Learn a Chinese Character - 率

1. Character Basics

Radical: 玄(xuán, profound radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: shuài (Fourth tone) or lǜ (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

As "shuài": to lead; to command; to direct; frank; straightforward
As "lǜ": rate; ratio; frequency

4. Common Words

• 率领 (shuàilǐng) - to lead; to command
• 效率 (xiàolǜ) - efficiency
• 比率 (bǐlǜ) - ratio; proportion
• 概率 (gàilǜ) - probability
• 率先 (shuàixiān) - to take the lead; to be the first
• 税率 (shuìlǜ) - tax rate
• 死亡率 (sǐwánglǜ) - mortality rate

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "率" has two main pronunciations with different meanings and usages:

1. As "shuài" (verb/adjective):
- As a verb: meaning "to lead" or "to command", often followed by a noun (e.g., "率领军队" - to lead an army).
- As an adjective: meaning "frank" or "straightforward" (e.g., "直率" - straightforward).

2. As "lǜ" (noun):
- Used to indicate rates, ratios, or frequencies, often combined with other characters to form terms related to percentages or proportions (e.g., "成功率" - success rate).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the character "率" reflects two important concepts: leadership and measurement. Historically, it was used to describe military leadership and command, highlighting the cultural value placed on effective leadership. Additionally, its usage to denote rates and ratios reflects the Chinese emphasis on precision and measurement in various fields, from mathematics to economics and demographics. The character's dual pronunciation and meaning demonstrate the complexity and versatility of Chinese characters.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 率 can be remembered by breaking it down into its components: 亠(tóu), 幺(yāo), 冖(mì), and 十(shí). You can create a mnemonic like "Under the roof (亠), there's a small thread (幺) covered by a cloth (冖), and below is a cross (十)". Alternatively, associate it with the idea of "leading" (率) people across a crossroads (十) with clear direction.