How to Write 流 (liú) — Meaning “flow / stream / spread”

Imagine water (氵) flowing under a bridge (the top of the right side looks like a roof or bridge) and then through a winding valley (the middle part 厶) before continuing down three small streams (the three vertical strokes at the bottom). This picture of water moving through a landscape helps you recall both the shape and the meaning.

Start with the three water dots on the left, then write the right side: first the top dot and horizontal stroke, then the curved part 厶, and finally the three vertical strokes from left to right. A common mistake is making the right side too wide — keep it roughly the same width as the water radical, and ensure the three vertical strokes are evenly spaced.

流 has a complex right side with three vertical lines (like 川), while 沫 has the simpler right side 末 (meaning 'end' or 'tip') and means 'foam' or 'bubbles'. 沭 has the right side 术 (meaning 'art' or 'method') and is used mainly in place names like the Shu River. Visually, 流's right side has more strokes and a distinct top part, so look for those three vertical lines.

流 appears in everyday words like 流利 (liú lì, fluent) for speaking a language smoothly, 流行 (liú xíng, popular) for fashion or trends, and 流汗 (liú hàn, to sweat) for physical activity. It is also part of the idiom 川流不息 (chuān liú bù xī), which describes things flowing continuously like a river. Understanding 流 helps you talk about movement, trends, and natural processes.

Common words containing 流 include: 流利 (liú lì) — fluent; 流行 (liú xíng) — popular / fashionable; 流汗 (liú hàn) — sweat / to perspire.