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March 24, 2026
绪(緒)xù(xu4)
绪 (xù) refers to beginnings or threads, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It can denote the starting point of an event or process, as well as hints or clues that guide one's understanding or actions. In a more abstract context, it can also refer to one's mental state or emotional thread.
Strokes11Radical纟Frequency#31569DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of '绪' often appears in poetry and prose to symbolize the emotional threads that bind stories and characters together, reflecting the importance of beginnings in shaping narratives.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thread (绪) that connects different parts of a story, like the beginning of a novel. The character's structure visually resembles multiple threads woven together, symbolizing the idea of beginnings and connections. Think of 'xù' as 'exuding' the first spark of an idea or emotion.
Meanings of 绪
xù(xu4)
1beginnings
2clues
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 绪
绪Simplified
緒Traditional
11Strokes
纟Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#31569Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绪
Podcast: 绪
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AI Study Notes for 绪
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a thread (绪) that connects different parts of a story, like the beginning of a novel. The character's structure visually resembles multiple threads woven together, symbolizing the idea of beginnings and connections. Think of 'xù' as 'exuding' the first spark of an idea or emotion.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 绪 with similar-sounding characters. It is more formal and often used in literary contexts rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '绪论' (introduction) and '情绪' (emotion).
HSK Study Tips
Although 绪 is not a part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other words related to beginnings and emotions. Students should focus on understanding how it can be used in idiomatic expressions or literary texts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the concept of '绪' often appears in poetry and prose to symbolize the emotional threads that bind stories and characters together, reflecting the importance of beginnings in shaping narratives.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绪 with similar characters like 需 (xū, need) or 续 (xù, continue). A common mistake is using 绪 in informal contexts where simpler words would suffice, such as '开始' (begin).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绪
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Grammar Patterns of 绪
绪 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 5 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.
There are reports of widespread dis-content in the capital.
10
他很庆幸有机会放松放松，整理一下自己的思绪。
tā hěn qìng xìng yǒu jī huì fàng sōng fàng sōng， ， zhěng lǐ yī xià zì jǐ de sī。
He was grateful for a chance to relax and collect his thoughts.
Cultural Notes for 绪
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, threads symbolize connections and beginnings. The character '绪' reflects this idea of starting points and the intertwining of thoughts, much like how threads are woven together to create something greater.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, the concept of '绪' often appears in poetry and prose to symbolize the emotional threads that bind stories and characters together, reflecting the importance of beginnings in shaping narratives.
📜Proverb
A common saying is '有头有绪', meaning to have a clear beginning and end, which highlights the importance of structure in communication and life.
Word Family of 绪
Words Containing This Character19
情绪qíngxùmood情緒
头绪outline頭緒
就绪to be ready就緒
思绪mood思緒
情绪化emotional情緒化
光绪reign name of penultimate Qing emperor Guangxu or Guang-hsu (1875-1908)光緒
绪xùclues緒
心绪mood心緒
闹情绪to be in a bad mood鬧情緒
千头万绪plethora of things to tackle千頭萬緒
愁绪melancholy愁緒
心绪不宁unquiet state of mind心緒不寧
绪论introduction緒論
索绪尔Saussure (name)索緒爾
别绪emotions at time of parting別緒
绪言introduction緒言
离情别绪sad feeling at separation (idiom)離情別緒
余绪vestigial residue餘緒
端绪clue端緒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 情绪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绪
Yes, there are phrases that incorporate 绪, often relating to beginnings or starting points. While not as common as some other characters, understanding these phrases can greatly enhance your language skills and comprehension in conversational contexts.
The character 绪 (xù) carries significance in understanding the flow of ideas or narratives in Chinese. It highlights the importance of beginnings and can be symbolic of the mental state that influences thought processes. This makes it a valuable character for learners to grasp deeper meanings in literature.
You can use 绪 (xù) in sentences to express concepts related to beginnings or clues. For example, '这篇文章的绪非常重要' means 'The beginning of this article is very important.' This showcases its function in indicating the starting point of a discussion or narrative.
绪 (xù) refers to beginnings or threads, often used in contexts relating to the start of something or clues that lead to an understanding. It can also represent a mental state or emotional thread that connects ideas. Understanding its usage can enhance your comprehension of Chinese texts.
You can use 绪 in a sentence like '这篇文章的绪论很精彩' (The introduction of this article is very engaging).
Common phrases include '绪论' (introduction) and '情绪' (emotion), both highlighting its connection to beginnings and mental states.
No, 绪 is more often found in written Chinese, particularly in literary contexts or academic discussions.
