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March 24, 2026
手shǒu(shou3)
The character 手 (shǒu) means 'hand' and is used in various contexts related to holding, crafting, or performing tasks. It can refer to a person skilled in a particular trade or simply denote the act of using one's hands in a personal or convenient manner. In formal contexts, it can also imply the act of holding something.
Strokes4Radical手Frequency#252DifficultyEasy
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the hand symbolizes not just physical ability but also craftsmanship and artistry. The phrase '手艺人' (artisan) highlights the respect for skilled labor and traditional crafts, reflecting the cultural value placed on craftsmanship.
Memory tip
Imagine your hand (手) holding a large 'shovel' (the 'sh' sound) to dig a hole. The character resembles an outstretched hand, emphasizing its meaning and function. Picture yourself using your hands to create or perform tasks, linking the physical action to the character's form.
Meanings of 手
shǒu(shou3)
1hand
2(formal) to hold
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By ear
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About 手
手Simplified
4Strokes
手Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#252Frequency Rank
双Measure Word
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1BCT✓CEFRA1
Podcast: 手
Podcast: 手
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AI study notes for 手
Quick Contrast
手 (shǒu) vs 叉 (chā) — use 手 for 'hand' in general contexts, while 叉 specifically refers to a 'fork' or 'prong'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 手 (shǒu) with similar-sounding characters. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but the context may change its connotation. Watch for collocations such as '手工' (handmade) and '手艺' (skill), which emphasize the craftsmanship associated with hands.
HSK Study Tips
手 (shǒu) is relevant for learners at HSK Level 1 and above as it relates to everyday activities and descriptions. Focus on combining it with other characters to form common phrases, such as '手表' (watch) or '手册' (manual), to expand vocabulary and comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 手 (shǒu) with similar characters like 攴 (pū) or 扌 (tí), which are related but have different meanings. For instance, using 手 to mean 'tool' is incorrect; the correct character for 'tool' is 工具 (gōngjù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 手
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Knowing 手 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.
The character 手 (shǒu) means 'hand' and is used in various contexts related to holding, crafting, or performing tasks. It can refer to a person skilled in a particular trade or simply denote the act of using one's hands in a personal or convenient manner. In formal contexts, it can also imply the act of holding something.
When to use 手
Be careful not to confuse 手 (shǒu) with similar-sounding characters. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but the context may change its connotation. Watch for collocations such as '手工' (handmade) and '手艺' (skill), which emphasize the craftsmanship associated with hands.
手 or something close to it
手 (shǒu) vs 叉 (chā) — use 手 for 'hand' in general contexts, while 叉 specifically refers to a 'fork' or 'prong'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 手 (shǒu) with similar characters like 攴 (pū) or 扌 (tí), which are related but have different meanings. For instance, using 手 to mean 'tool' is incorrect; the correct character for 'tool' is 工具 (gōngjù).
Write 手
手
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Practice writing 手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 手
手 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 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.
