About
The character 锲 (qiè) is a phono-semantic compound: the left-hand radical 钅 (metal, simplified from 金) relates to metallic tools, while the right-hand component 契 (qì) provides the pronunciation and itself means to carve or engrave. The traditional form is 鍥, using the full 金 radical. Its primary meaning is to engrave or cut into a hard surface with a metal tool, and historically the character also denoted a sickle. It is best known from idioms where persistent carving into wood or stone serves as a metaphor for unwavering persistence.
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