Mandarin TempleMandarin TempleCome for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
数 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
数shǔnumberHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔfrequentlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto countHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔrepeatedlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto enumerateHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto criticize (i.e. enumerate shortcomings)HSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔfigureHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔseveralHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔcount, number, severalHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto count asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto regard asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shǔto enumerate (sb's shortcomings)HSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùnumberHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùfrequentlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto countHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùrepeatedlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto enumerateHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto criticize (i.e. enumerate shortcomings)HSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùfigureHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùseveralHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùcount, number, severalHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto count asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto regard asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shùto enumerate (sb's shortcomings)HSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuònumberHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòfrequentlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto countHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòrepeatedlyHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto enumerateHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto criticize (i.e. enumerate shortcomings)HSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòfigureHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòseveralHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòcount, number, severalHSK 4, n, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto count asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto regard asHSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
数shuòto enumerate (sb's shortcomings)HSK 4, unknown, 13 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1101, Medium
shù(shu4)
primary
 T4
  1. 1number
  2. 2frequently
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

数(數)shù(shu4)

The character 数 (shǔ) primarily means 'number' or 'to count.' It can also imply the act of enumerating things or critiquing by listing shortcomings. This word is commonly used in both mathematical contexts and everyday situations where counting or quantifying is necessary.

Strokes13Radical攵Frequency#1101DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, numbers hold significant importance in daily life, from superstition to business. The concept of counting is essential, as many customs involve numerology, influencing decisions like wedding dates or business openings.

Memory Tip

Imagine counting apples on your fingers, where each finger represents a number. The character 数 has a 'counting' vibe, with its components suggesting the action of tallying up. Picture a teacher, pointing at each finger and saying 'shǔ' as you enumerate the apples.

Meanings of 数

shù(shu4)
primary
1number
2frequently
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 数 means.

About 数

数Simplified
數Traditional
13Strokes
攵Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#1101Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 数

JasonAmy

Podcast: 数

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 数

Quick Contrast

计 (jì) — use 数 (shù) for general counting or numbers, while 计 (jì) often implies calculation or planning.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 数 with similar-sounding words like 书 (shū), which means 'book.' It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's versatile. A common collocation is '数个' (shǔ gè), meaning 'several.'

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 数 connects well with other numerical terms and counting-related vocabulary. Students should focus on its various uses in both mathematical and conversational contexts, and practice forming sentences that incorporate numbers.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 数 with 书 (shū) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢数' (Wǒ xǐhuān shū) instead of '我喜欢数' (Wǒ xǐhuān shǔ) can change the meaning from 'I like books' to 'I like counting.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 数

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 数 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 数 to You

Let me explain 数 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 数 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Etymology of 数

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 數. Phonosemantic compound. 攵 represents the meaning and 婁 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

script

Semantic (meaning)攵
+
Phonetic (sound)娄
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

数 = 攵 + 娄. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 数

IDS Structure⿰娄攵
数Full Character
=
娄Lou2
left
攵pu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 数?

How to say number in Chinese

“number” in Chinese is数shǔ

The character 数 (shǔ) primarily means 'number' or 'to count.' It can also imply the act of enumerating things or critiquing by listing shortcomings. This word is commonly used in both mathematical contexts and everyday situations where counting or quantifying is necessary.

When to use 数

Be careful not to confuse 数 with similar-sounding words like 书 (shū), which means 'book.' It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's versatile. A common collocation is '数个' (shǔ gè), meaning 'several.'

数 or something close to it

计 (jì) — use 数 (shù) for general counting or numbers, while 计 (jì) often implies calculation or planning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 数 with 书 (shū) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢数' (Wǒ xǐhuān shū) instead of '我喜欢数' (Wǒ xǐhuān shǔ) can change the meaning from 'I like books' to 'I like counting.'

Write 数

数

Practice writing 数 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 数

数 carries 12 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

在校时我的____学跟不上。

I got left behind at school with the maths.

Common Confusions with 数

数 can mean 'to count' or 'number', while 书 means 'book'.

1

我在读一本书。 (Wǒ zài dú yī běn shū.) - I am reading a book.

数 can mean 'to count' or 'number', while 书 means 'book'.

💡书 (shū) has a 'cover' shape, while 数 (shǔ) has a counting theme.

Example Sentences for 数 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
在校时我的数学跟不上。

zài xiào shí wǒ de shù xué gēn bù shàng。

I got left behind at school with the maths.
2
学生常常赶数百英里的路来到这里。

xué shēng cháng cháng gǎn shù bǎi yīng lǐ de lù lái dào zhè lǐ。

Students often travel hundreds of miles to get here.
3
定期航班的数量正让空中交通指挥系统不堪重负。

dìng qī háng bān de shù liáng zhèng ràng kōng zhōng jiāo tōng zhǐ huī xì tǒng bù kān zhòng fù。

The volume of scheduled flights is straining the air traffic control system.
4
他们发行一定数量的可公开交易的股票。

tā mén fā háng yī dìng shù liáng de kě gōng kāi jiāo yì de gǔ piào。

They issue a fixed number of shares that trade publicly.
5
艾滋病病毒携带者的官方数字并不高。

ài zī bìng bìng dú xié dài zhě de guān fāng shù zì bìng bù gāo。

The official number of people carrying the AIDS virus is low.
6
把下列数字和你卡片上的数字比照一下。

bǎ xià liè shù zì hé nǐ kǎ piàn shàng de shù zì bǐ zhào yī xià。

Check the numbers below against the numbers on your card.
7
默认选项通常是大多数用户都会选择的设置。

mò rèn xuǎn xiàng tōng cháng shì dà duō shù yòng hù dū huì xuǎn zé de shè zhì。

The default is usually the setting that most users would probably choose.
8
他们下面是无数张仰望的脸。

tā mén xià miàn shì wú shù zhāng yǎng wàng de liǎn。

Down below them was the sea of upturned faces.
9
到80年代末的时候，他们的数量已是原来的4倍。

dào80 80 nián dài mò de shí， hòu ， tā mén de shù liáng yǐ shì yuán4 lái。

By the late eighties their number had grown fourfold.
10
数年前，艾莱的农场就实现了机械化。

shù nián qián， ， ài lái de nóng cháng jiù shí xiàn le jī xiè。

Mechanization happened years ago on the farms of Islay.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 数?

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 300 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 数

💡Did you know?

In Chinese culture, numbers hold significant meanings. For instance, the number 8 is considered lucky because it sounds like the word for 'prosperity'. The character '数' can relate to many aspects of daily life, including fortune telling and numerology.

Word Family of 数

Compounds2
擞sou3to tremble, to shake, to quake, to flutter
薮sou3swamp, marsh; wild country
Words Containing This Character20
数shùnumber數
数据shùjùdata數據
数字shùzìnumeral數字
大多数dàduōshù(great) majority大多數
数量shùliàngamount數量
人数rénshùnumber of people人數
数学shùxuémathematics數學
指数zhǐshùindex指數
无数wúshùcountless無數
多数duōshùmajority多數
数据库shùjùkùdatabase數據庫
倒数dàoshǔto count down倒數
数码shùmǎnumber數碼
少数shǎoshùfew少數
数目shùmùamount數目
总数zǒngshùtotal總數
分数fēnshùmark分數
次数cìshùfrequency次數
绝大多数juédàduōshùabsolute majority絕大多數
参数parameter參數
Exercise 1 of 4

Characters with 数

What does 擞 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 数

数 (shǔ) generally refers to counting or numbers, while 计 (jì) often relates to calculation or planning. For instance, you would use 数 when discussing simple counting, whereas 计 might be used in contexts requiring more complex calculations or strategies.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 数?

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.