舵 duò helm
helm; rudder
How to remember 舵: 舟 boat + 它 it = helm. On his uncle's boat, the boy learns that it only turns left when he pushes right on the helm.
Component breakdown
形声 · Meaning + sound
One part gives the meaning, the other gives the sound.
舵 = 舟 boat + 它 it
- 舟 boat meaning
- 它 it sound
On his uncle's boat, the boy learns that it only turns left when he pushes right on the helm.
How it came to be
The boat gives the meaning and the right side the sound.
How it is used
- The rudder/helm: 掌舵 (zhǎngduò) to be at the helm (literal and figurative: to lead an organization), 舵手 (duòshǒu) helmsman.
- Idiom 见风使舵 (jiànfēng-shǐduò) to trim one's sails to the wind, i.e. be opportunistic, usually derogatory.