HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Very Hard
镶
xiāng
to embed
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Very Hard
镶
xiāng
ridge
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Very Hard
镶
xiāng
border
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Very Hard
镶
xiāng
inset, inlay; to set, to mount; to fill
HSK 7, v, 22 strokes, radical 钅, rank #12752, Very Hard
xiāng(xiang1) T1
1to inlay
2to embed
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
镶(鑲)xiāng(xiang1)
The character 镶 (xiāng) primarily means to inlay or embed something into a surface, creating a decorative effect. It is commonly used in contexts such as jewelry making, woodworking, and inlay work in art. The nuance of this word often conveys a sense of craftsmanship and detail-oriented work.
Strokes22Radical钅Frequency#12752DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,镶 is often associated with intricate craftsmanship seen in traditional jewelry and furniture, where artisans inlay materials like jade or gold into wood, reflecting status and artistry.
Memory Tip
Think of 镶 as a picture frame (the outer shape) that 'sets' a beautiful image inside it. The character has a metal radical (金) on the left, which reminds you of precious materials used in inlay work, and the '相' suggests a pairing or fitting together, similar to how inlays fit into surfaces.
Meanings of 镶
xiāng(xiang1)
1to inlay
2to embed
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 镶
镶Simplified
鑲Traditional
22Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#12752Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 镶
Podcast: 镶
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 镶
Quick Contrast
镶 (xiāng) vs 嵌 (qiàn) — use 镶 when referring specifically to decorative inlay, while 嵌 is used for embedding or fitting objects into one another without the decorative aspect.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 镶 with similar verbs like 装 (to install) or 嵌 (to embed). Use 镶 specifically for decorative inlay contexts, and remember it can be used both formally and informally. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing the first tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 镶 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other action verbs related to crafting and modifying objects. Focus on understanding its usage in practical contexts, such as in fashion or craftsmanship, to build your vocabulary around related terms.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 镶 to describe general installation rather than its specific context of decorative inlay. For example, saying '我镶了窗户' (I inlaid the window) is incorrect; instead, use '我安装了窗户' (I installed the window).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 镶
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 襄 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鑲.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half襄 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 镶? 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 镶?
Decomposition of 镶
IDS Structure⿰钅襄
镶Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
襄Xiang1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 镶?
How to say to inlay in Chinese
“to inlay” in Chinese is镶xiāng
The character 镶 (xiāng) primarily means to inlay or embed something into a surface, creating a decorative effect. It is commonly used in contexts such as jewelry making, woodworking, and inlay work in art. The nuance of this word often conveys a sense of craftsmanship and detail-oriented work.
When to use 镶
Learners often confuse 镶 with similar verbs like 装 (to install) or 嵌 (to embed). Use 镶 specifically for decorative inlay contexts, and remember it can be used both formally and informally. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing the first tone can change the meaning.
镶 or something close to it
镶 (xiāng) vs 嵌 (qiàn) — use 镶 when referring specifically to decorative inlay, while 嵌 is used for embedding or fitting objects into one another without the decorative aspect.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 镶 to describe general installation rather than its specific context of decorative inlay. For example, saying '我镶了窗户' (I inlaid the window) is incorrect; instead, use '我安装了窗户' (I installed the window).
Write 镶
镶
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Practice writing 镶 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 镶
镶 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这件女式睡衣的袖孔和领口都____着一圈手织花边。
The nightdress has handmade lace round the armholes and neckline.
