How to Write 放 (fàng) — Meaning “to put; to release; to set off”

Picture a square box (方) that you open with your hand (攵) to release what's inside. This image of "opening a square to set free" directly connects to the meaning of 放: to put, release, or set off.

Write the left part 方 first: horizontal stroke, vertical hook, left-falling stroke, then final horizontal. The right part 攵 follows: left-falling, horizontal, left-falling, and a final press. A common mistake is making the 攵 too wide; keep it compact so the character stays balanced.

放 has 方 (square) on the left and means to release, while 收 has 丩 (a hook shape) on the left and means to receive or collect. 攸 is rare but uses 亻 (person) on the left; it has a different meaning (remote or to let go in ancient texts) and is not used in daily modern Chinese.

放 appears in common phrases like 放心 (to feel relieved, "release heart") and 放假 (to have a holiday, "release vacation"). During Spring Festival, people often say 放假 to mark the start of the holiday period when schools and workplaces close.

Common words containing 放 include: 放心 (fàng xīn) — to feel relieved; to rest assured; 放假 (fàng jià) — to have a holiday; to go on vacation; 放学 (fàng xué) — to finish school for the day.