How to Write 锪 (huō) — Meaning “to countersink; to counterbore”

Imagine a metal drill (钅) that suddenly (忽) makes a flat-bottomed hole in a piece of metal. The word "sudden" reminds you that countersinking creates a quick, precise cut. Visualize the drill bit stopping abruptly to form the recess.

The left radical 钅 is narrow and only takes up about one-third of the character. The right part 忽 starts with 勿 (wù) and ends with 心 (xīn), so make sure the hook on 勿 is clear and the heart shape is balanced. A common mistake is making the 心 too large or forgetting the dot on top.

锪 (huō) means to countersink a hole, while 铐 (kào) means handcuffs and 铑 (lǎo) is the element rhodium. Visually, 铐 has 考 (kǎo) on the right, 铑 has 老 (lǎo), and 锪 has 忽 (hū). Each right part gives a different sound and meaning, so check the right side to tell them apart.

锪 is a technical term used in machining and engineering, especially for making screw holes flat or recessed. You might see it in words like 锪孔 (countersink hole) or 锪钻 (countersink drill). It is not used in everyday conversation, so you only need it if you study mechanical work.

Common words containing 锪 include: 锪孔 (huō kǒng) — to countersink a hole; 锪钻 (huō zuān) — countersink drill; 锪平 (huō píng) — to spot-face; to level by countersinking.