Definition
镶嵌 (xiāngqiàn) means 'to inlay, to set' and emphasizes embedding decorative materials into a surface, often in patterns or mosaics. Its counterpart 镶 (xiāng) is the usual term for setting a single gem or dental work; 镶嵌 is broader, covering decorative inlaywork and tiling.
verb
to inlayto set (a decorative material such as gems or patterns into a surface)to tile (a surface with decorative pieces, forming a mosaic or tessellation)
Examples
- 镶嵌。Gōngjiàng bǎ yì kē lánbǎoshí xiāng qiàn zài shǒuzhuó shang.The craftsman set a sapphire into the bracelet.
- 镶嵌。Zhège mùhé de biǎomiàn xiāng qiàn zhe xiàngyá diāokè de tú'àn.The surface of this wooden box is inlaid with an ivory-carved pattern.
- 镶嵌。Tāmen yòng cǎisè cí zhuān bǎ wèishēngjiān dìmiàn xiāng qiàn chéng liánhuā tú'àn.They used colored tiles to tile the bathroom floor into a lotus pattern.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.