal) reminds you that it is made of iron, while 'cuān' sounds like 'swan,' which can help you visualize a graceful yet strong tool slicing through dirt.
Meanings of 镩
cuān(cuan1)
1iron, pick, poker
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 镩
镩Simplified
鑹Traditional
17Strokes
钅Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 镩
Podcast: 镩
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AI Study Notes for 镩
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong iron pick (镩) breaking through tough ground—the radical 钅 (metal) reminds you that it is made of iron, while 'cuān' sounds like 'swan,' which can help you visualize a graceful yet strong tool slicing through dirt.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 镩 (cuān) with similar-sounding words or characters that pertain to different tools or materials. This character is more common in technical or specialized discussions rather than everyday conversation. It is important to use the correct tone as well, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
Since 镩 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, learners might encounter it in specialized contexts related to trades or engineering. Focus on understanding its components and how it relates to other metal-related terms to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 镩 were vital for agriculture and construction, reflecting the importance of manual labor in Chinese history. The use of metal tools is celebrated in many cultural artifacts and practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 镩 with 镐 (gǎo), which means 'pickaxe.' For example, saying '我用镐去挖' (I use 镩 to dig) is incorrect; it should be '我用镐去挖.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镩
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Cultural Notes for 镩
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, tools like 镩 were vital for agriculture and construction, reflecting the importance of manual labor in Chinese history. The use of metal tools is celebrated in many cultural artifacts and practices.
Word Family of 镩
Words Containing This Character2
镩cuānice spud (aka ice chisel) with a pointy tip鑹
冰镩ice spud (aka ice chisel) with a pointy tip冰鑹
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 镩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 镩
镩 is primarily used as a pick or poker for digging and breaking hard surfaces.
No, 镩 is more often found in technical discussions rather than casual or everyday conversation.
镩 is pronounced with the first tone, cuān, so make sure to say it with a high, level tone.
