斲

Core meaning is cutting, chopping, or hacking. It implies the removal of bulk through force and impact rather than a clean slice; this range extends from destructive hacking to precise carving or sculpting (e.g., shaping timber or stone).

Primarily functions as a transitive verb. It may also be used as a noun referring to the tool itself or the resulting carved/notched object.

While often interchangeable with 鑿 in early texts, 斲 emphasizes splitting and chopping (associated with an ax), whereas 鑿 emphasizes boring, piercing, or chiseling (associated with a chisel). It is more forceful than 刻 (carve) or 削 (pare), which imply surface engraving or shaving rather than impact-based removal of material.

Semantic variants include U+34F8 and U+65B5; these do not alter the core meaning of the glyph.

The 斤 (ax) component specifies a mechanical action of force and impact.