How to Write 钟 (zhōng) — Meaning “Clock/Bell”

Imagine a metal clock (钅) hanging right in the middle (中) of a wall. This image combines the two parts: the metal material and the central position, helping you recall both the shape and meaning.

Write the left radical 钅 first with five strokes, ending with a vertical hook. Then add 中 with four strokes — make sure the vertical stroke goes through the top and bottom of the box. A common mistake is making the vertical stroke too short.

Look at the right part: 钟 has 中 (middle), 针 has 十 (ten), and 钉 has 丁 (a nail shape). Their meanings are different: 钟 is a clock or bell, 针 is a needle or injection, and 钉 is a nail. Focus on the right component to distinguish them.

钟 appears in common time-related words like 时钟 (clock), 闹钟 (alarm clock), and 分钟 (minute). Culturally, it also refers to temple bells (钟声) and is used in idioms about time, such as 钟表 (watches and clocks).

Common words containing 钟 include: 时钟 (shí zhōng) — Clock.; 闹钟 (nào zhōng) — Alarm clock; 分钟 (fēn zhōng) — minute.