U+9532 "锲" CJK Unified Ideograph-# Unicode Character

U+9532 "锲" CJK Unified Ideograph-# is a Chinese character that primarily means to carve, cut, or engrave, often implying persistence or diligence, as seen in the familiar idiom "锲而不舍" (qiè ér bù shě), which describes a steadfast and unyielding effort to achieve a goal. This character is composed of the metal radical "钅" on the left, indicating its association with tools or metals, and the phonetic component "契" (qì) on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation. Historically, it has been used in classical Chinese literature, such as in the works of the philosopher Xunzi, where it metaphorically symbolizes the power of continuous, patient work, like carving a hard surface little by little until it is shaped. In modern usage, "锲" remains a standard character in traditional and simplified Chinese writing systems, appearing in both formal and informal contexts related to crafting, sculpting, or metaphorical perseverance.