Meanings of 十
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About 十
Podcast: 十
Podcast: 十
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AI Study Notes for 十
Be careful not to confuse 十 (shí) with similar characters that represent other numbers, such as 二 (èr, two) or 百 (bǎi, hundred). In informal contexts, it can be used to emphasize a complete set, for example, 十全十美 (shí quán shí měi), meaning 'perfect'.
As an HSK Level 1 character, 十 (shí) is essential for learners to master basic numbers. It connects to other numerals like 一 (yī, one) and 二 (èr, two), so practice counting and forming larger numbers using this character.
Learners often mistakenly write 十 (shí) as 1 (一) since they may not be familiar with the structure of Chinese characters. Remember, 十 has a distinct cross shape, while 一 is simply a horizontal line.
Pronunciation of 十
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Etymology of 十
A single vertical line, representing one set of ten. Analagous to the archaic characters 廿 (twenty) and 卅 (thirty).
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 十
A single vertical line, representing one set of ten. Analagous to the archaic characters 廿 (twenty) and 卅 (thirty).
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 十? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 十
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 十?
How to say ten in Chinese
“ten” in Chinese is十
The character 十 (shí) means 'ten' in Mandarin Chinese. It is used to denote the number 10 and can also represent concepts of completeness or perfection in certain contexts. As a fundamental numeral, it is commonly used in counting, mathematical expressions, and everyday scenarios.
When to use 十
Be careful not to confuse 十 (shí) with similar characters that represent other numbers, such as 二 (èr, two) or 百 (bǎi, hundred). In informal contexts, it can be used to emphasize a complete set, for example, 十全十美 (shí quán shí měi), meaning 'perfect'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly write 十 (shí) as 1 (一) since they may not be familiar with the structure of Chinese characters. Remember, 十 has a distinct cross shape, while 一 is simply a horizontal line.
Write 十
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Practice writing 十 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 十
十 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
____五块六毛三分。
15.63 yuan.
Example Sentences for 十 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.
Word Family of 十
Compound Meaning
What does 什 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 十
The pronunciation is 'shí', with a rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the tone to get it right.
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