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续 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
续
xù
to continue
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10091, Very Hard
续
xù
to replenish
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10091, Very Hard
续
xù
continuous, serial
HSK 7, v, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #10091, Very Hard
xù(xu4)xu T4
1to continue
2to replenish
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March 24, 2026
续(續)xù(xu4)
The character 续 (xù) means 'to continue' or 'to replenish.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is being carried on, such as a conversation or a series of events. It can also imply the replenishment of resources, like supplies or time.
Strokes11Radical纟Frequency#10091DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, continuity is often emphasized in social relationships and traditions, making 续 relevant in discussions about family lineage and the passing down of customs.
Memory tip
Imagine a river flowing continuously, symbolizing the concept of continuation. The character 续 looks like a flowing stream with its curved strokes, and the pronunciation 'xù' can be remembered by the sound of water flowing, 'xu-xu.'
Meanings of 续
xù(xu4)
1to continue
2to replenish
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 续 means.
About 续
续Simplified
續Traditional
11Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10091Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 续
Podcast: 续
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AI study notes for 续
Quick Contrast
继续 (jìxù) vs 续 (xù): 继续 specifically emphasizes the act of continuing an action or process, while 续 can imply a broader sense of continuation or replenishment.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 续 with its homophone 许 (xǔ), which means 'to allow' or 'to promise.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like 续集 (xùjí, 'sequel') or 续费 (xùfèi, 'replenish fees').
HSK Study Tips
As 续 is not in the HSK curriculum, focus on its usage in common phrases and compounds. Consider how it blends with other characters, such as in 继续 (jìxù, 'to continue') and 续写 (xùxiě, 'to continue writing').
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 续 with similar-sounding words, particularly 许 (xǔ). For example, saying '我们许讲下去' (Wǒmen xǔ jiǎng xiàqù) instead of '我们续讲下去' (Wǒmen xù jiǎng xiàqù) is incorrect; the former suggests 'we allow to talk on' instead of 'we continue to talk on.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 续
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续 = 纟 + 卖. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 续
IDS Structure⿰纟卖
续Full character
=
纟si1
left
卖mai4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 续?
How to say to continue in Chinese
“to continue” in Chinese is续xù
The character 续 (xù) means 'to continue' or 'to replenish.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is being carried on, such as a conversation or a series of events. It can also imply the replenishment of resources, like supplies or time.
When to use 续
Be careful not to confuse 续 with its homophone 许 (xǔ), which means 'to allow' or 'to promise.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like 续集 (xùjí, 'sequel') or 续费 (xùfèi, 'replenish fees').
续 or something close to it
继续 (jìxù) vs 续 (xù): 继续 specifically emphasizes the act of continuing an action or process, while 续 can imply a broader sense of continuation or replenishment.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 续 with similar-sounding words, particularly 许 (xǔ). For example, saying '我们许讲下去' (Wǒmen xǔ jiǎng xiàqù) instead of '我们续讲下去' (Wǒmen xù jiǎng xiàqù) is incorrect; the former suggests 'we allow to talk on' instead of 'we continue to talk on.'
Write 续
续
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Grammar patterns of 续
续 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Never keep on exercising if you have even the slightest chest pain.
9
为了故意作对而继续这样做是不对的。
wèile gùyì zuòduì ér jìxù zhèyàng zuò shì bùduì de。
It would be wrong to continue out of perversity.
10
现在至关重要的是要继续向前推进。
xiànzài zhìguānzhòngyào de shì yào jìxù xiàngqián tuījìn。
The most important thing now is to move onwards.
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Cultural Notes for 续
💡Did you know?
'续' is derived from the concept of a thread, symbolizing the idea of continuity and connection. In ancient times, threads were used to weave together stories and histories, much like how we continue narratives today.
📜Proverb
The Chinese proverb '不怕慢，就怕站' (bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn) translates to 'Don't be afraid of moving slowly, just be afraid of standing still.' It aligns with the meaning of '续' as it emphasizes the importance of continuity in progress.
Word Family of 续
Words containing this character20
继续jìxùto continue繼續
持续chíxùto continue持續
连续liánxùcontinuous連續
手续shǒuxùprocedure手續
延续yánxùto continue延續
陆续lùxùin turn陸續
续xùto continue續
后续hòuxùfollow-up後續
连续剧liánxùjùserialized drama連續劇
手续费shǒuxùfèiservice charge手續費
续集xùjísequel續集
待续dàixùto be continued待續
连续性liánxùxìngcontinuity連續性
断断续续duànduànxùxùintermittent斷斷續續
续航xùhángendurance續航
存续cúnxùto continue to exist存續
接续jiēxùto follow接續
陆陆续续lùlùxùxùin succession陸陸續續
续签xùqiānto renew a contract續簽
连续不断liánxùbúduàncontinuous連續不斷
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 续
What does 继续 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 续
Common phrases that include 续 are 续航 (xù háng), which means 'to continue operating' or 'battery life,' and 续约 (xù yuē), meaning 'to renew a contract.' These phrases highlight the versatile use of 续 in different contexts.
You can use 续 in sentences to indicate continuation. For example, 续写 (xù xiě) means 'to continue writing,' and 续集 (xù jí) means 'sequel.' It's often used in both spoken and written Chinese to express ongoing actions.
续 (xù) means 'to continue' or 'to replenish.' It can refer to continuing an action or replenishing something that has been depleted. This character is often used in contexts like continuing a story or a series.
Common phrases include 继续 (jìxù, 'to continue') and 续集 (xùjí, 'sequel').
Remember that 续 (xù) is about continuation, while 许 (xǔ) relates to permission or promise. Their meanings and contexts are quite different.
Yes, 续 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in official documents or casual conversations.
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