楫

A tool for propulsion. The choice between "oar" and "paddle" depends on the scale of the vessel described in the text (e.g., hand-held paddles for small craft).

Concrete noun. Typically appears as the object of verbs denoting operation or handling, such as 操 (to operate/handle) or 揮 (to wave/brandish).

In nautical contexts, distinguish from other propulsion and steering tools:

• 楫 (jí): Propelling oar or paddle used for forward motion.
• 櫓 (lǔ): Sculling oar, often operated from the stern in a sweeping motion.
• 檁 (liàng): Steering sweep or heavy beam used for steering.

Listed as a semantic variant of 檁 (U+8265) and 𦩓 (U+6A9D). The overlap with 檁 suggests that in certain periods or contexts, the distinction between propulsion and steering may blur.

Be alert for metaphorical use where the oar represents a means of guidance or the instrument used to move toward a specific goal.