鏤 (lòu) - To carve, engrave, or inlay & to hollow out

鏤Tone 4

lòu ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

鏤 · lòu

To carve, engrave, or inlay;

to hollow out;

to adorn with intricate patterns.

To carve, engrave, or inlayto hollow outto adorn with intricate patterns.

Usage highlights

To engrave/carveTo hollow outInlaid with goldEngraved in bone and remembered in heartCarved windowEngraved jade

Synonyms

  • 雕— to carve, engrave
  • 刻— to carve, engrave
  • 琢— to cut and polish (jade)

Antonyms

  • 磨— to rub, polish smooth (opposite of carving)
  • 平— flat, level (opposite of engraved)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The artisan carved intricate patterns into the wood (镂刻).
  • The memory is deeply engraved in my heart (镂骨铭心).
  • The metal box was inlaid with gold (镂金).
  • He used a chisel to hollow out the design (镂空).

Collocations

  • To engrave/carve(镂刻)
  • To hollow out(镂空)
  • Inlaid with gold(镂金)
  • Engraved in bone and remembered in heart(镂骨铭心)
  • Carved window(镂窗)
  • Engraved jade(镂玉)

Idioms

  • Engraved in the bones and remembered in the heart — unforgettable(镂骨铭心)
  • Carving insects and sealing tadpoles — trivial skills(镂冰雕朽)
  • Carving ice and engraving rot — futile labor(镂冰炊砾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with high-level craftsmanship in metal, jade, and woodworking.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing ornate decoration and intricate artistry.
  • The idiom 镂骨铭心 reflects the deep cultural value placed on lasting memory and profound gratitude.

FAQ