How to Write 铸 (zhù) — Meaning “To cast / To found”

Imagine a metalworker casting a statue that will last for a long life — the right side 寿 means "longevity." Picture the metal radical 钅 on the left and think "metal that lasts forever." This connects the shape with the idea of creating durable metal objects.

Write the left radical 钅 first — it should be narrow, with three horizontal strokes and a vertical hook. The right part 寿 (7 strokes) must be wider and balanced; a common mistake is making the top 寿 too tall or forgetting the final dot on the bottom right. Keep the proportions even so the character looks solid.

铸 uses 钅 (metal) on the left and 寿 on the right, meaning "to cast or found metal." 钰 has the jade radical 王 and means "treasure," while 钱 also has 钅 but with 戋 on the right, meaning "money" or "coin." The visual difference is in the right side: 铸's 寿 has many strokes, whereas 钱's 戋 is simpler.

铸 appears in words like 铸造 (zhù zào) for "to cast or forge" and 铸币 (zhù bì) for "to mint coins." It is also used metaphorically, such as 铸就 (zhù jiù) meaning "to forge" a great achievement or relationship. Culturally, the character reflects China's long history of bronze casting, an important ancient art.

Common words containing 铸 include: 铸造 (zhù zào) — To cast / To forge; 铸币 (zhù bì) — To mint coins; 铁铸 (tiě zhù) — cast iron / iron casting.