镂 (lòu) - To carve, engrave, or inlay & to work with intricate detail, especially in metal

镂Tone 4

lòu ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

镂 · lòu

To carve, engrave, or inlay;

to work with intricate detail, especially in metal or wood;

to chisel or hollow out.

To carve, engrave, or inlayto work with intricate detail, especially in metalto chisel or hollow out.

Usage highlights

Openwork carvingEngrave patternsCarve and chiselEngrave on metalCarve on jadeIntricate carving

Synonyms

  • 刻— to carve, engrave
  • 雕— to carve, sculpt
  • 凿— to chisel, carve

Antonyms

  • 糙— coarse, rough
  • 粗— crude, rough

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The artisan carved intricate patterns (镂刻图案).
  • This technique is called openwork carving (镂空雕刻).
  • His words were etched in my heart (铭心镂骨).
  • They engraved the design on metal (金属镂花).

Collocations

  • Openwork carving(镂空)
  • Engrave patterns(镂花)
  • Carve and chisel(镂刻)
  • Engrave on metal(镂金)
  • Carve on jade(镂玉)
  • Intricate carving(精镂)

Idioms

  • Carved in the bones and engraved on the heart — unforgettable(刻骨镂心)
  • Carve ice and雕jade — exquisite and pure craftsmanship(镂冰雕琼)
  • Carve the bones and engrave the muscles — painstaking effort(镂骨铭肌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with traditional Chinese metalworking, woodworking, and jade carving arts.
  • Represents the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in Chinese artisan traditions.
  • Often used metaphorically to describe deep, lasting impressions or memories.

FAQ