How to Write 平 (píng) — Meaning “flat / level / equal”

Imagine a flat table (the horizontal lines) with a small dot in the center to keep it perfectly balanced. This visual of a level, stable surface helps you recall that 平 means 'flat' or 'level'.

Write the dot first, then the top horizontal, next the middle horizontal, then the vertical line through the center, and finally the bottom horizontal. A common mistake is making the vertical line too short or off-center, which ruins the balanced, flat look of the character.

平 has five strokes and a symmetrical, flat shape with a dot on top, while 广 is a three-stroke radical with a left-falling stroke and no bottom part. 庀 has a left-falling stroke and a different bottom component (匕), whereas 平's bottom is a horizontal line, not a hook or curve.

平 appears in common words like 平安 (peace, safety) and 水平 (level or standard), and 平常 (ordinary). Culturally, 平安 is often used in greetings, such as wishing someone a safe journey or a peaceful night, especially during holidays like 平安夜 (Christmas Eve).

Common words containing 平 include: 平安 (píng ān) — safe and sound / peace; 水平 (shuǐ píng) — Level or standard; 平常 (píng cháng) — Ordinary.