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March 24, 2026
右yòu(you4)
The character '右' (yòu) primarily means 'right' in the context of direction, often used to indicate the right-hand side. It can also refer to political affiliations associated with the right-wing. In historical contexts, it may signify the west, reflecting its older usage in the language.
Strokes5Radical口Frequency#1564DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '右' can often be tied to traditional beliefs where directionality holds significance, such as in feng shui, where the right side is associated with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person raising their right hand, saying 'Y-O-U' are on the right side. The character '右' resembles a hand pointing to the right, reinforcing the idea of direction. Picture a political debate where someone on the right side of the table is passionately discussing their views.
Meanings of 右
yòu(you4)
1right (-hand)
2the Right (politics)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 右
右Simplified
5Strokes
口Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#1564Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 右
Podcast: 右
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AI Study Notes for 右
Quick Contrast
左 (zuǒ) — use '右' when referring to the right side or right-wing politics, and '左' for the left side or left-wing politics.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person raising their right hand, saying 'Y-O-U' are on the right side. The character '右' resembles a hand pointing to the right, reinforcing the idea of direction. Picture a political debate where someone on the right side of the table is passionately discussing their views.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '右' (right) with '左' (left). This character is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in directions or discussions of political beliefs. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing 'yòu' to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While '右' is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects with directional vocabulary common in early levels. Students should focus on its pronunciation and context in giving directions or discussing political views.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '右' can often be tied to traditional beliefs where directionality holds significance, such as in feng shui, where the right side is associated with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '右' with '左', leading to incorrect directions, such as saying '请往左转' (Please turn left) when they meant to say 'right.' Remember, '右' has the 'yòu' sound and means right.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 右
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Grammar Patterns of 右
右 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
The unrest capped a weekend of right-wing attacks on foreigners.
7
一群骨干右翼参议员曾企图左右自己的同僚。
yī qún gǔ gān yòu yì cān yì yuán zēng qǐ tú zuǒ yòu zì jǐ de tóng liáo。
A hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.
8
他熟练地左一拐右一拐地绕过深沟，穿过了原野。
tā shú liàn dì zuǒ yī guǎi yòu yī guǎi dì rào guò shēn gōu， ， chuān guò le yuán。
Expertly he zigzagged his way across the field, avoiding the deeper gullies.
9
理查森在一次摩托车事故中失去了他的右脚。
lǐ chá sēn zài yī cì mó tuō chē shì gù zhōng shī qù le tā de yòu jiǎo。
Richardson severed his right foot in a motorbike accident.
10
疼痛是从他右大腿的某处开始的。
téng tòng shì cóng tā yòu dà tuǐ de mǒu chǔ kāi shǐ de。
The pain originated from a point in his right thigh.
Cultural Notes for 右
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '右' can often be tied to traditional beliefs where directionality holds significance, such as in feng shui, where the right side is associated with auspiciousness and prosperity.
Word Family of 右
Compounds7
若ruo4to seem
佑you4to help; to protect; to bless
祐
醢hai3minced pickled meat; to mince
橐tuo2bag, sack; a hollow tub open at both ends
毚chan2greedy; cunning
槗
Words Containing This Character19
左右zuǒyòunearby
右yòuright (-hand)
右边yòubianright side右邊
右手right hand
右侧right side右側
右翼the right flank
座右铭zuòyòumíngmotto座右銘
右面right side
左右手left and right hands
右派right wing
右倾right-wing右傾
右方right-hand side
右派分子rightist elements右派份子
右转to turn right右轉
左顾右盼zuǒgùyòupànglancing to left and right (idiom); to look all around左顧右盼
左右开弓lit. to shoot from both sides (idiom)左右開弓
左邻右舍neighbors左鄰右舍
左右逢源fig. to turn everything into gold
左思右想to ponder
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 若 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 右
'右' can be used in sentences like '请往右转' (Qǐng wǎng yòu zhuǎn), meaning 'Please turn right.'
'右' can also refer to political 'right-wing' ideologies or historical contexts signifying the west.
'右' means 'right' while '左' means 'left'; they are opposites and often used in directions.
