The term 镌刻 (juānkè) refers to the act of engraving or carving, typically in a material such as stone or metal. It is commonly used in contexts involving art, craftsmanship, and memorialization, such as creating tombstones or commemorative plaques. The word conveys a sense of permanence and artistry in the creation process.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
juānkè(juan1ke4) T1
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
May 27, 2026
镌刻juānkè(juan1ke4)
The term 镌刻 (juānkè) refers to the act of engraving or carving, typically in a material such as stone or metal. It is commonly used in contexts involving art, craftsmanship, and memorialization, such as creating tombstones or commemorative plaques. The word conveys a sense of permanence and artistry in the creation process.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 镌刻 is often associated with the creation of stone tablets that preserve historical texts or commemorate significant events, reflecting the importance of memory and honor in Chinese tradition.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled artisan using a chisel to carve a beautiful design into stone, each stroke of the tool echoing the sound of 'juān' as they engrave. The character 镌 (juān) resembles a hand holding a tool, while 刻 (kè) signifies the act of cutting or engraving, helping you remember that this word is all about the craftsmanship of engraving.
About 镌刻
镌刻Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 镌刻
Podcast: 镌刻
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 镌刻
Quick Contrast
雕刻 (diāokè) vs 镌刻 (juānkè) — use 镌刻 specifically for engraving on hard materials like stone or metal, while 雕刻 can refer to carving in a broader sense, including softer materials.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a skilled artisan using a chisel to carve a beautiful design into stone, each stroke of the tool echoing the sound of 'juān' as they engrave. The character 镌 (juān) resembles a hand holding a tool, while 刻 (kè) signifies the act of cutting or engraving, helping you remember that this word is all about the craftsmanship of engraving.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 镌刻 with similar terms like 刻 (kè), which also means to carve but is more general and can refer to cutting in various contexts. It is more formal and may not be used in everyday conversation, so it's best suited for written language or specific discussions about art and memorials.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding the application of 镌刻 in artistic and memorial contexts. Connecting this word to related vocabulary like 雕刻 (diāokè, 'sculpture') and 刻 (kè, 'to cut') will enhance vocabulary retention and comprehension in advanced discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 镌刻 is often associated with the creation of stone tablets that preserve historical texts or commemorate significant events, reflecting the importance of memory and honor in Chinese tradition.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 镌刻 in informal situations, thinking it simply means 'to carve' without the artistic nuance. Instead, use 刻 (kè) for casual references to cutting or carving.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 镌刻
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 镌刻 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 镌刻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 镌刻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 镌刻 is often associated with the creation of stone tablets that preserve historical texts or commemorate significant events, reflecting the importance of memory and honor in Chinese tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions about 镌刻
Common materials for 镌刻 include stone, metal, and wood, each chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities.
While 镌刻 is often artistic, it can also be used for practical purposes, such as labeling or marking important items.
No, 镌刻 specifically refers to traditional engraving methods; digital engraving would use different terminology.
