书

書
shū
HSK 1
#282 most
frequent character
book, letter
noun
Measure words:本 běn,册 cè,部 bù

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

书 is a shorthand form of 書. 書 showed a hand gripping a writing brush and used 者 zhě for sound, giving the first sense 'to write'. From there it grew to 'script', 'text', and 'book'.

Drawn as: hand holding brush

Ask DeepSeek

Example Sentences

我喜欢读书。
wǒ xǐhuān dúshū 。
I like to read books.
这本书很有趣。
zhè běn shū hěn yǒuqù 。
This book is very interesting.
他在书店买了一本书。
tāzài shūdiàn mǎi le yīběnshū 。
He bought a book at the bookstore.

Words with similar meanings

卷juàn
scroll
This term usually refers to a scroll or a manuscript, which is a more ancient or traditional form of written material.
文字wénzì
text
This word focuses on the written aspect and is broader, encompassing not just books but any written material.

Words Starting With 书

书架shū jià
bookshelf
书法shū fǎ
calligraphy; handwriting; penmanship
书籍shū jí
books; works
书记shū ji
secretary; clerk
书面shū miàn
in writing; written (guarantee etc)

Your word lists

Sign in to add this word to your private lists.