How to Write 挥 (huī) — Meaning “wave; wield”

Imagine your hand (扌) waving a military flag (军) to signal troops—this combines the hand and army components into a clear picture. This visual will help you recall that 挥 means "to wave" or "to wield."

Start with the left radical 扌: write horizontal, vertical hook, then lift. Then write the right side 军: dot, horizontal, left-falling stroke, horizontal, vertical (going through the middle), and final horizontal. A common mistake is separating the top of 军 into a different component; make sure the vertical stroke cuts through the whole right side.

Compared to 㧜 (niè, meaning "to pinch" or "to hold fast"), 挥 (huī) means "to wave" or "to wield" and is much more common. Compared to 扭 (niǔ, meaning "to twist" or "to turn"), 挥 has the right side 军 (army) while 扭 has 丑 (ugly), and their meanings are completely different—one for swinging, one for twisting.

You will often see 挥 in words like 挥手 (wave one's hand) for greetings or goodbyes, 挥动 (wave or swing something), and 发挥 (to bring into play, e.g., one's ability). It is also used in sports contexts like 挥拍 (swing a racket), and in cultural expressions such as waving to signal or celebrate.

Common words containing 挥 include: 挥手 (huī shǒu) — wave one's hand; 挥动 (huī dòng) — wave; swing; 发挥 (fā huī) — To bring into play; to give play to.