How to Write 凿 (záo) — Meaning “To chisel; a chisel”

Imagine a chisel (凿) shaped like a "V" (from the top part) striking into a "U"-shaped pit (凵) below. The 12 strokes can be thought of as the chisel hitting 12 times to make a hole. This visual link helps you remember the meaning of chiseling.

Write the top part first: start with the left slanting stroke, then the right slanting stroke, then the middle horizontal and vertical strokes. The bottom radical 凵 should be written last, with two vertical strokes and a bottom horizontal line. Common mistakes include making the top part too wide or forgetting the middle horizontal stroke.

凿子 (záo zi) means 'chisel', the tool itself. 开凿 (kāi záo) means 'to excavate or dig a canal or tunnel', often used for large projects. 凿洞 (záo dòng) means 'to chisel a hole', for example, in a wall or wood.

凿 is used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it appears in construction, stone carving, or woodworking. Figuratively, it can describe 'solid evidence' in the phrase 凿凿 (záo záo), meaning 'certain and reliable'. It is not a common beginner character but appears in technical or literary texts.

Common words containing 凿 include: 凿子 (záo zi) — Chisel; 开凿 (kāi záo) — to excavate; to dig (a canal or tunnel); 凿洞 (záo dòng) — To chisel a hole.