HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #23142, Hard
淑
shū
warm and virtuous
HSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #23142, Hard
淑
shū
(used in given names)
HSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #23142, Hard
淑
shū
Taiwan pr. [shu2]
HSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #23142, Hard
shū(shu1) T1
1good, pure, virtuous; charming
2warm and virtuous
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
淑shū(shu1)
The character 淑 (shū) conveys the meaning of being good, pure, and virtuous. It is often used to describe someone who is charming and has a warm personality, especially in the context of names, where it denotes positive qualities.
Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#23142DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, virtues such as purity and goodness are highly valued, and the character 淑 is often found in women’s names, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a gentle and virtuous woman.
Memory Tip
Imagine a serene stream (水, shuǐ) flowing gently, representing purity and goodness. The character 淑 has water (氵) on the left, symbolizing the nurturing qualities of water, combined with the right side (熟), which hints at maturity and virtue. Together, they create an image of a pure-hearted person.
Meanings of 淑
shū(shu1)
1good, pure, virtuous; charming
2warm and virtuous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 淑
淑Simplified
11Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 淑
Podcast: 淑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 淑
Quick Contrast
善 (shàn) — use 淑 when emphasizing charm and virtue in a warm personality, while 善 focuses more on goodness and moral integrity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a serene stream (水, shuǐ) flowing gently, representing purity and goodness. The character 淑 has water (氵) on the left, symbolizing the nurturing qualities of water, combined with the right side (熟), which hints at maturity and virtue. Together, they create an image of a pure-hearted person.
Usage Notes
淑 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in names, and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Be careful with the tone; it should always be pronounced as shū (first tone) to convey the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although this character is not part of the standard HSK levels, it may be useful for students to recognize it in names or literature. Focus on its usage in context, especially in phrases that involve virtue or positive character traits.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, virtues such as purity and goodness are highly valued, and the character 淑 is often found in women’s names, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a gentle and virtuous woman.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 淑 with similar-sounding characters. For example, some might say 'shú' (second tone) instead of 'shū' (first tone), which changes the meaning. Always use the first tone to maintain its intended virtuous connotation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 淑
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 淑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 淑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 淑
淑 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 4 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 2
Complete the Sentence
____女端坐时总是双手放在膝上，不发一言。
A lady always sits quietly with her hands in her lap.
A lady always sits quietly with her hands in her lap.
2
她是一位成熟的淑女，有一头染成姜黄色的头发和顽皮的笑容。
tā shì yī wèi chéng shú de shū nǚ， ， yǒu yī tóu rǎn chéng jiāng huáng sè de tóu fā hé wán pí de xiào。
She was a mature lady with dyed ginger hair and a roguish grin.
Cultural Notes for 淑
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, virtues such as purity and goodness are highly valued, and the character 淑 is often found in women’s names, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a gentle and virtuous woman.
Word Family of 淑
Words Containing This Character3
淑女lady
淑shūwarm and virtuous
贤淑(of a woman) virtuous賢淑
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 淑女 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 淑
淑 is commonly used in names to signify qualities like purity and virtue, often associated with feminine attributes.
It is more frequently found in formal contexts or names rather than in casual conversation.
The correct pronunciation is shū, with a high, level tone.
