斧 (fǔ) - axe & hatchet

斧Tone 3

fǔ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 斤

枫惠

斧 · fǔ

axe;

hatchet;

a tool for chopping;

also used metaphorically for authority or judgment.

axehatcheta tool for chopping

Usage highlights

axehatchetbattlestone axeaxe handleaxe blade

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 锤— hammer (different tool function)
  • 锯— saw (different cutting method)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He chopped wood with an axe (斧头).
  • The executioner's axe (斧钺) was a symbol of authority.
  • This is a stone axe (石斧) from ancient times.
  • The carpenter sharpened his hatchet (斧子).

Collocations

  • axe(斧头)
  • hatchet(斧子)
  • battle-axe(斧钺)
  • stone axe(石斧)
  • axe handle(斧柄)
  • axe blade(斧刃)

Idioms

  • Wield an axe before the master carpenter's door(班门弄斧)
  • Follow the axe marks(斧凿痕迹)
  • The axe handle is in your hand(斧柄在手)
  • Axe and halberd(斧钺之诛)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, the axe was both a practical tool and a symbol of military authority and punishment.
  • The idiom '班门弄斧' warns against showing off skills before an expert, referencing the legendary carpenter Lu Ban.
  • Axe-shaped artifacts have been found in Neolithic archaeological sites across China.

FAQ