How to Write 掘 (jué) — Meaning “to dig or excavate”

Imagine using your hand (扌) to bend (屈) a shovel while digging a hole. This visual of a hand bending a tool helps connect the sound "jué" and the meaning "to dig".

Write the left radical 扌 first (3 strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, lift), then the right part 屈 starting with 尸 (3 strokes: horizontal left, horizontal, under left) followed by 出 (5 strokes: middle vertical, then two mountain shapes). A common mistake is making the lower 出 part too wide; keep it compact and centered under 尸.

The right side of 掘 is 屈 (bend), while 括 has 舌 (tongue) and 拜 has a different right component (卉-like but with extra strokes). In meaning, 掘 means to dig, 括 means to include or wrap, and 拜 means to worship or bow.

掘 appears in common words like 挖掘 (excavate, often for mining or archaeology) and 发掘 (to unearth, such as discovering artifacts or talent). It is frequently used in news about archaeological digs or construction projects, but it is not part of the HSK standard vocabulary.

Common words containing 掘 include: 挖掘 (wā jué) — excavate; 发掘 (fā jué) — To excavate; to unearth; 掘地 (jué dì) — to dig the ground.