How to Write 盾 (dùn) — Meaning “shield”

Imagine the left side as a tall rectangular shield and the right side as an eye (目) peeking over it to see the enemy. This visual of "an eye behind a shield" helps you recall that 盾 means shield. The nine strokes can be remembered as the shield's frame and the eye inside.

Start with the left stroke that goes straight down, then write the horizontal and vertical strokes to form the shield shape. A common mistake is making the right side (目) too wide—keep it narrow and centered. Ensure the bottom horizontal stroke of 目 aligns with the bottom of the left part.

盾 (dùn) means shield and has a left side that looks like a protective barrier, while 盯 (dīng) means to stare and has an eye radical (目) on the left with a nail (丁) on the right. 盱 (xū) means to gaze upward and also has 目 on the left but with 于 on the right. Focus on the left side shape: 盾's left is unique, not a standard radical.

盾 appears in common words like 矛盾 (contradiction, literally "spear and shield") from an ancient fable about a man selling both. It also means "backing" in 后盾 (support) and refers to physical shields in 盾牌. Culturally, 盾 symbolizes protection and defense, often used in metaphors for conflicting ideas.

Common words containing 盾 include: 矛盾 (máo dùn) — contradiction; conflict; 后盾 (hòu dùn) — backing; support; 盾牌 (dùn pái) — shield.