Meanings of 數
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About 數
Podcast: 數
Podcast: 數
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AI Study Notes for 數
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 數
Drill the tone of 數 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 數
Simplified form of 數. Phonosemantic compound. 攵 represents the meaning and 婁 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 數
Simplified form of 數. Phonosemantic compound. 攵 represents the meaning and 婁 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half攵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half婁 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayscript
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 數? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 數?
Decomposition of 數
Identify the Components
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How to say count, number, several in Chinese
“count, number, several” in Chinese is數
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.
When to use 數
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.
數 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 數
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Practice writing 數 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 數
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
Compound Meaning
What does 数 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 數
Common phrases include '數字' (number), '數學' (mathematics), and '數量' (quantity).
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