COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 善 is built
Traditional etymology note: To give someone food 羊 and conversation 口
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How to Write 善 (shàn) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
good (virtuous)
shànTone 4 (Falling)Drop your pitch sharply and firmly.
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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
shàn
善
good (virtuous)
Common words
gǎi shàn
改善
to make better; to improve
shàn liáng
善良
good and honest; kindhearted
shàn yú
善于
to be good at; to be adept at
wán shàn
完善
(of systems, facilities etc) comprehensive; well-developed; excellent; to refine
cí shàn
慈善
benevolent; charitable
shàn yì
善意
goodwill; benevolence; kindness
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
善
善
善
善
善
善
善
善
LEARNING TIP
Remember 善
Say “shàn” 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 善
Common words and phrases
gǎi shàn
to make better; to improve
shàn liáng
good and honest; kindhearted
shàn yú
to be good at; to be adept at
wán shàn
(of systems, facilities etc) comprehensive; well-developed; excellent; to refine
cí shàn
benevolent; charitable
shàn yì
goodwill; benevolence; kindness
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“善”。
Zhège zì shì “shàn”.
This character is “善”.
我正在学习“善”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “shàn” zì.
I am learning the character “善”.
请写一遍“善”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “shàn”.
Please write “善” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 善?
善 is written with 12 strokes.
What does 善 (shàn) mean?
善 (shàn) means good (virtuous).
What is the radical of 善?
The radical of 善 is 口, associated with Not yet classified.