COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
Understanding 手
Detailed component breakdown coming soon
Use the stroke animation above to study the character’s complete form.
Traditional etymology note: A hand with the fingers splayed
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How to Write 手 (shǒu) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
hand
shǒuTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 4 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
shǒu
手
hand
Common words
shǒu jī
手机
cell phone; mobile phone
shǒu biǎo
手表
wristwatch
gē shǒu
歌手
singer
dòng shǒu
动手
to set about (a task); to hit; to punch; to touch
duì shǒu
对手
opponent; rival; competitor; (well-matched) adversary
èr shǒu
二手
indirectly acquired; second-hand (information, equipment etc); assistant
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
手
手
手
手
手
手
手
手
LEARNING TIP
Remember 手
Say “shǒu” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 4 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 手
Common words and phrases
shǒu jī
cell phone; mobile phone
shǒu biǎo
wristwatch
gē shǒu
singer
dòng shǒu
to set about (a task); to hit; to punch; to touch
duì shǒu
opponent; rival; competitor; (well-matched) adversary
èr shǒu
indirectly acquired; second-hand (information, equipment etc); assistant
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 手?
手 is written with 4 strokes.
What does 手 (shǒu) mean?
手 (shǒu) means hand.
What is the radical of 手?
The radical of 手 is 手, associated with Not yet classified.