数

• Pinyin: shǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 数 = 娄 (phonetic) + 攵 (strike/action), representing the act of counting or tallying

Meaning

To count. To determine the total by counting one by one.

Pronounced shǔ when used as a verb meaning 'to count.' Often appears in phrases like 数数 (to count), 数一数 (count a little), and 数到 (count to). Note that the same character pronounced shù means 'number' (as in 数字, 数学). The verb sense focuses on the action of enumerating items.

Examples

1. 小朋友在数星星。 The children are counting stars.
2. 你能数一下这里有多少人吗？ Can you count how many people are here?
3. 数到十我们就出发。 We'll set off when we count to ten.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, children, mathematics

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请帮我数一下这些书。(Please help me count these books.)
• 我来数，一、二、三......(Let me count: one, two, three...)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆数(shǔ)和数字(shùzì) (Don't confuse the verb 数 shǔ meaning 'to count' with the noun 数字 shùzì meaning 'number/digit' — the character changes pronunciation depending on its function)

Origin & History

Composed of 娄 (phonetic component) + 攵 (strike/action). The action radical suggests the physical act of tallying or counting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal