How to Write 锢 (gù) — Meaning “To confine / To restrain”

Imagine a metal lock (钅) that is stuck solid (固) and cannot open. The character looks like a lock fixed firmly onto a door, so you remember that 锢 means to confine or restrain.

The left side 钅 must be written with a narrow width, and the stroke order of 钅 is: left-falling, horizontal, horizontal, vertical-left-falling, horizontal. The right side 固 has a full enclosure with a 口 frame; be careful not to make the 口 too wide or too narrow, and keep the inside 古 centered.

锢 (gù) focuses on confinement or fixing firmly, while 铐 (kào) means handcuffs specifically. 铑 (lǎo) is a chemical element (rhodium) and is very rare in daily use. Visually, 锢 has the right side 固 (a full enclosure), 铐 has 考 (with a long horizontal stroke), and 铑 has 老 (with a curved stroke on top).

锢 appears in words like 禁锢 (jìn gù), meaning to imprison or restrict, often used for ideas or freedom, not just physical jail. It is also in 锢定 (gù dìng) meaning to fix something firmly, like a screw. This character carries a formal or literary tone and is not common in everyday conversation.

Common words containing 锢 include: 禁锢 (jìn gù) — To imprison; to confine; to restrict.; 锢定 (gù dìng) — To fix firmly; 锢闭 (gù bì) — To confine / To shut in.