How to Write 叀 (zhuān) — Meaning “to focus; cautious (archaic)”

Imagine the top part 厶 as a private eye, and the bottom hook as a target. The private eye focuses intently on the target, helping you recall that 叀 means 'to focus' or 'cautious.'

Write the top radical 厶 first with a left slant and a horizontal hook, then add the lower vertical hook. A common mistake is confusing the top with 彐 — remember 厶 is curved, not straight.

叀 has a curved top 厶 and a single hook below, while 厽 (rare) consists of three short parallel lines. 县 (county) has a flat top and a small vertical inside — its shape is more rectangular.

叀 is mostly archaic and not in the HSK, but it appears in literary phrases like 叀心 (zhuān xīn, focused heart) and in calligraphy. Learners may encounter it in classical poetry or historical texts about mindfulness.

Common words containing 叀 include: 叀心 (zhuān xīn) — Concentrated mind; focused heart.; 叀谨 (zhuān jǐn) — Cautious and focused.; 叀叀 (zhuān zhuān) — cautious; attentive (archaic).