How to Write 石 (shí)
Detailed Mastery Guide for 石
The character 石 (Traditional: 石) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Stone / Rock". In our Level 1 curriculum, we focus on the 5-step stroke sequence to ensure your handwriting is both fast and accurate.
Writing & Recognition
Proper stroke order is essential for character recognition and legibility. By following the animation above, you can see how the character is built from top to bottom and left to right. This character is often categorized under Nature & Elements, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.
Key Vocabulary
Radical Breakdown
Breaking it down: The character 石 is built on the radical 石 (112). Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.
Etymology & Origins
A pictograph of a cliff (厂) with a stone (口) beneath it, representing a rock found at the base of a cliff.
Example Sentence
Simplified: 这座桥是用石头建成的。
Zhè zuò qiáo shì yòng shítou jiàn chéng de.
Traditional: 這座橋是用石頭建成的。
Ze2 zo6 kiu4 si6 jung6 sek6 tau4 gin3 sing4 dik1.
"This bridge is built of stone."
Dialect Pronunciation
In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as shí. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is sek6. Use the audio buttons to hear the subtle tonal differences between the two major Chinese dialects.
Practice & Retention
To move this character from short-term to long-term memory, we recommend using our free practice sheet generator. Writing the character 10-15 times while following the correct sequence is a proven method for mastery.
Quick Self-Check
What is the meaning of '石'?
Other Characters in Level 1 Unit 2
Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!
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