How to Write 镘 (màn) — Meaning “trowel”

Imagine a metal tool (钅) that is used to spread a soft, smooth layer (like mud or plaster) – think of the right part 曼 as a "man" slowly smoothing a surface. You can remember "metal man" with a trowel in hand.

The right side 曼 has a specific order: first the top 日 (rì), then 又 (yòu) at the bottom. A common mistake is to write the bottom part as 夂 (zhǐ) instead of 又. Also, ensure the left radical 钅 is written with its final stroke turning upward, not straight.

镘 (màn) means a trowel and is used for plastering. 锲 (qiè) means to carve or engrave, often with a chisel, and its right side is 契. 锴 (kǎi) refers to high-quality iron or metal, with the right side 皆. Visually, the right sides are distinct: 曼 vs 契 vs 皆.

镘 is a specialized character mainly used in construction and masonry contexts. Common words include 镘刀 (màn dāo, trowel) and 泥镘 (ní màn, plasterer's trowel). It is not part of the HSK vocabulary, so you'll mostly encounter it in trade manuals or hardware store labels.

Common words containing 镘 include: 镘刀 (màn dāo) — trowel; 泥镘 (ní màn) — Plasterer's trowel; 抹镘 (mǒ màn) — to plaster with a trowel.