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March 24, 2026
策cè(Ce4)
The character 策 (cè) primarily means 'plan' or 'policy,' often used in contexts involving strategic thinking or decision-making. It also has historical connotations, referring to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China, reflecting its connection to education and governance. Additionally, it can denote encouragement or the act of whipping a horse, showcasing its versatility in usage.
Strokes12Radical⺮Frequency#13651DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In ancient China, 策 refers to bamboo strips used for writing, which were crucial for recording important decisions and policies, reflecting the significance of written communication in governance. This character is often associated with the imperial examination system, where essays were a critical component.
Memory tip
Imagine a wise old strategist, holding a bamboo slip (the ancient writing material) in one hand and a riding crop in the other, ready to encourage his horse to charge forward. The character 策 (cè) looks like a bamboo slip (the left part) being used to create a plan (the right part resembles a stylized whip, linking to the concept of urging forward).
Meanings of 策
cè(Ce4)
1policy
2plan
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 策
策Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13651Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 策
Podcast: 策
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AI study notes for 策
Quick Contrast
策 (cè) vs 计 (jì) — use 策 for broader strategic plans or policies, while 计 is more about specific calculations or schemes.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 策 with similar characters like 计划 (jìhuà, plan) or 政策 (zhèngcè, policy), which have more specific meanings. 策 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions related to strategy or governance. Pay attention to the fourth tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 策 is not on the HSK list, it connects well with words at HSK Level 5, such as 计划 (jìhuà, plan) and 政策 (zhèngcè, policy). Students should focus on understanding its various meanings and usages in different contexts, especially in formal and literary texts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 策 with its homophones like 侧 (cè, side) or 厕 (cè, toilet). For example, saying 策 instead of 侧 when referring to orientation can lead to confusion. Always verify the context to use the correct character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 策
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 策 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.
策 = ⺮ + 朿. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 策
IDS Structure⿱⺮朿
策Full character
=
⺮zhu2
top
朿ci4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 策?
How to say policy in Chinese
“policy” in Chinese is策cè
The character 策 (cè) primarily means 'plan' or 'policy,' often used in contexts involving strategic thinking or decision-making. It also has historical connotations, referring to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China, reflecting its connection to education and governance. Additionally, it can denote encouragement or the act of whipping a horse, showcasing its versatility in usage.
When to use 策
A common mistake is confusing 策 with similar characters like 计划 (jìhuà, plan) or 政策 (zhèngcè, policy), which have more specific meanings. 策 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions related to strategy or governance. Pay attention to the fourth tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
策 or something close to it
策 (cè) vs 计 (jì) — use 策 for broader strategic plans or policies, while 计 is more about specific calculations or schemes.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 策 with its homophones like 侧 (cè, side) or 厕 (cè, toilet). For example, saying 策 instead of 侧 when referring to orientation can lead to confusion. Always verify the context to use the correct character.
Write 策
策
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Grammar patterns of 策
策 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 11 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.
