Meanings of 十
By ear
Play it, then pick what 十 means.
About 十
Podcast: 十
Podcast: 十
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 十, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 十 to you
Let me explain 十 for you
Make it yours
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.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
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
Which of these is part 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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____五块六毛三分。
15.63 yuan.
Example sentences for 十 (28)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.”
Ask Jason
Have a question about 十?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 十
Characters with 十
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 十?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.