右 (yòu) Chinese Character: right

Chinese character story: The Right Hand

Long ago, 右 (yòu) was drawn as a right hand. A 口, “mouth,” was later placed below it as the written form developed. For a simple memory picture, imagine using your right hand while your mouth gives directions: “Turn right!”

Chinese character origin and etymology

右 is documented as a character built from meaningful or phonetic parts. Its earlier written forms gradually became the regular-script shape used today.

In modern simplified Chinese, 右 is written with 5 strokes. This lesson separates documented shape history from the memory story so learners do not mistake a mnemonic for a historical claim. 右 contains 𠂇 and 口. These parts act like clues: a component may suggest a meaning category, a pronunciation, or simply preserve part of the character's historical structure.

Chinese character stroke order and structure

右 is written with 5 strokes. Learn the complete stroke sequence in the interactive lesson, then write the character from memory before checking your answer.

• 𠂇 — an old hand shape
• 口 — mouth; the lower part of the modern form

Common usage and sentence patterns

The examples below show 右 in complete beginner-friendly sentences. Read each sentence aloud, notice where the character appears, and then replace one noun or number to create a new sentence of your own.

Learning tips for 右

Learn the reading as one unit: yòu, with the fourth tone: a sharp fall. Avoid memorizing the letters without the tone mark. Say the syllable, recall the English meaning “right,” and write the 5 strokes from memory.

Because 右 contains reusable components, identify those clues before memorizing the whole shape. Compare it with 左 (zuǒ, left — the opposite direction); 口 (kǒu, mouth — the lower part of 右); 佑 (yòu, protect — person (亻) + 右). Similar characters are easier to remember when their different parts and meanings are studied side by side.

Quick review checklist

• Can you recognize 右 without pinyin?
• Can you say yòu with the correct tone and explain “right”?
• Can you write all 5 strokes in order?
• Can you use 右 in one short sentence?

Related characters

• 左 (zuǒ) — left — the opposite direction
• 口 (kǒu) — mouth — the lower part of 右
• 佑 (yòu) — protect — person (亻) + 右

Continue learning Chinese characters

Use the Chinese radicals and components guide to understand reusable parts, the stroke order guide to improve handwriting, and the HSK 1 character overview to choose your next beginner lesson.

Sources and editorial note

HanziStory separates documented character history from modern memory stories. Historical-form images are shown only when a matching source file is available; missing stages are skipped rather than invented. Stroke practice uses HanziWriter data.

Last updated: August 12, 2026. Read our sources, editorial method, and correction policy.