Meanings of 镰
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About 镰
Podcast: 镰
Podcast: 镰
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AI study notes for 镰
锄 (chú) - choose 镰 (lián) for a tool specifically designed for cutting grain or grass, while 锄 refers to a hoe used for digging and weeding.
Be careful not to confuse 镰 (lián) with similar-sounding words or characters, particularly 鐮 (lián), which is an old variant. This word is generally used in informal contexts related to agriculture and may not be commonly found in formal writing.
While 镰 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 3 topics like farming and tools. Learners should focus on recognizing the character's components and how they relate to similar agricultural terms.
Learners often mispronounce 镰 (lián) by using a flat tone, confusing it with other characters. For example, saying 'liang' instead of 'lián' changes its meaning entirely. Always remember the rising tone for correct pronunciation.
Pronunciation of 镰
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Jason Explains 镰 to you
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Learning Lab
Knowing 镰 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 镰
metal
Origin
镰 = 钅 + 廉. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 镰
Parts
Which of these is part of 镰?
How to say sickle in Chinese
“sickle” in Chinese is镰
The character 镰 (lián) refers to a sickle, a farming tool used for cutting grain or grass. It is often associated with traditional agricultural practices and can symbolize hard work and rural life in Chinese culture. The character may also appear in historical contexts, particularly relating to farming techniques.
When to use 镰
Be careful not to confuse 镰 (lián) with similar-sounding words or characters, particularly 鐮 (lián), which is an old variant. This word is generally used in informal contexts related to agriculture and may not be commonly found in formal writing.
镰 or something close to it
锄 (chú) - choose 镰 (lián) for a tool specifically designed for cutting grain or grass, while 锄 refers to a hoe used for digging and weeding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 镰 (lián) by using a flat tone, confusing it with other characters. For example, saying 'liang' instead of 'lián' changes its meaning entirely. Always remember the rising tone for correct pronunciation.
Write 镰
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Practice writing 镰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 镰
镰 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他正在用一把大____刀割草.
He's cutting grass with a scythe.
Example sentences for 镰 (1)
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Word Family of 镰
Words with 镰
What does 镰刀 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 镰
镰 (lián) is a character that represents a sickle, while 鐮 (lián) is an older variant of the same character. Both refer to the tool used in farming.
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