How to Write 锐 (ruì) — Meaning “Sharp / keen”

Imagine a metal knife (钅) that is so sharp it can exchange (兑) your attention instantly. Another trick: think of the right part 兑 as a person with a sharp point on their head, like a metal spike. This visual links the metal and sharpness together.

Write the left radical 钅 first (5 strokes: left-falling, horizontal, horizontal, vertical lift, dot), then the right part 兑 (7 strokes: top two dots, mouth, then legs with a final dot). A common mistake is making the right side too wide or misplacing the final dot on 兑 — keep it compact and centered. The overall proportion should be left narrow and right wider.

锐 has 钅 (metal) on the left and 兑 on the right, meaning "sharp." 钰 has 钅 but with 玉 (jade) on the right, meaning "treasure" or used in names. 钱 also has 钅 but with 戋 (jiān) on the right, meaning "money." Visually, the right sides are completely different: 兑 vs 玉 vs 戋.

锐 appears in common words like 锐利 (ruìlì, sharp blade), 敏锐 (mǐnruì, keen observation), and 尖锐 (jiānruì, sharp point or harsh criticism). It is used both for physical sharpness and mental keenness. In Chinese names, 锐 often conveys a wish for the person to be sharp-witted or energetic.

Common words containing 锐 include: 锐利 (ruì lì) — Sharp / piercing; 敏锐 (mǐn ruì) — sharp; keen; 尖锐 (jiān ruì) — Sharp; acute; piercing.