寸
The 寸 radical
Inch, a thumb-joint
Memory hook
A hand with a mark showing where one inch is measured — originally a unit the width of a thumb joint. Being a hand, it appears in many action characters: 封 (to seal), 寻 (to seek), 射 (to shoot).
The 寸 radical (read cùn) means inch, a thumb-joint. The HSK 3.0 data contains 10 characters and 101 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 寸 radical
Study this radical's 101 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 寸 radical
10 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1对
correct, right
HSK 2· 1 characters
HSK 2封
to confer (a title or rank)
HSK 3· 2 characters
HSK 3导
to lead the way, guide
将
soon, will
HSK 4· 2 characters
HSK 4寸
cun (a traditional Chinese unit of length, ≈ 3.33 cm)
寻
to look for, to seek
HSK 5· 3 characters
HSK 5寿
longevity, long life
射
to shoot
尊
to revere, to respect
HSK 6· 1 characters
HSK 6寺
temple (Buddhist temple)
Vocabulary with the 寸 radical
101 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 寸 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (49/101 words of this radical).
incorrect, wrong
correct, right
sorry
dialogue; conversation
opposite; across from
to confer (a title or rank)
envelope
to oppose; to object to
to treat; to deal with
opponent; rival
the other party; the other side
target; intended audience; object
director (of a film or play); to direct
future
nearly; close to
about to, on the verge of
with regard to, concerning
to cope with, to deal with
to contrast, to compare
to look for, to seek
tour guide
to cause, to lead to
to seal off, to lock down
size, dimensions
leadership, dominant position
support, advocate
to launch, to fire
guide, tour guide
cun (a traditional Chinese unit of length, ≈ 3.33 cm)
corresponding, matching
opposing, antagonistic
to seek
sushi
external, toward the outside
to oppose, to resist
temple (Buddhist temple)
general (military)
to deal with, to cope with
will surely, is bound to
face-to-face, in person
unusual, extraordinary
to oppose, to go against
propriety, a sense of proportion
to seal, to seal up
to aim at, to point at
to confront, to face off, to be in a standoff (neither side yielding)
to play chess (against each other)
to be worthy of, to not be ashamed before
to check against, to collate
Why learn vocabulary by the 寸 radical?
The 寸 radical hints at the meaning inch, a thumb-joint. 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 10 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 101 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.