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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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About 钺
钺Simplified
鉞Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钺
Podcast: 钺
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AI Study Notes for 钺
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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Cultural Notes for 钺
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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.
No, it is primarily found in historical or literary contexts.
钺 specifically refers to a broad-axe or halberd, while other characters denote different types of weapons.
