息 (xī) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 息 (xī) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 息 (xī) means "To rest or breathe.". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 10 strokes and the radical 心.

Q: How do you write 息 stroke by stroke?

息 has 10 strokes. The radical is 心. 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 息 and 忝?

息 (xī) and 忝 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 息?

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

Q: What common words use 息?

Common words containing 息 include: 休息 (xiū xī) — To rest; to take a break; 消息 (xiāo xī) — news; information; 利息 (lì xī) — Interest (on money)..

How to Write 息

The character 息 (xī) is written with 10 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 心 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

息 is pronounced xī in Mandarin Chinese. It means To rest or breathe..

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

Common Words with 息

休息 xiū xī

To rest; to take a break

消息 xiāo xī

news; information

利息 lì xī

Interest (on money).

Example Sentences

累了就去休息吧。

lèi le jiù qù xiū xī ba

If you're tired, go take a rest.

这是一个好消息。

zhè shì yí gè hǎo xiāo xī

This is good news.

银行的利息很高。

yín háng de lì xī hěn gāo

The bank's interest rate is high.

Similar Characters

忝 tiǎn

忞 mín

忠 zhōng

Practice Writing 息 (xī)

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

App Store ▶ Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions about 息

What does 息 (xī) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 息 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 息 and 忝?

What mistakes do learners make writing 息?

What common words use 息?

How to Write 息 (xī)