How to Write 铭 (míng) — Meaning “To engrave; inscription”

Imagine a metal plaque (钅) with a famous name (名) carved into it. The name is so important that people will remember it forever — that is the idea behind 铭, which means both to engrave and to bear in mind.

The left radical 钅 has five strokes and should be written narrow, ending with a short horizontal stroke. The right side 名 begins with a top dot above a slanted stroke (夕), and the mouth (口) below must be centered and not too wide. A common mistake is making the right side too tall, throwing off the balance.

All three share the metal radical 钅, but their right parts give different meanings. 钙 (calcium) has 丐 (gài, beggar) and is a chemical element. 钚 (plutonium) has 不 (bù, not) and is a radioactive element. In contrast, 铭 uses 名 (name) and relates to engraving or inscriptions, not chemistry.

铭 is used in words like 铭记 (to remember firmly) and 座右铭 (a personal motto). It often appears in formal or literary contexts, such as on monuments or trophies. A cultural note: Chinese people may use 座右铭 to describe a short saying that guides their life, similar to a "life motto."

Common words containing 铭 include: 铭记 (míng jì) — To bear in mind; 座右铭 (zuò yòu míng) — Motto; 铭刻 (míng kè) — To engrave; to imprint on one's mind.