How to Write 蹂 (róu) — Meaning “To trample; to tread on”

Imagine a foot (足) intentionally stepping on and crushing something soft (柔), like a flower or a pillow. This forceful pressing motion matches the meaning "to trample" or "to tread on."

Pay attention to the stroke order: write the left radical 足 first (7 strokes), then the right part 柔 (9 strokes). A common mistake is misordering the top of 柔, which is 矛 (spear) followed by 木 (tree). Keep the right side balanced and not too wide.

蹂 (róu) means to trample, while 跽 (jì) means to kneel — they share the foot radical but have very different actions. 䠀 (tǎng or chǎng) is a rare character that may mean to trample or to step, but it is almost never used in modern Chinese, whereas 蹂 appears in common words like 蹂躏.

蹂 is most often found in the formal word 蹂躏 (róu lìn), meaning to trample, ravage, or devastate, especially in contexts of war, oppression, or natural disaster. It is not used in casual conversation and carries a strong negative connotation.

Common words containing 蹂 include: 蹂躏 (róu lìn) — To trample on; to ravage; to devastate; 蹂踏 (róu tà) — To trample; to tread underfoot; 蹂 (róu) — To trample; to tread on.