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數 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
shùcount, number, severalzg, 15 strokes, radical 攵, Very Hard
shù(shu4) T4
  1. 1count, number, several
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

shù(shu4)

The character 數 (shù) refers to the concept of counting or numbers. It is commonly used in contexts involving quantities, statistics, and mathematics, as well as in everyday situations like counting objects or people. It can also imply a sense of several or multiple items.

Strokes15RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, numbers often hold significant meanings; for instance, the number eight is considered lucky. The character 數 is essential in understanding cultural references to fortune and numerology in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a stack of numbers lined up like soldiers, ready to be counted. The radical '曰' (speech) suggests communication about numbers, while the '十' (ten) indicates counting by tens. Visualize shouting out the numbers as you count them to remember the pronunciation 'shù'.

Meanings of 數

shù(shu4)
1count, number, several
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 數

Simplified
15Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 數

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 數

Quick Contrast

数量 (shùliàng) vs 数目 (shùmù) — use 數 (shù) for general counting or numerical concepts, while 数量 (shùliàng) emphasizes quantity and 数目 (shùmù) refers specifically to the number of items.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a stack of numbers lined up like soldiers, ready to be counted. The radical '曰' (speech) suggests communication about numbers, while the '十' (ten) indicates counting by tens. Visualize shouting out the numbers as you count them to remember the pronunciation 'shù'.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the tone; 'shù' (fourth tone) means 'number,' while 'shù' (second tone) can mean 'to count' in some contexts. It's commonly used in phrases like '數字' (number) and '數學' (mathematics). In formal contexts, be precise in using this character, especially in academic settings.

HSK Study Tips

While 數 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary related to counting and basic math. Students should focus on recognizing it in compound words and practice its pronunciation and usage in counting contexts.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, numbers often hold significant meanings; for instance, the number eight is considered lucky. The character 數 is essential in understanding cultural references to fortune and numerology in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 數 with the similar-sounding character '数' (also pronounced 'shù') which has the same meaning. It's important to remember that both forms are correct; however, '數' is more traditional and used in formal writing, while '数' is simplified and commonly used in modern contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 數

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Etymology of 數

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 數. Phonosemantic compound. 攵 represents the meaning and 婁 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

script

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 數?

Decomposition of 數

IDS Structure⿰婁攵
Full Character
=
lou2
left
pu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 數?

Write 數

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 數

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, numbers often hold significant meanings; for instance, the number eight is considered lucky. The character 數 is essential in understanding cultural references to fortune and numerology in Chinese society.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, numbers are often seen as purely quantitative, while in Chinese culture, they can also carry symbolic meanings and superstitions, affecting how they are used in everyday life.

Word Family of 數

Words Containing This Character20
shùnumber
数据shùjùdata數據
数字shùzìnumeral數字
大多数dàduōshù(great) majority大多數
数量shùliàngamount數量
人数rénshùnumber of people人數
数学shùxuémathematics數學
指数zhǐshùindex指數
无数wúshùcountless無數
多数duōshùmajority多數
数据库shùjùkùdatabase數據庫
倒数dàoshǔto count down倒數
数码shùmǎnumber數碼
少数shǎoshùfew少數
数目shùmùamount數目
总数zǒngshùtotal總數
分数fēnshùmark分數
次数cìshùfrequency次數
绝大多数juédàduōshùabsolute majority絕大多數
参数parameter參數
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 数 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 數

Common phrases include '數字' (number), '數學' (mathematics), and '數量' (quantity).