Level 2 · Unit 3 Verbs & Actions

How to Write 说 (shuō)

Meaning: "Speak / Say"
Step-by-Step Stroke Order Diagram
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Detailed Mastery Guide for 说

The character 说 (Traditional: 說) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Speak / Say". In our Level 2 curriculum, we focus on the 14-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 Verbs & Actions, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

说话/說話 shuōhuà syut3 waa6
to speak
说明/說明 shuōmíng syut3 ming4
to explain

Radical Breakdown

Breaking it down: The character 说 is built on the radical Speech (讠/訁), No. 149. Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.

Etymology & Origins

Phono-semantic compound: The speech radical 讠 combined with the phonetic element 兑 (duì).

Example Sentence

Simplified: 请你说清楚。

Qǐng nǐ shuō qīngchu.

Traditional: 請你說清楚。

cing2 nei5 syut3 cing1 co2.

"Please speak clearly."

Dialect Pronunciation

In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as shuō. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is syut3. 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 '说'?

A) To speak
B) To eat
C) To run
D) To sleep

Other Characters in Level 2 Unit 3

Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!

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