How to Write 绶 (shòu) — Meaning “ribbon (for a seal or medal)”

Picture a silk ribbon (纟) that you 'receive' (受) when you get a medal or official seal. Imagine someone handing you a shiny medal with a ribbon attached, and you are 'receiving' it. This links the sound shòu and the meaning of a ceremonial ribbon.

The left radical 纟 has three strokes: a small horizontal stroke, a short vertical, and then a long horizontal stroke that curves up. On the right, 受 has a top part like a hand (爫) and a bottom part that is 又 (yòu), but make sure the middle stroke of 又 does not extend too far. Keep the character balanced, with the left side slightly narrower.

绶 specifically means a decorative ribbon for medals or official seals, often worn as a sash. 绑 (bǎng) means to tie or bind something tightly, like tying a bundle. 绒 (róng) refers to soft, fluffy fabric or velvet, such as in 绒布 (velvet cloth). Visually, 绶 has 受 on the right, while 绑 has 邦 and 绒 has 戎.

绶 appears in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as 绶带 (sash) for medals or academic regalia, and 勋绶 (ribbon for military honors). It is not a common daily word but is seen in government, military, or academic ceremonies. Culturally, the 印绶 (seal and ribbon) historically symbolized an official's authority in ancient China.

Common words containing 绶 include: 绶带 (shòu dài) — ribbon; sash; 勋绶 (xūn shòu) — ribbon of a medal; sash; 印绶 (yìn shòu) — seal and ribbon (symbol of office).