How to Write 续 (xù) — Meaning “To continue; to add; sequel”

Imagine a silk thread (纟) that was broken, and now you "sell" (卖) a new piece to continue it. The mental image of selling silk to keep a thread going can remind you that 续 means "to continue" or "to add."

Write the left radical 纟 first with three strokes: 撇折, 撇折, 提. Then write the right side 卖 in 8 strokes: 横, 竖, 横钩, 点, 撇, 横, 撇, 捺. A common mistake is making the right side too narrow—keep it balanced so 卖 is clearly wider than 纟.

续 (xù) has the right side 卖 (to sell), while 绑 (bǎng, to tie) has 邦 (state) and 绒 (róng, velvet) has 戎 (military). Visually, 卖 has a horizontal stroke across the top, 邦 has two 阝-like components, and 戎 has a diagonal slash. In meaning, 续 is about continuing, 绑 is about binding, and 绒 refers to soft fabric.

续 appears in common HSK 3 words like 继续 (jìxù, to continue), 连续 (liánxù, continuous), and 手续 (shǒuxù, procedures). Culturally, you might see 续集 (xùjí) for a movie sequel, which reflects the idea of continuing a story—it is used in everyday life for ongoing actions, adding quantities, or completing formalities.

Common words containing 续 include: 继续 (jì xù) — To continue; to go on; 连续 (lián xù) — continuous / in a row; 手续 (shǒu xù) — Procedures or formalities..