How to Write 黑 (hēi) — Meaning “Black”

Imagine the top part of 黑 as a chimney, and the four dots below are puffs of black smoke coming out. This visual helps you associate the shape with the color black. Alternatively, think of the four dots as dark spots on a white wall.

Start from the top: write the vertical line first, then the horizontal hook, and finish the top section before adding the four dots. The four dots must be written from left to right, each as a short diagonal stroke. A common mistake is making the dots too large or unevenly spaced.

黑色 (hēi sè) means the color black, used in everyday speech like 黑色衣服 (black clothes). 黑板 (hēi bǎn) means blackboard, found in classrooms even if the board is not actually black. 天黑 (tiān hēi) means it's getting dark, often said as evening comes.

黑 is used both literally for the color black and metaphorically for things that are dark, illegal, or sinister—like 黑车 (unlicensed taxi) or 黑心 (black-hearted). Culturally, black can symbolize power and mystery, but also negativity, so context matters.

Common words containing 黑 include: 黑色 (hēi sè) — Black (color); 黑板 (hēi bǎn) — Blackboard; 天黑 (tiān hēi) — Getting dark; nightfall..