Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
錘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
錘chuíhammerzg, 16 strokes, radical 釒
chuí(chui2) T2
  1. 1hammer
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

錘chuí(chui2)

The character 錘 (chuí) means 'hammer' and is commonly used to refer to the tool used for driving nails or breaking objects. It can also symbolize strength or force in various contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions. This term is often encountered in discussions about construction or craftsmanship.

Strokes16Radical釒
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese craftsmanship, the hammer (錘) is valued not just as a tool but as a symbol of hard work and dedication, often seen in artisan workshops or during festivals celebrating craftsmanship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a heavy hammer (錘) smashing a nail. The character 錘 has the metal radical (金), indicating something made of metal, which connects to its function as a tool. Think of the sound 'chuí' resembling the sound of a hammer striking metal, making it easier to remember.

Meanings of 錘

chuí(chui2)
1hammer
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 錘 means.

About 錘

錘Simplified
16Strokes
釒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 錘

JasonAmy

Podcast: 錘

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 錘

Quick Contrast

锤 (chuí) vs 锤子 (chuízi): Use 錘 when referring to the tool in a general sense, while 锤子 is the more specific term for a hammer as an object.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 錘 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, as tone is crucial in Mandarin. It is an informal term and is commonly used in practical contexts like workshops or DIY projects. Typical collocations include phrases like '锤子' (chuízi) meaning 'hammer tool'.

HSK Study Tips

Although 錘 is not on the official HSK list, it can be linked to related vocabulary at higher levels concerning tools and construction. Focus on learning associated terms and practice using this character in context with other tool-related vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 錘 with 锤, especially when writing, as they sound the same but have different forms. Always double-check which version you need based on the context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 錘

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 錘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 錘 to You

Let me explain 錘 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 錘 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Etymology of 錘

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

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 垂 represents the sound. Simplified form of 錘.

Memory Hint

metal

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

Origin

錘 = 釒 + 垂. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 錘

IDS Structure⿰釒垂
錘Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
垂chui2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 錘?

How to say hammer in Chinese

“hammer” in Chinese is錘chuí

The character 錘 (chuí) means 'hammer' and is commonly used to refer to the tool used for driving nails or breaking objects. It can also symbolize strength or force in various contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions. This term is often encountered in discussions about construction or craftsmanship.

When to use 錘

Be careful not to confuse 錘 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, as tone is crucial in Mandarin. It is an informal term and is commonly used in practical contexts like workshops or DIY projects. Typical collocations include phrases like '锤子' (chuízi) meaning 'hammer tool'.

錘 or something close to it

锤 (chuí) vs 锤子 (chuízi): Use 錘 when referring to the tool in a general sense, while 锤子 is the more specific term for a hammer as an object.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 錘 with 锤, especially when writing, as they sound the same but have different forms. Always double-check which version you need based on the context.

Write 錘

錘

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 錘?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 錘

Words Containing This Character14
锤chuíhammer錘
锤子chuízihammer錘子
一锤定音fig. to make the final decision一錘定音
大锤sledgehammer大錘
千锤百炼the vicissitudes of life千錘百鍊
纺锤spindle紡錘
一锤子买卖a one-off, short-sighted deal一錘子買賣
钉锤nail hammer釘錘
手锤mallet手錘
秤锤steelyard weights秤錘
气锤pneumatic drill氣錘
铅锤bob of a plumbline鉛錘
锤骨malleus or hammer bone of middle ear錘骨
锤骨柄manubrium of malleus (handle of hammer bone), connecting ossicles 聽小骨|听小骨 to tympanum 鼓膜錘骨柄
Exercise 1 of 4

Characters with 錘

What does 锤 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 錘

The correct pronunciation is 'chuí', with the second tone. Make sure to practice the rising intonation.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 錘?

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.