How to Write 斧 (fǔ) — Meaning “Axe / Hatchet”

Imagine a father (父) holding a heavy axe (斤) to chop wood. This visual of a dad using an axe helps you remember that 斧 means 'axe' and combines both components.

Write the top part 父 first with four strokes: dot, left-falling, right-falling, and a small left-falling. Then add the bottom 斤 with four strokes: left-falling, horizontal, vertical, and a right-falling hook. Keep the two parts balanced vertically.

The character 斦 (zhì) is rare and means 'to chop' or 'axe handle', while 斫 (zhuó) is a verb meaning 'to chop' or 'to cut'. Unlike 斧, which is a noun for the tool, 斫 is used as a verb. Visually, 斧 has 父 on top; 斫 has 石 on the left and 斤 on the right.

斧 appears in everyday words like 斧头 (axe) and 斧子 (axe). It is also used in the polite phrase 斧正 (please correct my work), which asks someone to 'polish' your writing as if using an axe to shape wood. This usage is common in formal or written requests for feedback.

Common words containing 斧 include: 斧头 (fǔ tóu) — Axe / Hatchet; 斧正 (fǔ zhèng) — To polish (writing) / Please correct my work; 斧子 (fǔ zi) — Axe / Hatchet.