COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 欠 is built
Traditional etymology note: A man 人 yawning ⺈
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How to Write 欠 (qiàn) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
to owe
qiànTone 4 (Falling)Drop your pitch sharply and firmly.
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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
qiàn
欠
to owe
Common words
qiàn quē
欠缺
to be deficient in; lapse; deficiency
qiàn tiáo
欠条
IOU; certificate of indebtedness
tuō qiàn
拖欠
in arrears; behind in payments; to default on one's debts
qiàn
欠
to owe; to lack; (literary) to be deficient in; (bound form) yawn
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
欠
欠
欠
欠
欠
欠
欠
欠
LEARNING TIP
Remember 欠
Say “qiàn” 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 欠
Common words and phrases
qiàn quē
to be deficient in; lapse; deficiency
qiàn tiáo
IOU; certificate of indebtedness
tuō qiàn
in arrears; behind in payments; to default on one's debts
qiàn
to owe; to lack; (literary) to be deficient in; (bound form) yawn
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“欠”。
Zhège zì shì “qiàn”.
This character is “欠”.
我正在学习“欠”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “qiàn” zì.
I am learning the character “欠”.
请写一遍“欠”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “qiàn”.
Please write “欠” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 欠?
欠 is written with 4 strokes.
What does 欠 (qiàn) mean?
欠 (qiàn) means to owe.
What is the radical of 欠?
The radical of 欠 is 欠, associated with Not yet classified.