Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
徐xú(Xu2)
The character 徐 (xú) primarily means 'slowly' or 'gently', often conveying a sense of calmness and composure. It can also be used as a surname, Xu, which is quite common in China. In various contexts, it may describe a gentle demeanor or a gradual approach to an action.
Strokes10Radical彳Frequency#20700DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'slow and gentle' is often associated with wisdom and patience, reflecting the values of Confucian teachings. This character can be found in many proverbs that emphasize the importance of calmness in achieving success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a serene river flowing gently, symbolizing the meaning of 徐 (xú). The character has the radical for 'walking' on the left, suggesting a slow and steady pace. Think of someone named Xu walking calmly beside the river, embodying the essence of this character.
Meanings of 徐
xú(Xu2)
1slowly, quietly, calmly; dignified, composed
2gently
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 徐
徐Simplified
10Strokes
彳Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 徐
Podcast: 徐
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 徐
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a serene river flowing gently, symbolizing the meaning of 徐 (xú). The character has the radical for 'walking' on the left, suggesting a slow and steady pace. Think of someone named Xu walking calmly beside the river, embodying the essence of this character.
Usage Notes
徐 is often used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Common collocations include 徐徐而行 (xú xú ér xíng), meaning 'to proceed slowly'. Be careful with the tone; it's pronounced with a rising tone, which is distinct from other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although not included in the HSK lists, 徐 is relevant for learners aiming for HSK 5 or higher. Students should focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions, experiencing its application in literature or formal speeches to appreciate its nuance.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'slow and gentle' is often associated with wisdom and patience, reflecting the values of Confucian teachings. This character can be found in many proverbs that emphasize the importance of calmness in achieving success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 徐 with similar-sounding characters like 许 (xǔ), which means 'to allow'. A common mistake is writing 'xǔ' instead of 'xú' when referring to the character 徐, so remember the tone difference.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 徐
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 徐 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 徐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 徐
徐 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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 5
Complete the Sentence
有些段落他演奏得异常____缓，听上去有些忧伤。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
Example Sentences for 徐 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
有些段落他演奏得异常徐缓，听上去有些忧伤。
yǒu xiē duàn luò tā yǎn zòu dé yì cháng xú huǎn， ， tīng shàng qù yǒu xiē yōu。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
2
西徐亚人勇猛好战。
xī xú yà rén yǒng měng hǎo zhàn。
The Scythians were a fiercely warlike people.
3
她放慢脚步，徐徐而行。
tā fàng màn jiǎo bù， ， xú xú ér。
She slowed to a steady walk.
4
周仲伟 的话还没完, 徐曼丽 那红春春的俏脸儿陡的变了色.
zhōu zhòng wěi de huà huán méi, wán , xú màn lì nà hóng chūn chūn de qiào liǎn ér dǒu de.
Before Chou Chung - wei had finished what he was saying, Hsu Man - li's pretty face suddenly clouded over.
5
有的还未厌倦那船一样的徐徐的划行.
yǒu de huán wèi yàn juàn nà chuán yī yàng de xú xú de huá háng.
Some had not yet wearied of their gentle boat - like paddling.
He crawled to window, raised his head and looked in.
7
船徐徐离岸.
chuán xú xú lí àn.
The ship edged away from the shore.
8
他心里一动,立即调转车头,朝徐华北家的方向蹬去.
tā xīn lǐ yī dòng, , lì jí tiáo zhuǎn chē, tóu , zhāo xú huá běi jiā de fāng xiàng.
Immediately he changed direction and pedalled to Xu Huabei's house.
9
大旅行家徐霞客曾两度登临.
dà lǚ háng jiā xú xiá kè zēng liǎng dù dēng lín.
Xu Xiake, a great Chinese traveler visited this place twice.
Cultural Notes for 徐
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'slow and gentle' is often associated with wisdom and patience, reflecting the values of Confucian teachings. This character can be found in many proverbs that emphasize the importance of calmness in achieving success.
Word Family of 徐
Words Containing This Character18
徐xúslowly
徐徐xúxúslowly
徐州Xuzhou prefecture level city in Jiangsu
徐克Tsui Hark (1951-), Chinese movie director and producer
徐志摩Xu Zhimo (1897-1931), writer and poet
徐家汇Xujiahui, an area in 徐匯區|徐汇区[Xúhuìqū], Xuhui district, central Shanghai徐家匯
徐汇区Xuhui district, central Shanghai徐匯區
徐州市Xuzhou prefecture level city in Jiangsu
林则徐Lin Zexu or Lin Tse-hsu "Commissioner Lin" (1785-1850), Qing official whose anti-opium activities led to first Opium war with Britain 1840-1842林則徐
徐悲鸿Xu Beihong (1895-1953), famous European trained painter and influential art teacher徐悲鴻
徐匡迪Xu Kuangdi (1937-), PRC politician and former mayor of Shanghai
徐步to stroll
徐福Xu Fu (3rd century BC), Qin dynasty court necromancer
徐霞客Xu Xiake (1587-1641), Ming dynasty travel writer and geographer, author of Xu Xiake's Travel Diaries 徐霞客遊記|徐霞客游记[XúXiákèYóujì]
徐光启Xu Guangqi (1562-1633), agricultural scientist, astronomer, and mathematician in the Ming dynasty徐光啟
徐闻Xuwen county in Zhanjiang 湛江[Zhànjiāng], Guangdong徐聞
徐俊Xu Jun (1962-), Chinese Chinese chess grandmaster
徐世昌Xu Shichang (1855-1939), politician associated with the Northern Warlords, president of China in 1921
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 徐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 徐
徐 is pronounced with a rising tone, marked as xú.
Yes, but it's more common in formal or literary contexts.
