HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
policy
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
plan
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
scheme
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
bamboo slip for writing (old)
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
to whip (a horse)
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
to encourage
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
riding crop with sharp spines (old)
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
essay written for the imperial examinations (old)
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
upward horizontal stroke in calligraphy
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
策
cè
to urge, to whip; method, plan, policy
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #13651, Hard
cè(Ce4) T4
1policy
2plan
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
策cè(Ce4)
The character 策 (cè) primarily means 'plan' or 'policy,' often used in contexts involving strategic thinking or decision-making. It also has historical connotations, referring to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China, reflecting its connection to education and governance. Additionally, it can denote encouragement or the act of whipping a horse, showcasing its versatility in usage.
Strokes12Radical⺮Frequency#13651DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 策 refers to bamboo strips used for writing, which were crucial for recording important decisions and policies, reflecting the significance of written communication in governance. This character is often associated with the imperial examination system, where essays were a critical component.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old strategist, holding a bamboo slip (the ancient writing material) in one hand and a riding crop in the other, ready to encourage his horse to charge forward. The character 策 (cè) looks like a bamboo slip (the left part) being used to create a plan (the right part resembles a stylized whip, linking to the concept of urging forward).
Meanings of 策
cè(Ce4)
1policy
2plan
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 策
策Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13651Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 策
Podcast: 策
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AI Study Notes for 策
Quick Contrast
策 (cè) vs 计 (jì) — use 策 for broader strategic plans or policies, while 计 is more about specific calculations or schemes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old strategist, holding a bamboo slip (the ancient writing material) in one hand and a riding crop in the other, ready to encourage his horse to charge forward. The character 策 (cè) looks like a bamboo slip (the left part) being used to create a plan (the right part resembles a stylized whip, linking to the concept of urging forward).
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 策 with similar characters like 计划 (jìhuà, plan) or 政策 (zhèngcè, policy), which have more specific meanings. 策 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions related to strategy or governance. Pay attention to the fourth tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 策 is not on the HSK list, it connects well with words at HSK Level 5, such as 计划 (jìhuà, plan) and 政策 (zhèngcè, policy). Students should focus on understanding its various meanings and usages in different contexts, especially in formal and literary texts.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 策 refers to bamboo strips used for writing, which were crucial for recording important decisions and policies, reflecting the significance of written communication in governance. This character is often associated with the imperial examination system, where essays were a critical component.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 策 with its homophones like 侧 (cè, side) or 厕 (cè, toilet). For example, saying 策 instead of 侧 when referring to orientation can lead to confusion. Always verify the context to use the correct character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 策
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Grammar Patterns of 策
策 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 11 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.
Gates responds with a lengthy discourse on deployment strategy.
7
他善于发现问题，还总能想出高明的策略。
tā shàn yú fā xiàn wèn tí， ， huán zǒng néng xiǎng chū gāo míng de cè。
He had a nose for trouble and a brilliant tactical mind.
8
在当时那种一触即发的形势下，采取那样的策略太危险了。
zài dāng shí nà zhǒng yī chù jí fā de xíng shì xià， ， cǎi qǔ nà yàng de cè lüè tài wēi xiǎn。
The strategy was too dangerous in the explosive circumstances of the times.
9
这种策略愈来愈显得老套。
zhè zhǒng cè lüè yù lái yù xiǎn dé lǎo tào。
This strategy looks increasingly moth-eaten.
10
他的策略分两个部分。
tā de cè lüè fēn liǎng gè bù fēn。
There had been two strands to his tactics.
Cultural Notes for 策
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 策 refers to bamboo strips used for writing, which were crucial for recording important decisions and policies, reflecting the significance of written communication in governance. This character is often associated with the imperial examination system, where essays were a critical component.
Word Family of 策
Compounds2
憡
鏼
Words Containing This Character20
政策zhèngcèpolicy
策略cèlüèstrategy
策划cèhuàto plot策劃
决策juécèstrategic decision決策
对策duìcècountermeasure for dealing with a situation對策
策cèpolicy
束手无策lit. to have one's hands bound and be unable to do anything about it (idiom); fig. helpless in the face of a crisis束手無策
策划人sponsor策劃人
鞭策biāncèto spur on
计策jìcèstratagem計策
出谋划策to give advice (idiom)出謀劃策
决策者policymaker決策者
失策to blunder
良策good plan
国策a national policy國策
献策to offer advice獻策
策动to conspire策動
策反to instigate (rebellion etc)
策应to support策應
策马to urge on a horse using a whip or spurs策馬
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 政策 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 策
In modern contexts, 策 typically refers to plans, policies, or strategies, particularly in business or governance.
It is pronounced with a fourth tone, cè, which is a falling tone.
It is more frequently used in written Chinese, especially in formal or academic contexts.
