若
ruò
#650 most
frequent character
like, seem, as, if
conjunction
Character breakdown
Source: Make Me a Hanzi.
若 is a picture of a kneeling person with wild hair and raised hands, showing submission. That gives the first sense, 'to submit'. Later the character was borrowed for the sound of words meaning 'seem' and 'you', so those senses have no link to the picture. The 'if' sense grew from 'seem'.
Drawn as: kneeling person in submission; uncombed hair
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Example Sentences
如果你有时间，我们可以一起去看电影。
rúguǒ nǐyǒu shíjiān ， wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐqù kàn diànyǐng 。
If you have time, we can go watch a movie together.
若你愿意，我可以帮你。
ruò nǐ yuànyì ， wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ 。
If you are willing, I can help you.
如若他到来，我们就开始。
rúruò tā dàolái ， wǒmen jiù kāishǐ 。
If he arrives, we will begin.
Same Characters, Different Readings
Homophones
Words Starting With 若
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