How to Write 镌 (juān) — Meaning “To engrave / To carve”

Imagine a metal tool (钅) carving a beautiful bird (隽 looks like a bird character). The bird is being etched into stone, so you remember 镌 means "to engrave." This visual of a metal tip drawing a bird helps link the shape and meaning.

Pay attention to the left part 钅: the last stroke is a horizontal line that should not cross the vertical stroke. The right side 隽 has a small top stroke before the bird-like shape; make sure not to add an extra dot. Keep the overall structure balanced – the left is narrower, the right is wider.

虽然锖 (qiāng) and 锗 (zhě) both have the metal radical, but their meanings are completely different. 锖 refers to a type of tarnish or patina on metal, while 锗 is a chemical element (germanium). Visual differences: 锖 has 青 on the right, 锗 has 者, while 镌 has 隽.

镌 is used in formal or literary contexts, such as 镌刻 (to engrave) on monuments or artworks. It appears in names for engraved stone tablets or calligraphy. Culturally, engraving is seen as a permanent record, so 镌 can imply something deeply impressed or unforgettable.

Common words containing 镌 include: 镌刻 (juān kè) — To engrave / To carve; 镌字 (juān zì) — To engrave characters; 镌名 (juān míng) — To engrave a name.