About
The character "钳", derived from its traditional form "鉗", structurally combines the metal radical with a phonetic component to originally signify metal tools like pincers or pliers used for gripping and compressing. Its etymology points to a direct association with implements crafted from metal, where the radical denotes material and the component suggests pronunciation. Over time, the meaning extended from these tangible instruments to metaphorical applications, such as describing acts of restraining or suppressing, particularly in contexts like limiting speech or controlling information, thereby reflecting an evolution from a concrete noun to a verb with abstract connotations of constraint. The visual form was later simplified, altering the radical while maintaining the character's fundamental structural and semantic integrity.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我用钳子夹钉子。
工人用钳子修理机器。
他从工具箱里拿出钳子。
爸爸是一名熟练的钳工。
政府钳制了反对声音。
卡钳用于测量车轮的尺寸。
经济制裁钳制了该国的发展。
舆论的压力像钳子一样钳制着他的行动。