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March 24, 2026
鞘qiào(qiao4)
The character 鞘 (qiào) refers to a scabbard or sheath, typically used to hold a sword or knife. It is often associated with traditional Chinese weaponry and symbolizes protection and containment. In a broader sense, it can also represent the concept of safeguarding something sharp or dangerous.
Strokes16Radical革Frequency#21568DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the scabbard has historical significance, often being artistically designed and symbolizing the harmony between the weapon and its protective cover. Scabbards are also featured in martial arts demonstrations, showcasing skill and respect for the weapon.
Memory Tip
Imagine a knight sheathing his sword into a protective scabbard. The character 鞘 has the radical 鞭 (biān), which relates to leather or weaponry, and the shape resembles a protective cover. Think of 'qiào' as 'cow' (which sounds similar) wearing a sheath to protect its horns, making it memorable.
Meanings of 鞘
qiào(qiao4)
1scabbard, sheath
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鞘
鞘Simplified
16Strokes
革Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鞘
Podcast: 鞘
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AI Study Notes for 鞘
Usage Notes
The term 鞘 is typically used in formal contexts related to weapons or martial arts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in informal settings, which may not convey the intended meaning. It often collocates with words like 剑 (jiàn, sword) or 刀 (dāo, knife).
HSK Study Tips
While 鞘 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to words for weapons and protection, which are often studied at higher levels. Focus on the context of traditional weapons and cultural references to enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鞘 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 巧 (qiǎo, clever). For example, saying '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiǎo) is incorrect; it should be '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiào).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鞘
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Drill the tone of 鞘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 革 represents the meaning and 肖 represents the sound.
1The meaning half革 carries the sense.
2The sound half肖 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayleather
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鞘? 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 鞘?
Decomposition of 鞘
IDS Structure⿰革肖
鞘Full Character
=
革ge2
left
肖Xiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鞘?
How to say scabbard, sheath in Chinese
“scabbard, sheath” in Chinese is鞘qiào
The character 鞘 (qiào) refers to a scabbard or sheath, typically used to hold a sword or knife. It is often associated with traditional Chinese weaponry and symbolizes protection and containment. In a broader sense, it can also represent the concept of safeguarding something sharp or dangerous.
When to use 鞘
The term 鞘 is typically used in formal contexts related to weapons or martial arts. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in informal settings, which may not convey the intended meaning. It often collocates with words like 剑 (jiàn, sword) or 刀 (dāo, knife).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鞘 with other similar-sounding characters, such as 巧 (qiǎo, clever). For example, saying '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiǎo) is incorrect; it should be '我有一个刀鞘' (Wǒ yǒu yī gè dāo qiào).
Write 鞘
鞘
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Practice writing 鞘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 鞘
鞘 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
马刀在刀____里咔嗒作响，骑手催马向前。
Sabres rasped from scabbards and the horsemen spurred forward.
