How to Say
How to Write
xiān
Meaning: shovel
💡 Imagine 'wood' (木) with 'lack' (欠) — a wooden shovel lacking modern features.
Compounds

📚 Character Story & Explanation

杴 (xiān) meaning in English —

杴 (xiān) means 'shovel' in Chinese, referring to a tool used for digging or moving materials like soil or snow. It is a less common character, often replaced by 锹 (qiāo) in modern usage. Historically, 杴 appears in classical texts and regional dialects, reflecting agricultural traditions. Learning it enriches your understanding of traditional tools and vocabulary.

💬 Example Sentences

Common Compounds

Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up

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