鎪 (sōu) - To carve & to engrave

鎪Tone 1

sōu ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

鎪 · sōu

To carve;

to engrave;

to chisel;

to file;

to scrape;

also refers to a type of chisel or file tool.

To carveto engraveto chisel

Usage highlights

Carving and engravingFile toolEngraving techniqueCarve patternsEngrave and chiselMetal file

Synonyms

  • 刻— to carve; to engrave
  • 雕— to carve; to sculpt
  • 镂— to engrave; to carve

Antonyms

  • 磨— to polish; to smooth (opposite of rough carving)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The artisan carved intricate patterns (鎪刻图案).
  • He used a file to smooth the metal surface (用鎪子鎪平金属).
  • This technique involves careful engraving (这种工艺需要精细的鎪镂).

Collocations

  • Carving and engraving(鎪刻)
  • File tool(鎪子)
  • Engraving technique(鎪工)
  • Carve patterns(鎪花)
  • Engrave and chisel(鎪镂)
  • Metal file(钢鎪)

Idioms

  • Carving insects and engraving seals(鎪虫篆刻)
  • Carving and chiseling meticulously(精雕细鎪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally associated with metalworking and woodworking crafts in Chinese artisan traditions.
  • Represents precision craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in Chinese cultural context.

FAQ