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March 24, 2026
六liù(liu4)
The character 六 (liù) represents the number six in Mandarin Chinese. It is commonly used in counting, dates, and various contexts involving numbers. Understanding this character is essential for basic arithmetic and everyday communication in Chinese.
Strokes4Radical八Frequency#802DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number six is considered lucky and is often associated with smoothness and success. It is common to see the number used in auspicious phrases or during celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 六 as a figure with two arms raised in the air, representing the number six. You can think of it as someone celebrating their sixth birthday, excited and joyful, which helps you remember both the shape and the sound 'liù.'
Meanings of 六
liù(liu4)
1six
26
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 六
六Simplified
4Strokes
八Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#802Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 六
Podcast: 六
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AI Study Notes for 六
Usage Notes
六 is often used in informal contexts and when counting or referring to numbers. Common mistakes include confusing it with the character for 'five' (五, wǔ) due to similar pronunciation. Be mindful of the tone; 六 has the fourth tone, pronounced with a falling pitch.
HSK Study Tips
As part of HSK Level 1, 六 is fundamental for learners to familiarize themselves with basic numbers. Students should practice using it in simple sentences and counting exercises, as it lays the groundwork for understanding larger numbers.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 六 (liù) with 五 (wǔ) due to the similar pronunciation pattern. For example, saying '我有五个苹果' (I have five apples) instead of '我有六个苹果' (I have six apples) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 六
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Originally a pictograph of a tent or building. Unrelated to modern meaning.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 六? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 六?
Decomposition of 六
IDS Structure⿱亠八
六Full Character
=
亠tou2
top
八ba1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 六?
How to say six in Chinese
“six” in Chinese is六liù
The character 六 (liù) represents the number six in Mandarin Chinese. It is commonly used in counting, dates, and various contexts involving numbers. Understanding this character is essential for basic arithmetic and everyday communication in Chinese.
When to use 六
六 is often used in informal contexts and when counting or referring to numbers. Common mistakes include confusing it with the character for 'five' (五, wǔ) due to similar pronunciation. Be mindful of the tone; 六 has the fourth tone, pronounced with a falling pitch.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 六 (liù) with 五 (wǔ) due to the similar pronunciation pattern. For example, saying '我有五个苹果' (I have five apples) instead of '我有六个苹果' (I have six apples) can lead to misunderstandings.
Write 六
六
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Practice writing 六 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 六
六 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 2 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.
