COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 掌 is built
Traditional etymology note: 手 (hand) suggests the meaning, while 尚 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 掌 (zhǎng) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
palm of the hand
zhǎngTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 12 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
zhǎng
掌
palm of the hand
Common words
gǔ zhǎng
鼓掌
to applaud; to clap
zhǎng shēng
掌声
applause
zhǎng wò
掌握
to grasp (often fig.); to control; to seize (initiative, opportunity, destiny); to master
bā zhǎng
巴掌
palm of the hand; classifier: slap
shǒu zhǎng
手掌
palm
zhǎng duò
掌舵
to steer (a ship)
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
掌
掌
掌
掌
掌
掌
掌
掌
LEARNING TIP
Remember 掌
Say “zhǎng” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 12 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 掌
Common words and phrases
gǔ zhǎng
to applaud; to clap
zhǎng shēng
applause
zhǎng wò
to grasp (often fig.); to control; to seize (initiative, opportunity, destiny); to master
bā zhǎng
palm of the hand; classifier: slap
shǒu zhǎng
palm
zhǎng duò
to steer (a ship)
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 掌?
掌 is written with 12 strokes.
What does 掌 (zhǎng) mean?
掌 (zhǎng) means palm of the hand.
What is the radical of 掌?
The radical of 掌 is 手, associated with Not yet classified.