How to Write 翦 (jiǎn) — Meaning “cut; a surname”

Imagine you are using a pair of scissors (the top part 前 looks like scissors) to trim the feathers (羽) of a bird. This visual of cutting feathers directly reminds you that 翦 means 'cut'. The two components together create a memorable picture of trimming.

Pay attention to the width: the top part 前 should be slightly wider than the bottom 羽 to keep the character balanced. The bottom part 羽 has two halves that are mirror images, so make sure the left and right sides of 羽 are even. A common mistake is writing the top part too narrow or squeezing the bottom.

Although all three contain the radical 羽 (feathers), 翦 has 前 (front) on top, while 翟 has 隹 (short-tailed bird) below meaning 'pheasant', and 翠 has 卒 below meaning 'kingfisher green'. Visually, the bottom parts are different, and 翦 means 'cut' while 翟 refers to a bird and 翠 refers to a color or jade.

翦 is mostly used as a surname (姓翦), especially for the famous historian 翦伯赞. In formal writing, it appears in words like 翦除 (wipe out) and 翦影 (silhouette), but it is rare in everyday conversation. Knowing 翦 helps you recognize literary Chinese texts and historical names.

Common words containing 翦 include: 姓翦 (xìng jiǎn) — Surname Jian; 翦除 (jiǎn chú) — wipe out; eliminate; 翦影 (jiǎn yǐng) — silhouette; profile.