Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
牖 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
牖yǒuwindow; to enlightenzg, 15 strokes, radical 片
牖yǒulattice windowunknown, 15 strokes, radical 片
yǒu(you3)you T3
  1. 1window; to enlighten
  2. 2lattice window
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

牖yǒu(you3)

The character 牖 (yǒu) primarily means 'window' and can also refer to a lattice window. It signifies an opening that allows light and air to enter a space, symbolizing enlightenment and clarity. In a broader sense, it can also imply gaining insight or understanding.

Strokes15Radical片
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, windows often feature intricate designs that symbolize harmony and beauty, reflecting the importance of natural light in daily life. The concept of enlightenment ties closely to Confucian ideals of knowledge and clarity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a window (牖) that not only lets in light but also represents enlightenment. The left component '牛' (niú) resembles a cow, which is known for being calm and steady, reminding you to keep the mind clear and open—like a window letting in fresh air.

Meanings of 牖

yǒu(you3)
1window; to enlighten
2lattice window
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 牖 means.

About 牖

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

Podcast: 牖

JasonAmy

Podcast: 牖

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 牖

Usage Notes

牖 is a more formal term for 'window' and is often used in literary or architectural contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with 窗 (chuāng), which is more casual. Be mindful of using the correct context.

HSK Study Tips

Although 牖 is not part of HSK levels, understanding this character can enhance vocabulary related to architecture and settings. Focus on its components and how it relates to other characters involving openings and enlightenment.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 牖 with 窗 (chuāng), using them interchangeably. Remember, 牖 is more formal and specific to certain contexts, while 窗 is the general term for 'window' in everyday language.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 牖

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 牖 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 牖 to You

Let me explain 牖 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 牖 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 牖?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 牖 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 牖

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

door

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

Origin

What kind of character is 牖?

Decomposition of 牖

IDS Structure⿰片⿸户甫
牖Full Character
=
片pian1
left
户hu4
enclosing
甫fu3
inner
Exercise 1 of 3

Parts

Which of these is part of 牖?

How to say window; to enlighten in Chinese

“window; to enlighten” in Chinese is牖yǒu

The character 牖 (yǒu) primarily means 'window' and can also refer to a lattice window. It signifies an opening that allows light and air to enter a space, symbolizing enlightenment and clarity. In a broader sense, it can also imply gaining insight or understanding.

When to use 牖

牖 is a more formal term for 'window' and is often used in literary or architectural contexts rather than in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with 窗 (chuāng), which is more casual. Be mindful of using the correct context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 牖 with 窗 (chuāng), using them interchangeably. Remember, 牖 is more formal and specific to certain contexts, while 窗 is the general term for 'window' in everyday language.

Write 牖

牖

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 牖?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 牖

Words Containing This Character1
牖yǒuto enlighten

Frequently Asked Questions about 牖

No, it is more commonly found in literature or formal writing.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 牖?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab