年 (nián) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 年 (nián) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 年 (nián) means "Year". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 干.

Q: How do you write 年 stroke by stroke?

年 has 6 strokes. The radical is 干. 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 年 and 并?

年 (nián) and 并 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 年?

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

Q: What common words use 年?

Common words containing 年 include: 今年 (jīn nián) — This year.; 去年 (qù nián) — last year; 年级 (nián jí) — Grade.

How to Write 年

The character 年 (nián) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 干 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

年 is pronounced nián in Mandarin Chinese. It means Year.

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

Common Words with 年

今年 jīn nián

This year.

去年 qù nián

last year

年级 nián jí

Grade

Example Sentences

今年是二零二四年。

jīn nián shì èr líng èr sì nián

This year is 2024.

去年我去过中国。

qù nián wǒ qù guò zhōng guó

I have been to China last year.

我上小学三年级。

wǒ shàng xiǎo xué sān nián jí

I am in the third grade of primary school.

Similar Characters

并 bìng

幸 xìng

Practice Writing 年 (nián)

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

App Store ▶ Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions about 年

What does 年 (nián) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 年 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 年 and 并?

What mistakes do learners make writing 年?

What common words use 年?

How to Write 年 (nián)