钳 (qián) - Pliers, pincers, tongs & to clamp, to grip, to restrain

钳Tone 2

qián ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

钳 · qián

Pliers, pincers, tongs;

to clamp, to grip, to restrain;

to silence or suppress.

Pliers, pincers, tongsto clamp, to grip, to restrainto silence or suppress.

Usage highlights

PliersForcepsClampTongsRestrainSilence

Synonyms

  • 夹— to clip, to clamp, to pinch
  • 镊— tweezers, forceps
  • 掐— to pinch, to clutch

Antonyms

  • 放— to release, to let go
  • 松— to loosen, to relax
  • 开— to open, to free

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mechanic used pliers (钳子) to tighten the bolt.
  • They used forceps (钳子) in the surgical procedure.
  • The clamp (夹具) held the wood in place.
  • Authorities tried to silence (钳制) the opposition.

Collocations

  • Pliers(钳子)
  • Forceps(钳子)
  • Clamp(夹具)
  • Tongs(钳子)
  • Restrain(钳制)
  • Silence(钳口)

Idioms

  • Tongue-tied and unable to speak(钳口结舌)
  • To silence by force(钳口禁语)
  • To restrain and control(钳制束缚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to metal tools for gripping and holding objects.
  • Metaphorically extended to mean suppression of speech or freedom.
  • Commonly used in both technical/mechanical contexts and political/social commentary.

FAQ