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March 24, 2026
铲子(鏟子)chǎnzi(chan3zi5)
铲子 (chǎnzi) refers to a shovel or spade, commonly used in gardening or construction for digging and moving material. It can also refer to a spatula in the kitchen, showcasing its versatility. This term is frequently used in contexts involving physical labor or cooking.
Frequency#8065DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, gardening and agriculture are highly valued, making tools like the 铲子 essential for daily life. In the kitchen, the spatula is a key utensil for stir-frying, a prominent Chinese cooking technique.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef in a garden using a shovel (铲 - chǎn) to dig up vegetables, and then using a spatula (子 - zi) to flip them in a pan. The connection between the shovel's blade and the spatula's flat edge can help you remember the character's shape and meaning.
Meanings of 铲子
chǎnzi(chan3zi5)
1shovel
2spade
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About 铲子
铲子Simplified
鏟子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 铲子
Podcast: 铲子
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AI Study Notes for 铲子
Quick Contrast
铲子 (shovel) vs 铁铲 (metal shovel) — use 铲子 for general reference to shovels, while 铁铲 specifies a type made of metal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef in a garden using a shovel (铲 - chǎn) to dig up vegetables, and then using a spatula (子 - zi) to flip them in a pan. The connection between the shovel's blade and the spatula's flat edge can help you remember the character's shape and meaning.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 铲子; the first syllable is pronounced with a falling tone (chǎn) and the second with a neutral tone (zi). It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to appear more in practical discussions about tools.
HSK Study Tips
While 铲子 may not be on the HSK list, it connects to the HSK 2 topic of daily activities and tools. Familiarize yourself with related terms like 工具 (gōngjù - tools) and practice using it in sentences about tasks or cooking.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, gardening and agriculture are highly valued, making tools like the 铲子 essential for daily life. In the kitchen, the spatula is a key utensil for stir-frying, a prominent Chinese cooking technique.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铲子 with other similar tools like 锹 (qiāo) and may use them interchangeably. Remember, 锹 refers specifically to a spade, while 铲子 can mean spatula or shovel.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铲子
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Cultural Notes for 铲子
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, gardening and agriculture are highly valued, making tools like the 铲子 essential for daily life. In the kitchen, the spatula is a key utensil for stir-frying, a prominent Chinese cooking technique.
Frequently Asked Questions about 铲子
铲子 (chǎnzi) generally refers to a shovel or spatula, while 锹 (qiāo) specifically means a spade or shovel used for digging.
No, 铲子 specifically refers to spatulas or shovels; other kitchen utensils have different terms.
No, while it is commonly associated with gardening and construction, it is also used in cooking contexts for spatulas.
