COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 贼 is built
Traditional etymology note: 戎 (weapons) suggests the meaning, while 贝 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 贼 (zéi) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
thief
zéiTone 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
zéi
贼
thief
Common words
zéi
贼
thief; traitor; wily; deceitful
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
贼
贼
贼
贼
贼
贼
贼
贼
LEARNING TIP
Remember 贼
Say “zéi” 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 贼
Common words and phrases
zéi
thief; traitor; wily; deceitful
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 贼?
贼 is written with 10 strokes.
What does 贼 (zéi) mean?
贼 (zéi) means thief.
What is the radical of 贼?
The radical of 贼 is 贝, associated with Not yet classified.