Meanings of 箝
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Podcast: 箝
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AI Study Notes for 箝
钳 (qián, tongs) — use 箝 when emphasizing the action of gripping or holding tightly, while 钳 refers more specifically to a type of tool that is broader and used for lifting or moving.
When using 箝, be careful to use it in contexts specifically related to tools or actions involving clamping. Avoid using it in informal settings unless discussing tools directly. Common collocations include '箝子' (qiánzi) for 'pliers' or '钳制' (qiánzhì) meaning 'to clamp down'.
Though 箝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students at an intermediate level can relate it to other tool-related vocabulary. Focus on distinguishing it from similar words like '夹' (jiā), which also means to hold or clamp but in broader contexts.
Learners often confuse 箝 with 夹 (jiā) because both relate to gripping. For example, saying '我用箝子夹东西' is incorrect; instead, use '我用夹子夹东西' for 'I use tweezers to grip things.'
Pronunciation of 箝
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Etymology of 箝
Bamboo ⺮ used to grasp 拑 things; 拑 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
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Decomposition of 箝
Parts
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How to say tweezers, pincers; pliers, tongs in Chinese
“tweezers, pincers; pliers, tongs” in Chinese is箝
The character 箝 (qián) refers to tools like tweezers, pincers, or pliers that are used to grip, hold, or manipulate objects. It can also refer to the action of clamping something tightly. In a broader context, it suggests a sense of restriction or holding something in place.
When to use 箝
When using 箝, be careful to use it in contexts specifically related to tools or actions involving clamping. Avoid using it in informal settings unless discussing tools directly. Common collocations include '箝子' (qiánzi) for 'pliers' or '钳制' (qiánzhì) meaning 'to clamp down'.
箝 or something close to it
钳 (qián, tongs) — use 箝 when emphasizing the action of gripping or holding tightly, while 钳 refers more specifically to a type of tool that is broader and used for lifting or moving.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 箝 with 夹 (jiā) because both relate to gripping. For example, saying '我用箝子夹东西' is incorrect; instead, use '我用夹子夹东西' for 'I use tweezers to grip things.'
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Word Family of 箝
Frequently Asked Questions about 箝
While both can mean to clamp or grip, 箝 specifically refers to tools like pliers, whereas 夹 is more general and can refer to holding or pinching anything.
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