How to Write 戉 (yuè) — Meaning “battle-axe”

Picture a battle-axe: the left stroke is the blade edge, the hook is the handle, and the dot is where the blade attaches. Imagine swinging this axe to recall the shape and meaning together.

Start with the top horizontal, then the left-falling stroke, then the middle horizontal, then the long diagonal hook, and finish with the dot. A common mistake is making the hook too straight; keep it smooth and curved like an axe handle.

Unlike 戈 (halberd), which has only one horizontal stroke, 戉 has two horizontals and a dot, giving it a broader, axe-like shape. Compared to 戊 (a heavenly stem), 戉 is more compact and its meaning is an actual weapon, not a calendrical symbol.

戉 is archaic and not in the HSK list, but it appears in historical terms like 斧戉 (battle-axe) and 秉戉 (holding a battle-axe as a symbol of military authority). It is mainly studied in classical texts about ancient weapons and culture.

Common words containing 戉 include: 斧戉 (fǔ yuè) — Battle-axe; 戉 (yuè) — battle-axe; 秉戉 (bǐng yuè) — To hold a battle-axe (symbol of military authority)..