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攵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
攵pūto rap, to tap; script; to let gozg, 4 strokes, radical 攵
pū(pu1) T1
  1. 1to rap, to tap; script; to let go
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March 24, 2026

攵pū(pu1)

The character 攵 (pū) represents the action of tapping or raping, often referring to the physical act of knocking or striking lightly. It can also imply the act of writing or recording, suggesting a connection to scripts or the act of letting go, depending on the context in which it is used.

Strokes4Radical攵
Cultural Note

The character 攵 is often found in contexts related to literature and documentation in Chinese culture, reflecting the historical importance of written records and scripts in Chinese civilization.

Memory Tip

Imagine you have a drum (the radical '攵' resembles a hand striking the surface) and you are tapping it gently in rhythm. The sound 'pū' mimics the beat of your hand, creating a vivid connection between the action of tapping and the character's pronunciation.

Meanings of 攵

pū(pu1)
1to rap, to tap; script; to let go
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 攵 means.

About 攵

攵Simplified
4Strokes
攵Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 攵

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Podcast: 攵

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AI Study Notes for 攵

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context in which you use 攵. It is more common in written forms and may not be used in everyday conversation. Ensure you distinguish it from similar characters that may have different tones or meanings, such as 拍 (pāi) for 'to clap' or 'to hit'.

HSK Study Tips

While 攵 is not assigned a specific HSK level, it relates to characters associated with actions and physical movements, which are commonly encountered in early stages of learning. Focus on its use in compound words and phrases to understand its broader applications.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 攵 with similar characters like 攻 (gōng), which means 'to attack'. Remember that 攵 is specifically about tapping or striking lightly, not aggressive actions.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 攵

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Etymology of 攵

Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

攵 is a component form of 攴.

Memory Hint

A fist made with one's right hand

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 攵?

Decomposition of 攵

IDS Structure⿱?乂
攵Full Character
=
乂yi4
top
Exercise 1 of 1

Parts

Which of these is part of 攵?

How to say to rap, to tap; script; to let go in Chinese

“to rap, to tap; script; to let go” in Chinese is攵pū

The character 攵 (pū) represents the action of tapping or raping, often referring to the physical act of knocking or striking lightly. It can also imply the act of writing or recording, suggesting a connection to scripts or the act of letting go, depending on the context in which it is used.

When to use 攵

Be mindful of the context in which you use 攵. It is more common in written forms and may not be used in everyday conversation. Ensure you distinguish it from similar characters that may have different tones or meanings, such as 拍 (pāi) for 'to clap' or 'to hit'.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 攵 with similar characters like 攻 (gōng), which means 'to attack'. Remember that 攵 is specifically about tapping or striking lightly, not aggressive actions.

Write 攵

攵

Practice writing 攵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 攵

Words Containing This Character1
攵pūhit

Frequently Asked Questions about 攵

No, 攵 is more often found in written forms rather than spoken language.

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