How to Write 缧 (léi) — Meaning “To bind with ropes”

Imagine you need to 'lay' (sounds like léi) many ropes on top of each other to tie something securely. Visualize the left part 纟 as thin ropes and the right part 累 as layers of rope coils, so the whole picture reminds you of binding with accumulated ropes.

Write the left radical 纟 first with three strokes, keeping it narrow. Then write 累: start with the top 田 (field) made of four strokes, then add the bottom 糸 (silk) with three strokes — make sure 田 is centered and not too wide so the whole character stays balanced. A common mistake is making 田 too large, which makes the character look squashed.

All three share the 纟 radical, but the right parts differ: 缧 has 累 (田 + 糸), 缂 has 革 (leather), and 缃 has 相 (mutual). Visually, 缧's right side has a square top (田), while 缂's right side looks like a long leather strip and 缃's right side is split into 木 and 目. Their meanings also differ: 缂 refers to a silk weaving technique, and 缃 means light yellow silk.

缧 is not a common character in everyday life; it appears mainly in classical or literary contexts. You might encounter it in the word 缧绁 (léi xiè, meaning fetters or imprisonment) or the idiom 缧绁之忧 (léi xiè zhī yōu, 'the suffering of being imprisoned'). Understanding it helps when reading ancient texts or formal literature about bondage and jail.

Common words containing 缧 include: 缧绁 (léi xiè) — Fetters; ropes; imprisonment; 缧囚 (léi qiú) — Prisoner; person in bonds; 缧绁之忧 (léi xiè zhī yōu) — The suffering of being imprisoned.