How to Write 缍 (duǒ) — Meaning “spindle / weight”

Picture a spindle with silk thread (纟) and a heavy weight (垂) hanging from it, making the thread pull straight. This image of a hanging weight on a thread helps you recall that 缍 means 'spindle' or 'weight.'

The left radical 纟 is written narrow with three strokes, while the right part 垂 has nine strokes starting with a left-falling stroke. A common mistake is to make 垂 too narrow or to misorder its many horizontal strokes; remember the shape is wide at the bottom. Practice the stroke sequence carefully to keep the character balanced.

绑 (bǎng) means 'to tie' and uses 邦 on the right, while 绒 (róng) means 'velvet' and uses 戎. In contrast, 缍 (duǒ) means 'spindle' or 'weight' and has 垂 on the right. Their pronunciations, meanings, and visual components are all distinct, so focus on the right side to tell them apart.

缍 is uncommon in everyday language and appears mostly in technical or historical contexts about spinning and weaving, like in the word 线缍 (spindle for thread). It may also refer to a small weight used in fishing. Language learners rarely need it except when reading about traditional textiles or crafts.

Common words containing 缍 include: 线缍 (xiàn duǒ) — spindle, bobbin; 缍子 (duǒ zi) — spindle / weight; 丝缍 (sī duǒ) — Spindle.