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March 24, 2026
徐xú(Xu2)
The character 徐 (xú) primarily means 'slowly' or 'gently', often conveying a sense of calmness and composure. It can also be used as a surname, Xu, which is quite common in China. In various contexts, it may describe a gentle demeanor or a gradual approach to an action.
Strokes10Radical彳Frequency#20700DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'slow and gentle' is often associated with wisdom and patience, reflecting the values of Confucian teachings. This character can be found in many proverbs that emphasize the importance of calmness in achieving success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a serene river flowing gently, symbolizing the meaning of 徐 (xú). The character has the radical for 'walking' on the left, suggesting a slow and steady pace. Think of someone named Xu walking calmly beside the river, embodying the essence of this character.
Meanings of 徐
xú(Xu2)
1slowly, quietly, calmly; dignified, composed
2gently
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 徐
徐Simplified
10Strokes
彳Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 徐
Podcast: 徐
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AI Study Notes for 徐
Usage Notes
徐 is often used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Common collocations include 徐徐而行 (xú xú ér xíng), meaning 'to proceed slowly'. Be careful with the tone; it's pronounced with a rising tone, which is distinct from other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK lists, 徐 is relevant for learners aiming for HSK 5 or higher. Students should focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions, experiencing its application in literature or formal speeches to appreciate its nuance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 徐 with similar-sounding characters like 许 (xǔ), which means 'to allow'. A common mistake is writing 'xǔ' instead of 'xú' when referring to the character 徐, so remember the tone difference.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 徐
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Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 余 represents the sound.
1The meaning half彳 carries the sense.
2The sound half余 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaystep
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 徐? 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 徐?
Decomposition of 徐
IDS Structure⿰彳余
徐Full Character
=
彳chi4
left
余Yu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 徐?
How to say surname Xu in Chinese
“surname Xu” in Chinese is徐xú
The character 徐 (xú) primarily means 'slowly' or 'gently', often conveying a sense of calmness and composure. It can also be used as a surname, Xu, which is quite common in China. In various contexts, it may describe a gentle demeanor or a gradual approach to an action.
When to use 徐
徐 is often used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Common collocations include 徐徐而行 (xú xú ér xíng), meaning 'to proceed slowly'. Be careful with the tone; it's pronounced with a rising tone, which is distinct from other similar-sounding words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 徐 with similar-sounding characters like 许 (xǔ), which means 'to allow'. A common mistake is writing 'xǔ' instead of 'xú' when referring to the character 徐, so remember the tone difference.
Write 徐
徐
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Practice writing 徐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 徐
徐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
有些段落他演奏得异常____缓，听上去有些忧伤。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
Example Sentences for 徐 (9)
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1
有些段落他演奏得异常徐缓，听上去有些忧伤。
yǒu xiē duàn luò tā yǎn zòu dé yì cháng xú huǎn， ， tīng shàng qù yǒu xiē yōu。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
2
西徐亚人勇猛好战。
xī xú yà rén yǒng měng hǎo zhàn。
The Scythians were a fiercely warlike people.
3
她放慢脚步，徐徐而行。
tā fàng màn jiǎo bù， ， xú xú ér。
She slowed to a steady walk.
4
周仲伟 的话还没完, 徐曼丽 那红春春的俏脸儿陡的变了色.
zhōu zhòng wěi de huà huán méi, wán , xú màn lì nà hóng chūn chūn de qiào liǎn ér dǒu de.
Before Chou Chung - wei had finished what he was saying, Hsu Man - li's pretty face suddenly clouded over.
5
有的还未厌倦那船一样的徐徐的划行.
yǒu de huán wèi yàn juàn nà chuán yī yàng de xú xú de huá háng.
Some had not yet wearied of their gentle boat - like paddling.
