How to Write 兴 (xīng/xìng) — Meaning “Interest; to rise; to flourish”

Picture three rising suns (the three horizontal lines) above a flat table, symbolizing interest or excitement building up. The shape looks like a person raising their arms in joy, which helps you recall the meaning 'to flourish' and the word 高兴 (happy).

Write the top three horizontal strokes from left to right, with the first two shorter and the third longest, forming a balanced top. Then draw a long horizontal stroke below, followed by two dots at the bottom as if placing feet. A common mistake is making the top strokes too even or forgetting the two dots at the base.

兰 (lán, orchid) has a vertical stroke through the top horizontal lines, while 关 (guān, close) has two horizontal strokes at top and a horizontal line below with a solid bottom. In contrast, 兴 has three separate top strokes and two dots at the bottom. Visually, 兴 looks more open and rising compared to the closed forms of 兰 and 关.

兴 appears in common words like 高兴 (gāo xìng, happy) and 兴趣 (xìng qù, interest). It often conveys a sense of excitement or rising energy, such as in the phrase 兴奋 (xīng fèn, excited). Culturally, 兴 is associated with positive emotions and the idea of prosperity, making it a popular character in names and festive greetings.

Common words containing 兴 include: 高兴 (gāo xìng) — happy; glad; 兴趣 (xìng qù) — Interest; 兴奋 (xīng fèn) — Excited.