Slanting Curve Stroke

Xiegou

The second of the 3 curve strokes corresponds to the downward right slanting stroke, and is called 斜鉤 (xiégōu) in Chinese.

To form this stroke from the vertical curve stroke, 2 joints of the arm must shift position. From the previous position of the arm extending vertically downward from the body, shift the shoulder upward 45o, and then rotate the bones of the forearm rearward, such that the palm faces upward.

The arm position for this stroke is similar to the arm position for the downward right slanting stroke. The arm extends diagonally downward to the right. However, instead of the elbow being straight, it is bent downward at a 45o angle. The wrist is in line with the forearm, the palm is open, and the fingers form a hook stroke.

Xiegou

As an example, this stroke appears on the right side of the character for “I”, 我.