锏 (jiǎn) - Mace — a type of ancient Chinese weapon, & historically used by cavalry

锏Tone 3

jiǎn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

锏 · jiǎn

Mace — a type of ancient Chinese weapon, typically a metal rod or club;

historically used by cavalry;

also refers to a specific component in traditional Chinese architecture.

Mace — a type of ancient Chinese weapon,historically used by cavalryalso refers to a specific component in traditional

Usage highlights

Mace weaponDouble macesKiller maceBronze maceIron maceHorseback mace

Synonyms

  • 鞭— whip (similar short weapon)
  • 棒— club (similar blunt weapon)
  • 锤— hammer (similar striking weapon)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The warrior wielded a heavy mace (杀手锏).
  • This ancient weapon is called a jiǎn (锏).
  • He demonstrated the use of the Chinese mace (双锏).
  • The museum displays a Song dynasty mace (宋代锏).

Collocations

  • Mace weapon(锏)
  • Double maces(双锏)
  • Killer mace(杀手锏)
  • Bronze mace(青铜锏)
  • Iron mace(铁锏)
  • Horseback mace(马战锏)

Idioms

  • Killer mace — ace in the hole(杀手锏)
  • Wielding twin maces — powerful combat technique(舞动双锏)
  • Mace and whip — traditional weapons(鞭锏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The jiǎn was a popular weapon during the Song and Ming dynasties, often used by cavalry.
  • In Chinese martial arts, the mace is considered one of the traditional short weapons.
  • The term 'killer mace' (杀手锏) has evolved to mean a decisive move or trump card in modern Chinese.

FAQ