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镶嵌 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
镶嵌xiāngqiànto inlayHSK 7, v, rank #22672, Hard
镶嵌xiāngqiànto embedHSK 7, v, rank #22672, Hard
镶嵌xiāngqiànto set (e.g. a jewel in a ring)HSK 7, v, rank #22672, Hard
镶嵌xiāngqiàntilingHSK 7, v, rank #22672, Hard
镶嵌xiāngqiàntesselationHSK 7, v, rank #22672, Hard
xiāngqiàn(xiang1qian4) T1
  1. 1to inlay
  2. 2to embed
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March 24, 2026
镶嵌(鑲嵌)xiāngqiàn(xiang1qian4)

The verb 镶嵌 (xiāngqiàn) refers to the action of inlaying or embedding materials within one another, commonly seen in jewelry making where gems are set into a base. It can also apply to tiling and decorative arts where pieces are arranged in a specific pattern. This term conveys a sense of craftsmanship and precision.

Frequency#22672DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, 镶嵌 techniques are often applied in jade craftsmanship, showcasing the high value placed on jade as a precious material. Jewelry and decorative items made using these techniques can convey status and aesthetic beauty in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a beautiful ring where a sparkling gem is 'inlaid' into the metal. The character 镶 (xiāng) looks like a combination of a 'mountain' (the top part) and a 'cave' (the bottom part), depicting how something precious is set within a protective layer, much like a gem nestled in its setting.

Meanings of 镶嵌

xiāngqiàn(xiang1qian4)
1to inlay
2to embed
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 镶嵌

镶嵌Simplified
鑲嵌Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#22672Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 镶嵌

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Podcast: 镶嵌

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AI Study Notes for 镶嵌

Quick Contrast

镶嵌 (inlay) vs 嵌入 (embed) — use 镶嵌 when emphasizing decorative inlay work, while 嵌入 focuses on the act of inserting something into a surrounding material.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a beautiful ring where a sparkling gem is 'inlaid' into the metal. The character 镶 (xiāng) looks like a combination of a 'mountain' (the top part) and a 'cave' (the bottom part), depicting how something precious is set within a protective layer, much like a gem nestled in its setting.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 镶嵌 (xiāngqiàn) with similar terms that imply simply placing items together without the embedding aspect. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about art and craftsmanship. Common collocations include '镶嵌宝石' (to inlay gemstones) and '镶嵌工艺' (inlay craftsmanship).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 镶嵌 connects to advanced vocabulary related to art, craftsmanship, and design. Students should focus on recognizing how this term conveys both a physical action and an artistic concept, linking it with words like 装饰 (zhuāngshì, to decorate) and 设计 (shèjì, to design).

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, 镶嵌 techniques are often applied in jade craftsmanship, showcasing the high value placed on jade as a precious material. Jewelry and decorative items made using these techniques can convey status and aesthetic beauty in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 镶嵌 (xiāngqiàn) with 嵌入 (qiànrù), which simply means 'to embed' without the artistic nuance. For example, saying '我想嵌入这个宝石' (I want to embed this gemstone) should correctly use 镶嵌 instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 镶嵌

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Component Characters

xiāngto inlay
HSK 722 strokes
View full entry
kǎnto inlay
12 strokes
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Write 镶嵌

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

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Grammar Patterns of 镶嵌

镶嵌 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 5

Complete the Sentence

他们出售自己动手做____画所需材料和现成的镶板。

They sell materials for DIY mosaics and ready-made panels.

Example Sentences for 镶嵌 (4)

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1
他们出售自己动手做镶嵌画所需材料和现成的镶板。

tā mén chū shòu zì jǐ dòng shǒu zuò xiāng qiàn huà suǒ xū cái liào hé xiàn chéng de xiāng bǎn。

They sell materials for DIY mosaics and ready-made panels.
2
盒盖上镶嵌着银饰。

hé gài shàng xiāng qiàn zháo yín shì。

The lid of the box had been inlaid with silver.
3
这顶王冠上镶嵌着金和银.

zhè dǐng wáng guān shàng xiāng qiàn zháo jīn hé yín.

The crown was enchased with gold and silver.
4
无云的晴空镶嵌着无数颗闪烁的星星.

wú yún de qíng kōng xiāng qiàn zháo wú shù kē shǎn shuò de xīng xīng.

The cloudless sky was jewelled with myriads of glittering stars.

Cultural Notes for 镶嵌

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, 镶嵌 techniques are often applied in jade craftsmanship, showcasing the high value placed on jade as a precious material. Jewelry and decorative items made using these techniques can convey status and aesthetic beauty in Chinese society.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western contexts, inlay techniques are often associated with woodworking or mosaic art, whereas in Chinese culture, the emphasis is placed more on precious materials like jade and gemstones, reflecting cultural values around nature and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions about 镶嵌

You can say: '这件首饰镶嵌了许多漂亮的宝石。' (This piece of jewelry is inlaid with many beautiful gemstones.)