How to Write 锯 (jù) — Meaning “saw; to saw”

Imagine a metal saw (钅) cutting through a house (居), because "居" looks like a house shape. Alternatively, think of the sound "ju" as in "jigsaw" — a type of saw. This connects the metal radical with the tool and its sound.

Write the left radical 钅 first (5 strokes), then the right side 居 (8 strokes). A common mistake is making the top part of 居 (尸) too wide — keep it narrow, and ensure the bottom part 古 is balanced below. Practice the sequence to avoid omitting the horizontal stroke in 尸.

All three have the metal radical 钅, but the right side differs: 锯 has 居 (jū), 铐 has 考 (kǎo, meaning "to test"), and 铑 has 老 (lǎo, meaning "old"). 锯 means "saw" (tool/action), 铐 means "handcuffs," and 铑 is the chemical element rhodium.

锯 is commonly used for the tool "saw" (锯子) and the action "to saw" (锯木头). It appears in everyday phrases like 电锯 (electric saw) for construction or gardening. In Chinese culture, sawing is a practical skill, but the character is not associated with special idioms or symbolism.

Common words containing 锯 include: 锯子 (jù zi) — saw (tool); 电锯 (diàn jù) — Electric saw; 锯木头 (jù mù tou) — to saw wood.