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枘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
ruìa handle for a toolzg, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
ruìtenonunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
ruìtool handleunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
ruìwedgeunknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, Very Hard
ruì(rui4) T4
  1. 1a handle for a tool
  2. 2tenon
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
ruì(rui4)

The character 枘 (ruì) refers to a tool handle or a tenon, which is a projecting piece that fits into a mortise to form a joint. It is commonly used in carpentry and woodworking contexts, symbolizing the connection and stability provided by tool handles in creating structures.

Strokes8RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese carpentry, the use of tenons and mortises is a hallmark of craftsmanship, emphasizing durability and skill. The character 枘 reflects this importance, as it is integral to creating long-lasting wooden structures in Chinese architecture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'wedge' shaped like a tool handle that fits snugly into a joint. The character 枘 visually resembles a tool with a handle, where the horizontal line represents the top of the handle, and the enclosing structure symbolizes the tool's body. Remember 'ruì' by thinking of how a sturdy handle 'tightens' a connection.

Meanings of 枘

ruì(rui4)
1a handle for a tool
2tenon
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 枘

Simplified
8Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 枘

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AI Study Notes for 枘

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'wedge' shaped like a tool handle that fits snugly into a joint. The character 枘 visually resembles a tool with a handle, where the horizontal line represents the top of the handle, and the enclosing structure symbolizes the tool's body. Remember 'ruì' by thinking of how a sturdy handle 'tightens' a connection.

Usage Notes

This term is more technical and formal, primarily found in woodworking and carpentry discussions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words. Ensure you use the correct context to avoid miscommunication.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, understanding 枘 can deepen your knowledge of woodworking terminology. It connects with basic characters related to tools and construction, enhancing your technical vocabulary.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese carpentry, the use of tenons and mortises is a hallmark of craftsmanship, emphasizing durability and skill. The character 枘 reflects this importance, as it is integral to creating long-lasting wooden structures in Chinese architecture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 枘 with the character 锤 (chuí), which means hammer. For example, saying '我需要一个枘来钉钉子' (I need a ruì to nail) is incorrect; it should be '我需要一个锤来钉钉子' (I need a hammer to nail).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 枘

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Etymology of 枘

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 枘?

Decomposition of 枘

IDS Structure⿰木内
Full Character
=
Mu4
left
nei4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 枘?

Write 枘

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 枘

枘 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

泰勒显然不是做这份工作的合适人选——简直就是方____圆凿。

Taylor is clearly the wrong man for the job—a square peg in a round hole.

Example Sentences for 枘 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
泰勒显然不是做这份工作的合适人选——简直就是方枘圆凿。

tài lè xiǎn rán bù shì zuò zhè fèn gōng zuò de hé shì rén xuǎn—— —— jiǎn zhí jiù shì fāng ruì yuán。

Taylor is clearly the wrong man for the job—a square peg in a round hole.
2
泰勒明显不适合做这项工作——简直就是方枘圆凿。

tài lè míng xiǎn bù shì hé zuò zhè xiàng gōng zuò—— —— jiǎn zhí jiù shì fāng ruì yuán。

Taylor is clearly the wrong man for the job — a square peg in a round hole.

Cultural Notes for 枘

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese carpentry, the use of tenons and mortises is a hallmark of craftsmanship, emphasizing durability and skill. The character 枘 reflects this importance, as it is integral to creating long-lasting wooden structures in Chinese architecture.

Word Family of 枘

Words Containing This Character3
ruìtenon
方枘圆凿incompatible (idiom)方枘圓鑿
圆凿方枘incompatible (idiom)圓鑿方枘
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 枘 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 枘

No, 枘 is generally used in specific contexts related to carpentry or woodworking, not in daily conversation.