How to Write 踔 (chuō) — Meaning “to jump; to excel”

Imagine someone jumping (足) up onto a tall table (卓 looks like a table with legs). The jump is so high that it's "excellent" — that is 踔. This links the foot action to the idea of excelling.

The left part 足 has a horizontal stroke (一) that should be written before the two vertical strokes, and the final stroke of 足 is a left-falling stroke (丿) not a dot. The right part 卓 starts with a short horizontal at the top, then the 日 shape should be slightly narrower than the top cover stroke.

跟 means "heel" or "to follow" and has a simpler right side (艮), while 踔 emphasizes jumping or being outstanding. 䠀 (sometimes read tǎng) means "to wade" or "stamp" and has a different right component (尚). Visually, 踔 has 卓 on the right, giving it more strokes and a distinct rectangular top part.

踔 is rare in everyday speech but appears in formal or literary idioms like 踔厉奋发 (to forge ahead with enterprise) and 踔绝 (outstanding). You might see it in classical texts or inspirational mottos, not in casual conversation.

Common words containing 踔 include: 踔厉 (chuō lì) — energetic; vigorous; 踔绝 (chuō jué) — outstanding; unsurpassed; 踔厉奋发 (chuō lì fèn fā) — to forge ahead with enterprise and fortitude.