HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6161, Very Hard
锯
jū
to cut with a saw
HSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6161, Very Hard
锯
jù
a saw; to saw, to amputate
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6161, Very Hard
锯
jù
to cut with a saw
HSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 钅, rank #6161, Very Hard
jū(ju1)
primary
T1
1a saw; to saw, to amputate
2to cut with a saw
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March 24, 2026
锯(鋸)jū(ju1)
The character 锯 (jù) refers to a 'saw,' a tool used for cutting through materials, especially wood. It can also function as a verb meaning 'to saw' or 'to cut with a saw.' In construction and woodworking contexts, it is commonly used when discussing tools and techniques for cutting materials.
Strokes13Radical钅Frequency#6161DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese carpentry, the saw is an essential tool, reflecting the craftsmanship and precision valued in Chinese building practices. Knowing this character can enhance your appreciation of Chinese woodworking techniques and tools.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant saw (锯) cutting through a tree. The character's sharp edges resemble the jagged teeth of a saw, and the pronunciation 'jù' can remind you of the sound a saw makes as it cuts. Visualize the action of sawing to help remember its meaning.
Meanings of 锯
jū(ju1)
primary
1a saw; to saw, to amputate
2to cut with a saw
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 锯
锯Simplified
鋸Traditional
13Strokes
钅Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 锯
Podcast: 锯
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AI Study Notes for 锯
Quick Contrast
锯 (jù) vs 切 (qiē) — use 锯 specifically for cutting with a saw, while 切 refers to cutting in a more general sense, such as slicing or chopping.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 锯 with other cutting-related verbs, such as 切 (qiē), which means 'to cut' more generally. 锯 is more specific to using a saw. This word is typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in instructional texts regarding woodworking or construction.
HSK Study Tips
While 锯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other HSK Level 3 words related to tools and actions, such as 刀 (dāo, knife) and 切 (qiē, to cut). Focus on the action of sawing and practice using it in sentences about woodworking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 锯 with 切 (qiē), mistakenly using it in contexts where a general cutting action is intended. For example, saying '我用锯切菜' (Wǒ yòng jù qiē cài) is incorrect; it should be '我用刀切菜' (Wǒ yòng dāo qiē cài) to mean 'I use a knife to cut vegetables.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 锯
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 居 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鋸.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half居 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 锯? 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 锯?
Decomposition of 锯
IDS Structure⿰钅居
锯Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
居ji1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 锯?
How to say a saw; to saw, to amputate in Chinese
“a saw; to saw, to amputate” in Chinese is锯jū
The character 锯 (jù) refers to a 'saw,' a tool used for cutting through materials, especially wood. It can also function as a verb meaning 'to saw' or 'to cut with a saw.' In construction and woodworking contexts, it is commonly used when discussing tools and techniques for cutting materials.
When to use 锯
A common mistake is confusing 锯 with other cutting-related verbs, such as 切 (qiē), which means 'to cut' more generally. 锯 is more specific to using a saw. This word is typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in instructional texts regarding woodworking or construction.
锯 or something close to it
锯 (jù) vs 切 (qiē) — use 锯 specifically for cutting with a saw, while 切 refers to cutting in a more general sense, such as slicing or chopping.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 锯 with 切 (qiē), mistakenly using it in contexts where a general cutting action is intended. For example, saying '我用锯切菜' (Wǒ yòng jù qiē cài) is incorrect; it should be '我用刀切菜' (Wǒ yòng dāo qiē cài) to mean 'I use a knife to cut vegetables.'
Write 锯
锯
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Practice writing 锯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 锯
锯 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你能听到____子锯进骨头里的声音。
You can hear the saw as it cuts through the bones.
