How to Write 锹 (qiāo) — Meaning “Shovel; spade”

Imagine that in autumn (秋), you need a metal (钅) shovel to clean up piles of fallen leaves. The picture of a metal tool in the fall season can help you link the shape to the meaning "shovel."

The left radical 钅 must be written narrow and tall, with the last stroke curling upward like a hook. The right part 秋 has 禾 on top and 火 below—make sure the 火 doesn't touch the 禾, and keep the whole character balanced.

锹 (qiāo) has 秋 (autumn) on the right and means "shovel." 铓 (máng) has 芒 on the right and refers to the sharp edge of a blade—it is rarely used. 铸 (zhù) has 寿 on the right and means "to cast metal," like making tools by pouring molten metal.

锹 appears in words like 铁锹 (tiě qiāo, iron shovel), a common tool for digging in gardens or construction sites. You might also see 铲锹 (chǎn qiāo) in a dictionary. Although not in the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners interested in farming or outdoor work.

Common words containing 锹 include: 铁锹 (tiě qiāo) — iron shovel; 铲锹 (chǎn qiāo) — Shovel; spade; 拿锹 (ná qiāo) — to take a shovel.