How to Write 戎 (róng) — Meaning “military; army”

Imagine ten soldiers (十) each holding a spear (戈) standing together in an army. The image of a group of ten armed soldiers helps you remember that 戎 means military.

Pay special attention to the 戈 component on the right: its slanting hook should curve outward and end with a sharp point, not be too straight. Also, the left side 十 should be written compactly so the character doesn't become too wide.

戈 (gē) alone means "halberd" or "weapon" and is a standalone character, while 戉 (yuè) means "large axe" and looks similar but has a bigger hook. 戎 includes 戈 but adds the 十 component on top-left, giving it the broader meaning of military or army.

戎 appears mostly in formal or literary words like 戎装 (military uniform) and 从戎 (to join the army). It is not used in everyday conversation but often appears in historical texts, official titles, or patriotic expressions.

Common words containing 戎 include: 戎装 (róng zhuāng) — military uniform; 从戎 (cóng róng) — To join the military.; 兵戎 (bīng róng) — Weapons; arms; war.