How to Write 钤 (qián) — Meaning “Seal / Stamp”

Imagine a metal seal (钅) that you press down 'now' (今) to stamp a document. The phrase 'seal it now' links the sound qián to the action of stamping. This visual helps connect the parts to the meaning.

When writing 钤, make sure the left radical 钅 is narrow and slightly taller than the right part. The right component 今 starts with a downward-left stroke (丿), then a downward-right stroke (㇏), and the bottom is a horizontal hook (㇇) followed by a vertical stroke; avoid making the central dot too large. A common mistake is writing 今 too wide, which throws off the balance.

钤 (qián, seal) has the right component 今, while 针 (zhēn, needle) has 十 (ten) and 钉 (dīng, nail) has 丁 (a nail shape). Visually, 钤's right part looks like a roof over a hook, whereas 针's right part is a simple cross and 钉's right part is a T-shape. Use them in different contexts: 钤 for stamps, 针 for sewing, 钉 for hardware.

钤 appears in formal or historical contexts, such as 钤印 (qián yìn) meaning 'to affix a seal' on documents or artwork. It is also used in 钤记 (qián jì) for an official seal or stamp. This character is rarely used in daily conversation but remains important for calligraphy, legal documents, and museum descriptions of antique seals.

Common words containing 钤 include: 钤印 (qián yìn) — To seal / To stamp; 钤盖 (qián gài) — To affix a seal; 钤记 (qián jì) — Official seal.