Learn a Chinese Character - 六

1. Character Basics

Radical: 亠 (tóu, lid radical)

Stroke Count: 4

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: liù (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

six (numeral)

4. Common Words

• 六个 (liùgè) - six (of something)
• 六月 (liùyuè) - June
• 六点 (liùdiǎn) - six o'clock
• 六年 (liùnián) - six years
• 六日 (liùrì) - the sixth day; six days
• 六楼 (liùlóu) - the sixth floor
• 六班 (liùbān) - Class Six
• 六六大顺 (liùliùdàshùn) - everything goes smoothly (idiom, lit. six six big smooth)

5. Grammar & Usage

"六" is a basic numeral used to represent the number 6. It is used in counting, dates, times, and various numerical expressions. When used with classifiers, it precedes the classifier, e.g., "六个苹果" (liùgè píngguǒ, six apples).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the number 6 (六) is considered lucky. The phrase "六六大顺" (liùliùdàshùn) is commonly used to wish someone smooth sailing and good fortune in all endeavors. This belief stems from the pronunciation of "六" (liù) being similar to words associated with smoothness and success in Chinese.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 六 has a simple structure with only 4 strokes. Imagine the top horizontal line as a roof, and the rest of the strokes forming a supporting structure underneath. You can also associate it with the number 6 by visualizing the shape resembling a stylized version of the Arabic numeral.