然 (rán) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 然 (rán) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 然 (rán) means "so, correct, or but". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 12 strokes and the radical 灬.

Q: How do you write 然 stroke by stroke?

然 has 12 strokes. The radical is 灬. 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 然 and 烈?

然 (rán) and 烈 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 然?

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

Q: What common words use 然?

Common words containing 然 include: 然后 (rán hòu) — then or afterwards; 虽然 (suī rán) — Although; 当然 (dāng rán) — Of course; certainly.

How to Write 然

The character 然 (rán) is written with 12 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 灬 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

然 is pronounced rán in Mandarin Chinese. It means so, correct, or but.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 然 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 然

然后 rán hòu

then or afterwards

虽然 suī rán

Although

当然 dāng rán

Of course; certainly

Example Sentences

我先吃饭，然后睡觉。

wǒ xiān chī fàn rán hòu shuì jiào

I'll eat first, then sleep.

虽然很累，但我很开心。

suī rán hěn lèi dàn wǒ hěn kāi xīn

Although I'm tired, I'm very happy.

我当然会去。

wǒ dāng rán huì qù

Of course I will go.

Similar Characters

烈 liè

烝 zhēng

热 rè

Practice Writing 然 (rán)

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 然

What does 然 (rán) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 然 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 然 and 烈?

What mistakes do learners make writing 然?

What common words use 然?

How to Write 然 (rán)