How to Write 仵 (wǔ) — Meaning “to oppose / coroner (component)”

Imagine a person (亻) working at noon (午) — the sun is directly overhead, so they are 'opposing' the heat. This can help you remember that 仵 is used for coroners who work in tough conditions.

Start with the left radical 亻: first a downward-left slant, then a vertical line. Then write the right part 午: a short left slant, two horizontal lines, and a final vertical stroke. A common mistake is making the two horizontals too long or uneven, so keep them balanced and the final vertical straight.

Compared to 什 (shén, used in 什么 'what') and 仁 (rén, meaning 'benevolence'), 仵 has the component 午 instead of 十 or 二. Visually, 仵's right side has a downward-left stroke at the top, while 什 has a simple cross and 仁 has two horizontal lines. Their meanings are completely different, so focus on the right part to tell them apart.

仵 is rarely used alone; it appears mainly in historical terms like 仵作 (ancient coroner) or as a surname 仵. In some regions, 仵工 still refers to mortuary workers. Culturally, 仵作 was a crucial but low-ranking role in old Chinese legal systems, often shown in historical dramas.

Common words containing 仵 include: 仵作 (wǔ zuò) — coroner (in ancient China); 姓仵 (xìng wǔ) — surnamed Wu; 仵工 (wǔ gōng) — undertaker / mortuary worker.