Meanings of 十
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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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Jason Explains 十 to You
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Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 十 through them.
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How Well Do You Know 十?
Learning Lab
Knowing 十 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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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).
Decomposition of 十
Parts
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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.
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____五块六毛三分。
15.63 yuan.
Example Sentences for 十 (28)
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Rebuild it: “She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.”
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Word Family of 十
Characters with 十
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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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