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楔 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
楔xiēto wedge; wedge, gatepost; forwardn, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #26521, Very Hard
xiē(xie1) T1
  1. 1to wedge; wedge, gatepost; forward
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

楔xiē(xie1)

The character 楔 (xiē) refers to a wedge, a triangular object that tapers to a sharp edge, commonly used for splitting or securing objects. It can also imply the action of wedging something in place. This term is often used in carpentry and construction contexts, where wedges are essential tools.

Strokes13Radical木Frequency#26521DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, wooden wedges were often used to secure beams and structures together, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in Chinese building techniques. This character evokes a sense of stability and strength in construction.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant wedge-shaped slice of cheese (like a wedge of Swiss cheese) being pushed into a door to keep it open. The shape of the wedge (the character 楔) resembles a triangle, reinforcing the idea of wedging something securely in place.

Meanings of 楔

xiē(xie1)
1to wedge; wedge, gatepost; forward
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 楔

楔Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 楔

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Podcast: 楔

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AI Study Notes for 楔

Usage Notes

When using 楔, be mindful of its specific contexts, as it is primarily used in technical or construction-related discussions. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; the fourth tone in xiē is crucial to convey the correct meaning. Common collocations include 楔子 (xiēzi) meaning 'wedge' or 'insert'.

HSK Study Tips

Although 楔 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words related to tools and construction, such as 工具 (gōngjù - tools) and 夹 (jiā - to clamp). Focus on understanding its practical applications in relevant contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 楔 with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some.' A common mistake might be saying '我需要一些工具和楔子' (Wǒ xūyào yīxiē gōngjù hé xiēzi), when it should be '我需要一些工具和夹子' (Wǒ xūyào yīxiē gōngjù hé jiāzi) if referring to clamps.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 楔

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Etymology of 楔

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)契
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 楔

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half契 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaywood
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 楔? 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 楔?

Decomposition of 楔

IDS Structure⿰木契
楔Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
契qi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 楔?

How to say to wedge; wedge, gatepost; forward in Chinese

“to wedge; wedge, gatepost; forward” in Chinese is楔xiē

The character 楔 (xiē) refers to a wedge, a triangular object that tapers to a sharp edge, commonly used for splitting or securing objects. It can also imply the action of wedging something in place. This term is often used in carpentry and construction contexts, where wedges are essential tools.

When to use 楔

When using 楔, be mindful of its specific contexts, as it is primarily used in technical or construction-related discussions. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; the fourth tone in xiē is crucial to convey the correct meaning. Common collocations include 楔子 (xiēzi) meaning 'wedge' or 'insert'.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 楔 with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some.' A common mistake might be saying '我需要一些工具和楔子' (Wǒ xūyào yīxiē gōngjù hé xiēzi), when it should be '我需要一些工具和夹子' (Wǒ xūyào yīxiē gōngjù hé jiāzi) if referring to clamps.

Write 楔

楔

Practice writing 楔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 楔

楔 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

在门下面插个____,好让门开着.

Put a wedge under the door so that it will stay open.

Example Sentences for 楔 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在门下面插个楔,好让门开着.

zài mén xià miàn chā gè xiē, , hǎo ràng mén kāi.

Put a wedge under the door so that it will stay open.
2
他用锤子把楔子砸入石缝里。

tā yòng chuí zǐ bǎ xiē zǐ zá rù shí féng lǐ。

He hammered the wedge into the crack in the stone.

Word Family of 楔

Words Containing This Character3
楔xiēwedge
楔子wedge
楔形文字cuneiform (Babylonian script)
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 楔 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 楔

It is pronounced as 'xiē' with the first tone, which is high and level.

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