How to Write 夺 (duó) — Meaning “to take by force / to seize / to win”

Picture a big person (大) stretching out their hand (寸) to grab a trophy. This visual of a large figure reaching down to seize something by force helps link the shape to the meaning of 'take by force'.

Write the top part 大 first: horizontal stroke, left-falling, right-falling. Then write 寸: horizontal, vertical hook, and finally the dot. A common mistake is making the 大 too narrow or the 寸 too wide; keep the top broad and the lower part centered.

夺 has 大 on top and 寸 below, while 买 has a horizontal line above 头 (head) and means 'buy', and 天 has one horizontal line above 大 meaning 'sky' or 'day'. The extra hand component (寸) in 夺 is the key visual difference and signals forceful seizure.

夺 is common in formal and competitive settings, such as 夺取 (duó qǔ, to capture) in military or sports contexts, and 争夺 (zhēng duó, to vie for) in business or politics. A notable cultural use is 夺冠 (duó guàn, to win a championship), often heard during Olympic or tournament coverage.

Common words containing 夺 include: 夺取 (duó qǔ) — to seize / to capture / to win; 争夺 (zhēng duó) — to fight over or vie for; 夺目 (duó mù) — dazzling / eye-catching.