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March 24, 2026
受shòu(shou4)
The character 受 (shòu) primarily means 'to receive' or 'to accept,' and it is commonly used in contexts involving receiving gifts, information, or experiences. Additionally, it can indicate a passive state, such as being subjected to something or enduring hardships. Its versatility in meaning makes it a crucial verb in Mandarin.
Strokes8Radical又Frequency#436DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of receiving is often associated with humility and gratitude, especially during festivals or ceremonies when gifts are exchanged. The importance of receiving gracefully reflects deep cultural values of respect and reciprocity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person receiving a large package (受) at their doorstep, symbolizing acceptance. The character has a top component resembling a cover (for the package) and a bottom part that looks like an open mouth, suggesting openness to receiving. This visual story connects the idea of receiving with the pronunciation 'shòu'.
Meanings of 受
shòu(shou4)
1to receive
2to accept
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 受
受Simplified
8Strokes
又Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#436Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 受
Podcast: 受
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AI Study Notes for 受
Quick Contrast
接受 (jiēshòu) vs 收到 (shōudào) — use 受 (shòu) when emphasizing the act of receiving or enduring, while 接受 (jiēshòu) focuses on acceptance or agreement, and 收到 (shōudào) specifically refers to the receipt of something tangible.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person receiving a large package (受) at their doorstep, symbolizing acceptance. The character has a top component resembling a cover (for the package) and a bottom part that looks like an open mouth, suggesting openness to receiving. This visual story connects the idea of receiving with the pronunciation 'shòu'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 受 with similar-sounding characters like 收 (shōu), which means 'to collect.' It's important to note that 受 is more passive in nature than 收, which is more active. Be cautious with the tone; 'shòu' (4th tone) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
受 is not included in the HSK levels but is significant for learners aiming for higher proficiency. It connects with other verbs related to receiving or enduring, such as 接 (jiē, to receive) and 忍 (rěn, to endure). Focus on its various contexts and its role in passive constructions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of receiving is often associated with humility and gratitude, especially during festivals or ceremonies when gifts are exchanged. The importance of receiving gracefully reflects deep cultural values of respect and reciprocity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 受 incorrectly in contexts meant for 收, such as saying '我受了钱' (Wǒ shòu le qián) instead of '我收了钱' (Wǒ shōu le qián), which means 'I received money.' Always ensure the context aligns with the passive or active nature of the verb.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 受
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Grammar Patterns of 受
受 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
Such laws could protect the consumer from harmful or dangerous remedies.
10
他们强烈感受到他们的宗教信仰与政治体制不相称。
tā mén qiáng liè gǎn shòu dào tā mén de zōng jiào xìn yǎng yǔ zhèng zhì tǐ zhì bù xiāng chēng。
They feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system.
Cultural Notes for 受
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the act of receiving is often accompanied by specific rituals, especially during gift-giving occasions. It's common to politely refuse a gift several times before finally accepting it, as a show of humility.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of receiving is often associated with humility and gratitude, especially during festivals or ceremonies when gifts are exchanged. The importance of receiving gracefully reflects deep cultural values of respect and reciprocity.
Word Family of 受
Compounds6
授shou4to teach
绶shou4a silk ribbon used as a seal
阌wen2a place in the Henan province
涭
綬shou4a silk ribbon used as a seal
辤
Words Containing This Character20
受shòuto receive
接受jiēshòuto accept
受到shòudàoto receive (praise, an education, punishment etc)
享受xiǎngshòuto enjoy
感受gǎnshòuto sense
受伤shòushāngharmed受傷
受害者casualty
承受chéngshòuto bear
受不了shòubuliǎounbearable
忍受rěnshòuto bear
受害人shòuhàirénvictim
难受nánshòuto feel unwell難受
遭受zāoshòuto suffer
好受feeling better
受理shòulǐto accept to hear a case
受益shòuyìprofit
备受bèishòuto fully experience (good or bad)備受
深受shēnshòuto receive in no small measure
经受jīngshòuto endure經受
受体receptor (biochemistry)受體
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 授 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 受
Common phrases with 受 include '受欢迎' (shòu huānyíng), meaning 'popular,' and '受伤' (shòu shāng), which means 'to be injured.' These phrases showcase the different meanings and uses of the character.
Yes, 受 (shòu) is a commonly used character, especially in conversational and written Chinese. It's essential for learners to understand its various meanings and how to apply it in daily communication.
受 (shòu) means 'to receive' or 'to accept' in Chinese. It can also imply 'to suffer' or 'to be subjected to' something. This character is versatile and can be used in various contexts.
To use 受 (shòu) in a sentence, you can say '我受到了很多帮助' (Wǒ shòudào le hěn duō bāngzhù), which means 'I have received a lot of help.' It's often used in contexts involving receiving something or enduring an experience.
受 (shòu) means to receive or accept passively, while 收 (shōu) means to collect or gather actively.
Yes, 受 can express suffering or being subjected to something unpleasant, such as in the phrase 受苦 (shòu kǔ), meaning 'to suffer'.
You can use it to describe receiving something, like '我受到了礼物' (Wǒ shòu dào le lǐwù), meaning 'I received a gift'.
