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出 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
chūto go outHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto come outHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto occurHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto produceHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto go beyondHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto riseHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto put forthHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto happenHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūclassifier for dramas, plays, operas etcHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chūto go out, to send out; stand; produceHSK 2, v, 5 strokes, radical 凵, rank #105, Easy
chū(chu1) T1
  1. 1to go out
  2. 2to come out
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
chū(chu1)

The character 出 (chū) primarily means 'to go out' or 'to come out,' indicating movement from an enclosed space to the outside. It can also refer to the occurrence or production of something, such as an event or a work of art, with context determining its specific nuance. This character is frequently used in everyday conversation and is essential in various phrases and expressions.

Strokes5RadicalFrequency#105DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of going out (出) can also signify social interaction and communal activities, such as going out for a meal or attending events. This reflects the importance of community and relationships in social life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a door swinging open (出) to let someone out. The character’s form resembles a person stepping out from a space, emphasizing movement. Think of 'chū' as 'chew'—when you chew something, you are bringing it out into the open!

Meanings of 出

chū(chu1)
1to go out
2to come out
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 出

Simplified
5Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#105Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1YCTL1HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 出

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AI Study Notes for 出

Quick Contrast

出 (chū) vs 进 (jìn): Use 出 when indicating movement towards the outside, while 进 is for movement towards the inside.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a door swinging open (出) to let someone out. The character’s form resembles a person stepping out from a space, emphasizing movement. Think of 'chū' as 'chew'—when you chew something, you are bringing it out into the open!

Usage Notes

出 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of how you pair it with other verbs. A common mistake is to confuse it with 来 (lái), which means 'to come'—remember that 出 implies leaving a place. Additionally, learners should pay attention to its use as a classifier for plays or chapters in literature.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 2, 出 is a frequent word that connects to many other verbs and actions. Focus on using it in phrases such as 出去 (chūqù - to go out) and 出发 (chūfā - to set out), as these are practical in daily conversations.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of going out (出) can also signify social interaction and communal activities, such as going out for a meal or attending events. This reflects the importance of community and relationships in social life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly combine 出 with the wrong prepositions or verbs, such as saying '出我' instead of '我出去' (Wǒ chūqù - I go out). It's important to remember the correct structure in sentences.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 出

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Etymology of 出

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Pictograph of a foot (止) going out of an enclosure.

Memory Hint

A sprout 屮 growing out of a container 凵

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 出?

Decomposition of 出

IDS Structure⿱屮凵
Full Character
=
che4
top
qian3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 出?

Write 出

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

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Grammar Patterns of 出

出 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 10 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

先穿好衣服,再____门。

First get dressed, then go out.

Common Confusions with 出

vs
chù

Similar pronunciation, different radical and meaning.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "to go out"?

or

Example Sentences for 出 (44)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我看见人们出洋相并不幸灾乐祸。

wǒ kàn jiàn rén mén chū yáng xiāng bìng bù xìng zāi lè huò。

I find no pleasure in seeing people make asses of themselves.
2
我走出门,竖起衣领抵御冷雾。

wǒ zǒu chū mén, , shù qǐ yī lǐng dǐ yù lěng。

I stepped outside and pulled up my collar against the cold mist.
3
她既然主动提出帮助照看孩子,我也就同意了。

tā jì rán zhǔ dòng tí chū bāng zhù zhào kàn hái zǐ, , wǒ yě jiù tóng yì。

Since she'd offered to babysit, I took her up on it.
4
带我儿子彼得外出吃饭简直糟糕透了。

dài wǒ ér zǐ bǐ dé wài chū chī fàn jiǎn zhí zāo gāo tòu le。

Taking my son Peter to a restaurant was a nightmare.
5
我走到镜子前面伸出舌头。

wǒ zǒu dào jìng zǐ qián miàn shēn chū shé tóu。

I walked over to the mirror and stuck my tongue out.
6
我本人喜欢电影、诗歌、外出吃饭和远途散步。

wǒ běn rén xǐ huān diàn yǐng、 、 shī、 gē 、 wài chū chī fàn hé yuǎn tú。

I myself enjoy cinema, poetry, eating out and long walks.
7
我告诉他,如果他退出,责任自负。

wǒ gào sù tā, , rú guǒ tā tuì, chū , zé rèn。

I told him if he withdrew it was on his own account.
8
对于现况的不满,不能只是抱怨,要有作出改变。

duì yú xiàn kuàng de bù mǎn, , bù néng zhī shì bào, yuàn , yào yǒu zuò chū。

If you're not satisfied with the life you're living, don't just complain. Do something about it.
9
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的坚强力量时,你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。

dāng nǐ cóng nèi xīn shēn chǔ zhǎo dào yī zhǒng kě yǐ rěn shòu yī qiē tòng kǔ de jiān qiáng lì liáng shí, , nǐ de chéng cháng lì chéng jiù huì chū xiàn fēi。

The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
10
库克船长驾驶的船安全出航100次无事故。

kù kè chuán cháng jià shǐ de chuán ān quán chū háng100 100 cì wú shì。

Captain Cook safely navigated his ship without accident for 100 voyages.
11
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
12
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
13
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
14
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
15
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
16
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
17
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
18
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
19
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
20
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
21
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
22
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
23
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
24
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
25
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
26
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
27
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
28
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
29
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
30
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
31
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
32
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
33
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
34
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
35
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
36
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
37
他每个周末都出门去看电影。

Tā měi gè zhōumò dōu chūmén qù kàn diànyǐng.

He goes out to watch movies every weekend.
38
我们打算下午出门买东西。

Wǒmen dǎsuàn xiàwǔ chūmén mǎi dōngxi.

We plan to go out to shop in the afternoon.
39
你出门之前记得带钥匙。

Nǐ chūmén zhīqián jìde dài yàoshi.

Remember to take your keys before you go out.
40
我们下午三点出家去商店。

Wǒmen xiàwǔ sān diǎn chū jiā qù shāngdiàn.

We go out to the store at three in the afternoon.
41
妈妈叫我快点出家门。

māma jiào wǒ kuài diǎn chū jiā mén.

Mom told me to go out of the house quickly.
42
今天下午我和朋友一起出门购物。

jīntiān xiàwǔ wǒ hé péngyou yīqǐ chūmén gòuwù.

This afternoon, my friend and I are going out to shop.
43
他们出酒店去吃晚饭了。

tāmen chū jiǔdiàn qù chī wǎnfàn le.

They went out of the hotel to have dinner.
44
我每天都出门跑步。

wǒ měitiān dōu chūmén pǎobù.

I go out for a run every day.

Cultural Notes for 出

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of going out (出) can also signify social interaction and communal activities, such as going out for a meal or attending events. This reflects the importance of community and relationships in social life.

Word Family of 出

Compounds29
Qu1surname Qu
chu3foundation
sui4evil spirit; evil influence
zhuo1awkward
duo1a cry of anger
zhuo2to sprout, to flourish; vigorous, healthy
chu4to stitch, to sew; insufficient
chu4to dismiss; to downgrade, to demote
tiao4to sell grain
qu1to stutter, to exhaust; to crouch, to bend
chu4to stitch, to sew; insufficient
Words Containing This Character20
chūto go out
出来chūláito come out出來
出现chūxiànto appear出現
出去chūqùto go out
提出tíchūto propose
指出zhǐchūto indicate
出口chūkǒuan exit
演出yǎnchūto perform
出发chūfāto set off出發
出色chūsèremarkable
推出tuīchūto push out
发出fāchūto send out發出
出生chūshēngto be born
付出fùchūto pay
出席chūxíto attend
突出tūchūprominent
出租车chūzūchētaxi出租車
做出to put out
退出tuìchūto withdraw
出版chūbǎnto publish
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 屈 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 出

Common phrases with 出 include '出去' (chūqù), meaning 'to go out', and '出现' (chūxiàn), which means 'to appear'. Understanding these phrases can enhance your conversational skills in Chinese.