How to Write 鬻 (yù) — Meaning “To sell”

Imagine a person selling bowls of congee (粥) from a large bronze cooking pot (鬲) at a market. The strong visual of selling food from a pot can help associate the shape with the meaning "to sell." Focus on the bottom part 鬲 as the container and the top as the food inside.

This character has 22 strokes and is quite complex; write the top part 粥 first, then the bottom 鬲. The top 粥 has three main sections: left side 弓, right side with 米 and another 弓, so be careful to balance the width. A common mistake is making the bottom 鬲 too narrow; ensure it supports the top evenly.

Common expressions include 鬻书 (yù shū, to sell books), 鬻技 (yù jì, to sell one's skills), and 鬻爵 (yù jué, to sell titles of nobility). These are often used in formal or historical contexts, describing the selling of items, talents, or official positions. For example, 鬻技 can refer to a performer offering services for money.

Today, 鬻 is rarely used in everyday speech and appears mostly in literary or historical texts, as more common words like 卖 (mài) are preferred. It carries a slightly formal or classical tone, often appearing in idioms such as 卖官鬻爵 (mài guān yù jué, selling offices and titles), referring to corrupt practices in ancient China.

Common words containing 鬻 include: 鬻书 (yù shū) — To sell books; 鬻技 (yù jì) — To sell one's skills; 鬻爵 (yù jué) — To sell titles of nobility.