Meanings of 帥
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About 帥
Podcast: 帥
Podcast: 帥
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AI Study Notes for 帥
帅 (shuài) vs 漂亮 (piàoliang) — use 帅 to describe a man's handsome appearance, while 漂亮 typically refers to beauty in a more general or feminine context.
This character is often used in informal settings to compliment someone's looks, but it can also appear in formal contexts related to leadership. Students should be careful not to confuse 帥 (shuài) with other similar-sounding words, as tone is critical; it’s the fourth tone, which can change meaning entirely.
While 帥 is not included in HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to leadership and appearance, such as 英俊 (yīngjùn, 'handsome'). Focus on the different contexts in which this character can be applied and practice using it in sentences.
Learners often confuse 帥 (shuài) with 帅 (shuāi), the latter meaning 'to fall or drop.' For example, saying '他帅' (tā shuāi) instead of '他帅' (tā shuài) changes the meaning entirely. Always pay attention to the tone when using this character.
Pronunciation of 帥
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Etymology of 帥
Simplified form of 帥. Originally a pictograph of two hands pulling a rod, based on the original meaning "lead; command". The meaning later shifted to "handsome". The purpose of the 巾 (cloth) is unclear. It possibly represents a special cloth worn by
An army officer carrying a weapon 㠯 and a flag 巾
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 帥
Simplified form of 帥. Originally a pictograph of two hands pulling a rod, based on the original meaning "lead; command". The meaning later shifted to "handsome". The purpose of the 巾 (cloth) is unclear. It possibly represents a special cloth worn by
- 1The giveawayAn army officer carrying a weapon 㠯 and a flag 巾
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 帥? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 帥?
Decomposition of 帥
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 帥?
How to say commander; commander-in-chief; handsome, smart in Chinese
“commander; commander-in-chief; handsome, smart” in Chinese is帥
The character 帥 (shuài) primarily means 'commander' or 'commander-in-chief,' often used in military contexts. Additionally, it can describe someone as 'handsome' or 'smart,' conveying a sense of charm or attractiveness. In everyday language, it's common to hear this term used to compliment someone's appearance.
When to use 帥
This character is often used in informal settings to compliment someone's looks, but it can also appear in formal contexts related to leadership. Students should be careful not to confuse 帥 (shuài) with other similar-sounding words, as tone is critical; it’s the fourth tone, which can change meaning entirely.
帥 or something close to it
帅 (shuài) vs 漂亮 (piàoliang) — use 帅 to describe a man's handsome appearance, while 漂亮 typically refers to beauty in a more general or feminine context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 帥 (shuài) with 帅 (shuāi), the latter meaning 'to fall or drop.' For example, saying '他帅' (tā shuāi) instead of '他帅' (tā shuài) changes the meaning entirely. Always pay attention to the tone when using this character.
Write 帥
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Practice writing 帥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 帥
Compound Meaning
What does 帅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 帥
You can say '他很帥' (tā hěn shuài), which means 'He is very handsome.'
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