鉤

• Tools: A hook or fishhook; in agricultural contexts, a sickle or scythe.
• Weaponry: A specialized polearm used to snag shields or pull riders from horses; a barb on an arrow or spearhead designed to prevent easy removal.
• Calligraphy/Arts: The "hook" stroke—the sharp flick at the end of certain vertical or turning brushstrokes.

• Noun: The physical implement (hook, sickle, barb).
• Verb: To hook, snag, or pull toward oneself; to bend or curve.

In texts where both 鉤 and 勾 appear:

• 鉤 (with 金): Typically emphasizes the physical object or the use of a metal tool.
• 勾 (without 金): More general; refers to the action of bending, the shape of a curve, or metaphorical "enticing/seducing."

• Semantic variant: U+920E.
• Simplified variants: 钩 / 鈎.