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March 24, 2026
右yòu(you4)
The character '右' (yòu) primarily means 'right' in the context of direction, often used to indicate the right-hand side. It can also refer to political affiliations associated with the right-wing. In historical contexts, it may signify the west, reflecting its older usage in the language.
Strokes5Radical口Frequency#1564DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '右' can often be tied to traditional beliefs where directionality holds significance, such as in feng shui, where the right side is associated with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person raising their right hand, saying 'Y-O-U' are on the right side. The character '右' resembles a hand pointing to the right, reinforcing the idea of direction. Picture a political debate where someone on the right side of the table is passionately discussing their views.
Meanings of 右
yòu(you4)
1right (-hand)
2the Right (politics)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 右
右Simplified
5Strokes
口Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#1564Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 右
Podcast: 右
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AI Study Notes for 右
Quick Contrast
左 (zuǒ) — use '右' when referring to the right side or right-wing politics, and '左' for the left side or left-wing politics.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '右' (right) with '左' (left). This character is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in directions or discussions of political beliefs. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing 'yòu' to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While '右' is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects with directional vocabulary common in early levels. Students should focus on its pronunciation and context in giving directions or discussing political views.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '右' with '左', leading to incorrect directions, such as saying '请往左转' (Please turn left) when they meant to say 'right.' Remember, '右' has the 'yòu' sound and means right.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 右
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Pictograph of a right hand. The 口 (mouth) component was added later to distinguish the character from 又.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 右? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 右?
Decomposition of 右
IDS Structure⿸？口
右Full Character
=
口kou3
enclosing
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 右?
How to say right (-hand) in Chinese
“right (-hand)” in Chinese is右yòu
The character '右' (yòu) primarily means 'right' in the context of direction, often used to indicate the right-hand side. It can also refer to political affiliations associated with the right-wing. In historical contexts, it may signify the west, reflecting its older usage in the language.
When to use 右
Be careful not to confuse '右' (right) with '左' (left). This character is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in directions or discussions of political beliefs. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing 'yòu' to avoid misunderstandings.
右 or something close to it
左 (zuǒ) — use '右' when referring to the right side or right-wing politics, and '左' for the left side or left-wing politics.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '右' with '左', leading to incorrect directions, such as saying '请往左转' (Please turn left) when they meant to say 'right.' Remember, '右' has the 'yòu' sound and means right.
Write 右
右
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Practice writing 右 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 右
右 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
