COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 原 is built
Traditional etymology note: 厂 (cliff) suggests the meaning, while 泉 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 原 (yuán) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
former
yuánTone 2 (Rising)Pitch goes up like asking ‘What?’
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 10 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
yuán
原
former
Common words
yuán lái
原来
original; former; originally; formerly; at first; so, actually, as it turns out
yuán liàng
原谅
to excuse; to forgive; to pardon
yuán yīn
原因
cause; origin; root cause; reason
yuán yǒu
原有
original; former
yuán zé
原则
principle; doctrine
cǎo yuán
草原
grassland; prairie
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
原
原
原
原
原
原
原
原
LEARNING TIP
Remember 原
Say “yuán” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 10 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 原
Common words and phrases
yuán lái
original; former; originally; formerly; at first; so, actually, as it turns out
yuán liàng
to excuse; to forgive; to pardon
yuán yīn
cause; origin; root cause; reason
yuán yǒu
original; former
yuán zé
principle; doctrine
cǎo yuán
grassland; prairie
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 原?
原 is written with 10 strokes.
What does 原 (yuán) mean?
原 (yuán) means former.
What is the radical of 原?
The radical of 原 is 厂, associated with Not yet classified.