How to Write 定 (dìng) — Meaning “To decide / Fixed”

Picture a house (宀) with a ‘plus sign’ (正) inside it, meaning you’ve made a definite decision to stay. Or think: 'Under the roof, everything is settled and fixed.' This visual helps link the roof to the idea of finality.

Start with the roof radical (宀): dot, then left downward stroke, then horizontal hook. Then write 正: horizontal, vertical, horizontal, vertical stroke. A common mistake is making the bottom stroke of 正 too long—keep it short and balanced below the roof. The overall shape should be compact, not stretched.

定 has a ‘correct’ part (正) under the roof, meaning 'fixed/decide,' while 宅 (zhái) has 乇 (a sprout) under the roof meaning 'residence,' and 宇 (yǔ) has 于 (at/in) under the roof meaning 'space/universe.' Visually, 定’s bottom is wider and balanced, whereas 宅 has a curved stroke and 宇 is more vertical.

定 is very common in everyday words like 决定 (to decide), 一定 (certainly), and 肯定 (sure). It often appears in formal decisions or fixed plans, such as setting a date or price. Culturally, the idea of 'fixing' something reflects Chinese emphasis on stability and commitment.

Common words containing 定 include: 决定 (jué dìng) — to decide; decision; 一定 (yí dìng) — definitely; certain; 肯定 (kěn dìng) — sure; definite; to confirm.