如

• Pinyin: rú
• Hanzi breakdown: 如 = 女 (woman) + 口 (mouth) — originally depicting following/compliance

Meaning

Like; as; if; such as. Used for comparisons, conditionals, and giving examples.

A highly versatile classical word that appears in numerous compound expressions. Functions as a comparison marker similar to 'like' or 'as,' and in conditional constructions meaning 'if.' Common in literary expressions and formal writing. Also forms many idioms and set phrases.

Examples

1. 人生如梦，转眼间二十年就过去了。 Life is like a dream — twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye.
2. 如有任何问题，请随时与我联系。 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
3. 他的表演如行云流水，自然流畅，毫无做作。 His performance flowed like drifting clouds and flowing water — natural, smooth, and completely unaffected.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, formal writing, idioms

Tone: elegant

Do Say

• 如不方便，可以改天再约。(If it's inconvenient, we can reschedule.)
• 一切如常，不必担心。(Everything is as usual, no need to worry.)

Don't Say

• 这个如那个一样。(In spoken Chinese, use 像 or 跟...一样 — 如 is too literary)

Origin & History

Pictographic character depicting a woman following or complying, later extended to mean 'like' or 'as.' One of the oldest comparison words in Chinese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal