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螯 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
螯áoclaws, pincerszg, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #27283, Very Hard
螯áonippersunknown, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #27283, Very Hard
螯áoclaw (of crab)unknown, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #27283, Very Hard
螯áochelaunknown, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #27283, Very Hard
螯áoAstacus fluviatilisunknown, 16 strokes, radical 虫, rank #27283, Very Hard
áo(ao2) T2
  1. 1claws, pincers
  2. 2nippers
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

螯áo(ao2)

The character 螯 (áo) refers to the pincers or claws of certain crustaceans, particularly crabs and lobsters. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine life and cooking, especially when discussing seafood dishes. This character conveys a sense of the natural world and is often associated with seafood culture in Chinese cuisine.

Strokes16Radical虫Frequency#27283DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese cuisine, seafood, particularly crabs and lobsters, is highly valued, and the culinary use of their claws (螯) is a significant aspect of many traditional dishes. Festivals and family gatherings often feature crab dishes, highlighting their cultural importance.

Memory Tip

Imagine a crab with large, menacing claws. The shape of the character 螯 resembles the claws of a crab, with the radical 虫 (insect) hinting at its connection to creatures like crabs and lobsters. Picture the 'áo' sound as a crab pinching your finger – this vivid imagery will help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 螯

áo(ao2)
1claws, pincers
2nippers
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 螯

螯Simplified
16Strokes
虫Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 螯

JasonAmy

Podcast: 螯

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AI Study Notes for 螯

Usage Notes

When using 螯, it's important to be aware that it typically refers to the claws of crustaceans, so avoid using it for other types of claws or pincers. This term is more common in informal settings, especially in culinary discussions. Be cautious with the tone; the correct pronunciation is áo, as mispronouncing it may lead to confusion with other words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 螯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners at HSK level 3 and above, especially those interested in food-related vocabulary. Focus on associating it with related terms like 蟹 (xiè, crab) and 龙虾 (lóngxiā, lobster) to build contextual understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 螯 with other claw-related words like 爪 (zhǎo), which refers to the claws of animals like cats. Remember, 螯 is specifically for crustaceans, while 爪 is for terrestrial animals.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 螯

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Etymology of 螯

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

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 敖 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

insect

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 螯

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 敖 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half敖 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayinsect
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 螯? 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 螯?

Decomposition of 螯

IDS Structure⿱敖虫
螯Full Character
=
敖Ao2
top
虫chong2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 螯?

How to say claws, pincers in Chinese

“claws, pincers” in Chinese is螯áo

The character 螯 (áo) refers to the pincers or claws of certain crustaceans, particularly crabs and lobsters. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine life and cooking, especially when discussing seafood dishes. This character conveys a sense of the natural world and is often associated with seafood culture in Chinese cuisine.

When to use 螯

When using 螯, it's important to be aware that it typically refers to the claws of crustaceans, so avoid using it for other types of claws or pincers. This term is more common in informal settings, especially in culinary discussions. Be cautious with the tone; the correct pronunciation is áo, as mispronouncing it may lead to confusion with other words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 螯 with other claw-related words like 爪 (zhǎo), which refers to the claws of animals like cats. Remember, 螯 is specifically for crustaceans, while 爪 is for terrestrial animals.

Write 螯

螯

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 螯

Words Containing This Character1
螯áonippers
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 螯 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 螯

The correct pronunciation is áo, with a rising tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 螯?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.