How to Write 甬 (yǒng) — Meaning “Path; (also an abbreviation for Ningbo).”

Picture a path with a sign that says "Use this road"—the top part 用 (use) and the bottom part as a road combine to mean "path". Think of it as "use the Yong road" to remember the pronunciation.

Start with a horizontal hook at the top, then two horizontals, a vertical stroke down, another horizontal hook, and two final horizontals. Common mistakes include making the bottom too narrow or forgetting the second horizontal hook, which gives the character its enclosed shape.

用 (yòng, meaning "use") has only one horizontal hook and no bottom enclosure, while 甬 has a second hook that creates a path shape. 甩 (shuǎi, meaning "to swing") has a curved vertical stroke like a tail, whereas 甬's vertical is straight.

甬 is primarily used as an abbreviation for Ningbo (a city in Zhejiang province), such as in 甬江 (Yong River). It also appears in formal words like 甬道 (corridor) and 甬路 (paved path), but is rarely used in everyday speech.

Common words containing 甬 include: 甬道 (yǒng dào) — Corridor; aisle; paved path.; 甬江 (yǒng jiāng) — Yong River (in Ningbo).; 甬路 (yǒng lù) — Paved path (leading to a main building)..