COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 蛇 is built
Traditional etymology note: 虫 (worm) suggests the meaning, while 它 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 蛇 (shé) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
snake
shéTone 2 (Rising)Pitch goes up like asking ‘What?’
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 11 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
shé
蛇
snake
Common words
huà shé tiān zú
画蛇添足
lit. draw legs on a snake (idiom); fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous; to overdo it
shé
蛇
snake; serpent
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
蛇
蛇
蛇
蛇
蛇
蛇
蛇
蛇
LEARNING TIP
Remember 蛇
Say “shé” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 11 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 蛇
Common words and phrases
huà shé tiān zú
lit. draw legs on a snake (idiom); fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous; to overdo it
shé
snake; serpent
IN CONTEXT
Example sentences
这个字是“蛇”。
Zhège zì shì “shé”.
This character is “蛇”.
我正在学习“蛇”字。
Wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí “shé” zì.
I am learning the character “蛇”.
请写一遍“蛇”。
Qǐng xiě yí biàn “shé”.
Please write “蛇” once.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 蛇?
蛇 is written with 11 strokes.
What does 蛇 (shé) mean?
蛇 (shé) means snake.
What is the radical of 蛇?
The radical of 蛇 is 虫, associated with Not yet classified.