从 (cóng) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 从 (cóng) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 从 (cóng) means "From; since; to follow.". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 4 strokes and the radical 人.

Q: How do you write 从 stroke by stroke?

从 has 4 strokes. The radical is 人. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 从 and 人?

从 (cóng) and 人 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 从?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 人. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 从?

Common words containing 从 include: 从前 (cóng qián) — Once upon a time; formerly.; 从来 (cóng lái) — Always; all along; (with negative) never.; 从小 (cóng xiǎo) — From childhood; since one was little..

How to Write 从

The character 从 (cóng) is written with 4 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 人 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

从 is pronounced cóng in Mandarin Chinese. It means From; since; to follow..

As an HSK Level 1 character, 从 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 从

从前 cóng qián

Once upon a time; formerly.

从来 cóng lái

Always; all along; (with negative) never.

从小 cóng xiǎo

From childhood; since one was little.

Example Sentences

从前这里有一棵树。

cóng qián zhè lǐ yǒu yī kē shù

There used to be a tree here.

我从来没去过中国。

wǒ cóng lái méi qù guò zhōng guó

I've never been to China.

他从小就喜欢画画。

tā cóng xiǎo jiù xǐ huān huà huà

He has liked drawing since he was a child.

Similar Characters

人 rén

亻 rén

亼 jí

Practice Writing 从 (cóng)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 从 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 从

What does 从 (cóng) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 从 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 从 and 人?

What mistakes do learners make writing 从?

What common words use 从?

How to Write 从 (cóng)