挥 huī to direct
to direct; to squander; to wave; to command; to conduct
How to remember 挥: 扌 hand + 军 army = to direct. The tiny conductor raises one hand in front of her school band, a whole army of kids with drums, and begins to direct.
Component breakdown
挥 = 扌 hand + 军 army
- 扌 hand
- 军 army
The tiny conductor raises one hand in front of her school band, a whole army of kids with drums, and begins to direct.
How it is used
- 发挥 fāhuī "to bring into play, display (ability)" is extremely common - 发挥作用 fāhuī zuòyòng "to play a role."
- 指挥 zhǐhuī "to command/conduct" (an army, an orchestra) and 挥手 huīshǒu "to wave one's hand" (goodbye) are the other core uses.
- 挥霍 huīhuò "to squander money" carries a clear negative judgment, unlike neutral 花钱 "to spend money."