classifier for houses, small buildings, institutions etc
HSK 5, c, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #208, Hard
所
suǒ
that which
HSK 5, c, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #208, Hard
所
suǒ
particle introducing a relative clause or passive
HSK 5, c, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #208, Hard
所
suǒ
place, location; "that which", a particle introducing a passive clause
HSK 5, c, 8 strokes, radical 户, rank #208, Hard
suǒ(suo3) T3
1actually
2place
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March 24, 2026
所suǒ(suo3)
The character 所 (suǒ) has several meanings, primarily relating to a place or location. It is commonly used as a classifier for buildings and institutions, and it plays an important role in grammatical structures, particularly in forming passive sentences and introducing relative clauses. Understanding its usage is key for advanced Mandarin communication.
Strokes8Radical户Frequency#208DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, buildings and institutions often hold significant importance, reflecting social structure and community values. The use of 所 can signal not just a physical location but also the cultural significance of the spaces where people gather.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small building (the radical 所 looks like a small house) where people gather to talk about 'that which' happens there. This visual can help you remember that 所 relates to places and also serves a grammatical function, with 'suǒ' sounding like 'soar'—a place where ideas take flight.
Meanings of 所
suǒ(suo3)
1actually
2place
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 所 means.
About 所
所Simplified
8Strokes
户Radical
连词连词cnqu (conj.)Part of Speech
#208Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 所
Podcast: 所
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AI Study Notes for 所
Usage Notes
所 is often misused by learners, particularly in constructing passive sentences. Make sure to follow it with the correct verb structure, as in '所 + verb' to indicate the action being done to the subject. It's more common in written and formal contexts, and less so in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 所 connects with other advanced grammatical structures. Students should focus on its role in passive voice constructions and relative clauses, practicing sentences that incorporate these elements to enhance fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to follow 所 with the appropriate verb in passive constructions. For example, saying '所写书' instead of '所写的书' (the book that was written) is a common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 所
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Etymology of 所
Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 斤 represents the meaning and 戶 represents the sound. The contribution of 斤 (axe) to the meaning is unclear.
The character 所 (suǒ) has several meanings, primarily relating to a place or location. It is commonly used as a classifier for buildings and institutions, and it plays an important role in grammatical structures, particularly in forming passive sentences and introducing relative clauses. Understanding its usage is key for advanced Mandarin communication.
When to use 所
所 is often misused by learners, particularly in constructing passive sentences. Make sure to follow it with the correct verb structure, as in '所 + verb' to indicate the action being done to the subject. It's more common in written and formal contexts, and less so in everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often forget to follow 所 with the appropriate verb in passive constructions. For example, saying '所写书' instead of '所写的书' (the book that was written) is a common error.
Write 所
所
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Grammar Patterns of 所
所 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 6 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.
