"water" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 85), occurring in 没, 法, 流 etc
unknown, 3 strokes, radical 氵, Very Hard
shuǐ(shui3) T3
1water
2"water" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 85), occurring in 没, 法, 流 etc
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March 24, 2026
氵shuǐ(shui3)
The character 氵 (shuǐ) represents 'water' and is a radical used in various Chinese characters. It often denotes something related to water or fluidity, appearing in words such as 没 (méi, to not have) and 流 (liú, to flow). This radical highlights the importance of water in Chinese language and culture, symbolizing life and nourishment.
Strokes3Radical氵Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
Water is highly valued in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity, life, and adaptability. In traditional Chinese medicine, water is associated with the kidneys and is essential for health and balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine three drops of water forming the character 氵. Each drop represents the essence of water bringing life. The sound 'shuǐ' can be remembered by picturing a stream flowing gently, emphasizing its smooth, flowing nature.
Meanings of 氵
shuǐ(shui3)
1water
2"water" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 85), occurring in 没, 法, 流 etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 氵
氵Simplified
3Strokes
氵Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 氵
Podcast: 氵
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AI Study Notes for 氵
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine three drops of water forming the character 氵. Each drop represents the essence of water bringing life. The sound 'shuǐ' can be remembered by picturing a stream flowing gently, emphasizing its smooth, flowing nature.
Usage Notes
When using the radical 氵, it’s important to remember that it typically relates to liquids or water-related concepts. Students may confuse it with similar radicals; ensure the context is correct when interpreting or constructing characters. This radical is used in both formal and informal settings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 氵 itself is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to HSK Level 1 and 2 words that involve water, such as 水 (shuǐ, water) and 河 (hé, river). Students should focus on recognizing how this radical appears in various characters and expands their vocabulary related to water.
Cultural Note
Water is highly valued in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity, life, and adaptability. In traditional Chinese medicine, water is associated with the kidneys and is essential for health and balance.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 氵 with other similar radicals like 火 (huǒ, fire) due to their similar appearance. Ensure you recognize the context—氵 is always related to water while 火 pertains to fire.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 氵
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Cultural Notes for 氵
🏮Cultural insight
Water is highly valued in Chinese culture, symbolizing purity, life, and adaptability. In traditional Chinese medicine, water is associated with the kidneys and is essential for health and balance.
Word Family of 氵
Words Containing This Character1
氵shuǐsee also 三點水|三点水[sāndiǎnshuǐ]
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 氵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 氵
氵 means 'water' and is also a radical used in other characters.
Look for characters that include this radical, such as 没 (méi) or 流 (liú), as they often relate to water.
No, 氵 is primarily a written radical and is not used in spoken language.
