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March 24, 2026
秀xiù(xiu4)
The character 秀 (xiù) conveys a sense of elegance, refinement, and grace. It can describe a person's appearance, such as being handsome or beautiful, as well as the quality of things, like fine works of art or performances. Additionally, it relates to the growth of crops, particularly when they are flourishing or producing well.
Strokes7Radical禾Frequency#1215DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 秀 intertwines with traditional values of beauty and grace, often seen in poetry and art, reflecting the appreciation of elegance in many aspects of life.
Memory Tip
Think of 秀 (xiù) as a graceful dancer (the 'show' meaning) performing elegantly on stage. The left component, 土 (tǔ), resembles a stage, while the right component, 秀 (xiù), suggests beauty and refinement, like a flower in full bloom.
Meanings of 秀
xiù(xiu4)
1handsome
2refined
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 秀
秀Simplified
7Strokes
禾Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#1215Frequency Rank
场Measure Word
Podcast: 秀
Podcast: 秀
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AI Study Notes for 秀
Quick Contrast
秀 (xiù) vs 美 (měi) — use 秀 for elegance and refinement, while 美 emphasizes beauty.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 秀 (xiù) as a graceful dancer (the 'show' meaning) performing elegantly on stage. The left component, 土 (tǔ), resembles a stage, while the right component, 秀 (xiù), suggests beauty and refinement, like a flower in full bloom.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in more formal contexts, such as describing someone's elegance or in literary works. A common mistake is using it inappropriately in casual settings. Remember, 秀 can also refer to a 'show' in a modern context, making it versatile but context-dependent.
HSK Study Tips
Although 秀 is not part of HSK, it relates to words like 美 (měi - beautiful) and 漂亮 (piàoliang - pretty), which are HSK Level 1 and 2. Focus on recognizing how 秀 describes not just appearance, but also the quality in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 秀 intertwines with traditional values of beauty and grace, often seen in poetry and art, reflecting the appreciation of elegance in many aspects of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 秀 with similar-sounding characters, such as 休 (xiū - to rest). For example, saying '他很休' instead of '他很秀' (He is very handsome) is incorrect; use 秀 for elegance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 秀
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六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Based on the original meaning "to blossom/bloom". The 禾 (plant) component depicts a blossoming plant. The purpose of the bottom 乃 component is unclear.
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Grammar Patterns of 秀
秀 carries 13 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
He is polished, charming, articulate and an excellent negotiator.
9
那听起来像不像《深夜脱口秀》的开播曲？
nà tīng qǐ lái xiàng bù xiàng《 《 shēn yè tuō kǒu》 xiù 》 de kāi？
Doesn't that sound like the signature tune from The Late Late Show?
10
按理他是他那一代中最优秀的演员。
àn lǐ tā shì tā nà yī dài zhōng zuì yōu xiù de yǎn yuán。
He is arguably the best actor of his generation.
Cultural Notes for 秀
💡Did you know?
'秀' is often used in Chinese literature to describe not just physical beauty but also grace and elegance, reflecting cultural values that prioritize inner beauty and refinement.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 秀 intertwines with traditional values of beauty and grace, often seen in poetry and art, reflecting the appreciation of elegance in many aspects of life.
Word Family of 秀
Compounds12
透tou4to penetrate
诱you4to entice
锈xiu4to corrode
绣xiu4variant of 繡
莠you3weeds, tares; evil, undesirable
琇
唀
綉
蜏
誘you4to tempt, to persuade, to entice; guide
銹xiu4to rust, to corrode
頺
Words Containing This Character14
秀xiùhandsome
优秀yōuxiùoutstanding優秀
秀发beautiful hair秀髮
秀丽xiùlìpretty秀麗
秀美xiùměielegant
秀才scholar
清秀delicate and pretty
后起之秀new talent後起之秀
秀雅exquisite
俊秀elegant
越秀区Yuexiu district of Guangzhou city 廣州市|广州市[Guǎngzhōushì], Guangdong越秀區
陈独秀Chen Duxiu (1879-1942), Chinese Marxist and leading communist, blamed for the failures of Chinese communism from 1927, posthumously rehabilitated陳獨秀
一枝独秀outstanding一枝獨秀
秀气delicate秀氣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 透 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 秀
Yes, 秀 is often used in expressions like 秀外慧中 (xiù wài huì zhōng), which describes someone who is both beautiful on the outside and intelligent on the inside. This idiom emphasizes the combination of physical beauty and inner wisdom, showcasing the multifaceted meaning of the character 秀.
Some synonyms for 秀 include 精美 (jīngměi), which means exquisite, and 优雅 (yōuyǎ), which means elegant. These words also convey similar meanings related to beauty and refinement, and can be used in various contexts to describe people, objects, or performances.
秀 (xiù) can mean handsome, refined, elegant, or graceful. It is often used to describe someone or something that is superior in quality or appearance. Additionally, it can also refer to the concept of showcasing or displaying, as in the loanword 'show'.
秀 can be used to compliment someone by saying they are 秀气 (xiù qì), which means they are graceful or elegant. For example, you might say '他很秀' (tā hěn xiù) meaning 'He is very handsome'. It can also be used in contexts where you want to express admiration for someone's refinement or superior quality.
It is pronounced as 'xiù' with a falling tone.
No, it can also describe performances, artworks, and even crops.
It's more common in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversations.
