聿
The 聿 radical
Writing brush
Memory hook
A hand holding a brush — the ancient form of 笔. Seen in 书 (book), 建 (to build), 肃 (solemn).
The 聿 radical (read yù) means writing brush. The HSK 3.0 data contains 3 characters and 4 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 聿 radical
Study this radical's 4 words with flashcards or a quiz.
Characters with the 聿 radical
3 charactersHSK 5· 1 characters
HSK 5肃
solemn, dignified
HSK 7-9· 2 characters
HSK 7-9肆
unrestrained, dissolute
肇
to begin, to open up
Vocabulary with the 聿 radical
4 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 聿 radical, ordered by HSK level.
serious
wantonly, without restraint
impudent, insolent
to cause an accident, to bring about disaster
Why learn vocabulary by the 聿 radical?
The 聿 radical hints at the meaning writing brush. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 3 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 4 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.