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钺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钺yuèbroad-axe; halberd, battle-axeng, 10 strokes, radical 钅
钺yuèbattle-axunknown, 10 strokes, radical 钅
yuè(yue4) T4
  1. 1broad-axe; halberd, battle-axe
  2. 2battle-ax
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

钺(鉞)yuè(yue4)

The character 钺 (yuè) refers to a type of weapon, specifically a broad-axe or halberd, used historically in battle. It conveys a sense of strength and power in combat contexts, often associated with ancient Chinese warfare and military prowess.

Strokes10Radical钅
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 钺 was not only a weapon but also a symbol of authority and leadership, often carried by generals. It represents the martial spirit and the significance of military culture in Chinese history.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant axe (the shape of 钺) swinging through the air, representing historical warriors in battle. The '钺' component resembles a weapon, and its sound 'yuè' can remind you of 'yet'—as in, yet another battle awaits with this mighty axe.

Meanings of 钺

yuè(yue4)
1broad-axe; halberd, battle-axe
2battle-ax
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 钺

钺Simplified
鉞Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 钺

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Podcast: 钺

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AI Study Notes for 钺

Usage Notes

This character is primarily used in formal or historical contexts, so it may not appear in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters for other types of weapons; it specifically denotes a broad-axe or halberd.

HSK Study Tips

While 钺 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your grasp of Chinese martial terminology. Focus on its usage in historical texts or literature, which often parallels with other HSK terms related to war or weaponry.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 钺 with other similar-looking characters, such as 刀 (dāo, knife) or 武 (wǔ, martial). Remember that 钺 specifically signifies a type of axe or halberd, not just any weapon.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钺

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Etymology of 钺

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 鉞. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 戉 represents the sound. Originally written as 戉.

Memory Hint

A metal 钅 axe 戉; 戉 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 钺

Simplified form of 鉞. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 戉 represents the sound. Originally written as 戉.

  1. 1The giveawayA metal 钅 axe 戉; 戉 also provides the pronunciation
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 钺? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 钺?

Decomposition of 钺

IDS Structure⿰钅戉
钺Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
戉yue4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 钺?

How to say broad-axe; halberd, battle-axe in Chinese

“broad-axe; halberd, battle-axe” in Chinese is钺yuè

The character 钺 (yuè) refers to a type of weapon, specifically a broad-axe or halberd, used historically in battle. It conveys a sense of strength and power in combat contexts, often associated with ancient Chinese warfare and military prowess.

When to use 钺

This character is primarily used in formal or historical contexts, so it may not appear in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters for other types of weapons; it specifically denotes a broad-axe or halberd.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 钺 with other similar-looking characters, such as 刀 (dāo, knife) or 武 (wǔ, martial). Remember that 钺 specifically signifies a type of axe or halberd, not just any weapon.

Write 钺

钺

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 钺

Words Containing This Character3
钺yuèbattle-ax鉞
斧钺之诛to die by battle-ax (idiom); to be executed斧鉞之誅
白旄黄钺white banner and yellow battle-ax (idiom); refers to military expedition白旄黃鉞
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 钺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 钺

It is pronounced as 'yuè', with a falling tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 钺?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.