COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 子 is built
Traditional etymology note: A child in a wrap, with outstretched arms but bundled legs
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How to Write 子 (zǐ) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
child; son
zǐTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 3 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
zǐ / zi
子
child; son
Common words
bāo zǐ
包子
bao (steamed stuffed bun)
bēi zi
杯子
cup; glass
ér zi
儿子
son
hái zi
孩子
child
jiǎo zǐ
饺子
dumpling; pot-sticker
yǐ zi
椅子
chair
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
子
子
子
子
子
子
子
子
LEARNING TIP
Remember 子
Say “zǐ” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 3 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 子
Common words and phrases
bāo zǐ
bao (steamed stuffed bun)
bēi zi
cup; glass
ér zi
son
hái zi
child
jiǎo zǐ
dumpling; pot-sticker
yǐ zi
chair
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“子”。
Zhège zì shì “zǐ”.
This character is “子”.
我正在学习“子”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “zǐ” zì.
I am learning the character “子”.
请写一遍“子”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “zǐ”.
Please write “子” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 子?
子 is written with 3 strokes.
What does 子 (zǐ) mean?
子 (zǐ) means child; son.
What is the radical of 子?
The radical of 子 is 子, associated with child.