How to Write 豁 (huō/huò) — Meaning “open; clear; exempt”

Imagine a valley (谷) that has been "harmed" (害) by a big crack, creating a wide opening. The character looks like a valley split open, which helps you recall the meanings of open, clear, or exempt.

The left side 害 is taller and narrower, while the right side 谷 is shorter and wider. Pay attention to the stroke order: write the left part first (点,点,横撇,竖,横折,横,横), then the right side 谷 (撇,点,撇,捺,竖,横折,横). Make sure the top of 谷 aligns with the middle of 害.

谿 is a rarely used character meaning a mountain stream or valley, pronounced xī or qī, and is mostly found in classical texts. In contrast, 豁 (huō/huò) is more common in modern Chinese and conveys openness, exemption, or a gap, as seen in words like 豁达 and 豁免. Visually, 谿 has 谷 on the left and 奚 on the right, while 豁 has 害 on the left and 谷 on the right.

豁 appears in words like 豁达 (open-minded), 豁免 (exempt), and 豁口 (a gap or opening). It is used in formal or written contexts, such as legal documents for immunity or describing someone's generous character. Culturally, 豁达 is a positive personality trait valued in Chinese society, meaning broad-minded and not worrying about small matters.

Common words containing 豁 include: 豁达 (huò dá) — open-minded; optimistic; 豁免 (huò miǎn) — exempt; immunity; 豁口 (huō kǒu) — gap; breach; opening.