How to Write 钰 (yù) — Meaning “Precious treasure”

Picture a golden metal key (钅) unlocking a box that contains a shiny jade (玉) gem. The combination of metal and jade represents a precious treasure (钰). This visual image helps you connect the two components to the meaning.

The right part 玉 has five strokes and ends with a small dot at the bottom right; do not forget this dot, or it becomes 王 (king). Also, the left radical 钅 uses a vertical hook stroke, not a straight line. Keep the metal radical narrower than the jade part for proper proportions.

钰 (yù) contains 玉 (jade) on the right and means treasure. 钍 (tǔ) has 土 (earth) on the right and is a chemical element (thorium). 钎 (qiān) has 千 (thousand) on the right and means a drill or brazing rod. Look for the dot on the bottom right of 钰 to distinguish it from the others.

钰 is mostly used in personal names (like 小钰) to express the hope that the person is as precious as treasure. It also appears in poetry, jewelry names, and artistic contexts where elegance is desired. This character is not part of everyday HSK vocabulary but carries a refined, positive meaning.

Common words containing 钰 include: 钰宝 (yù bǎo) — Precious treasure; 小钰 (xiǎo yù) — Xiao Yu (a name); 钰石 (yù shí) — Precious stone.