noun HSK 1
shǒu
hand · expert · a person skilled at something

Meaning

is one of the most basic and essential Chinese words, referring to the human hand. It's also used extensively as a component in other characters related to hand actions. Additionally, it can mean someone skilled at something, as in 高 (expert).

Usage

Extremely common in everyday speech. Used literally for the body part and metaphorically for skill or ability. Often appears in compounds related to manual actions, skills, or gestures. Can also mean 'a hand' in the sense of help or assistance.

Examples

  1. 01
    请把举起来。
    Qǐng shǒu qǐlái.
    Please raise your hand.
  2. 02
    他是打篮球的高
    shì lánqiú de gāoshǒu.
    He is an expert at playing basketball.

Measure words

  • zhī一只手
  • shuāng一双手

Common collocations

  • shǒu
    to wash hands
  • shǒu
    to shake hands
  • dòng shǒu
    to get started, to touch, to hit
  • shǒu
    mobile phone

Origin

The character is a pictograph depicting a hand with fingers. The ancient oracle bone script shows a clear outline of a hand with five fingers.

Related