How to Write 巡 (xún) — Meaning “Patrol / Tour”

Imagine a security guard walking (辶) along three winding paths (like the three strokes of 巛) to check every corner. This visual of moving through multiple routes helps you recall the idea of patrolling or touring.

Write the right part 巛 first with three short diagonal strokes from left to right, then add the radical 辶 (dot, then curved stroke). A common mistake is making the 巛 too wide or tall, which throws off balance; keep it compact so the 辶 can wrap around it neatly.

While all three have the radical 辶, 巡 has the component 巛 (three strokes) and means moving along a route, whereas 边 has 力 (strength) and means side or edge, and 辽 has 了 (finish) meaning distant. Visually, 巡 has three short lines on the right, not a hook or a single stroke like the others.

巡 appears in words like 巡逻 (patrol), 巡回 (tour/circuit), and 巡演 (performance tour). Historically, Chinese emperors would 巡 (tour) their realms to inspect governance, and today it is common in police, military, and cultural contexts to describe systematic checking or touring events.

Common words containing 巡 include: 巡逻 (xún luó) — To patrol; 巡回 (xún huí) — Tour / Circuit / Round; 巡演 (xún yǎn) — Performance tour.