How to Write 学 (xué) — Meaning “To study; to learn”

Imagine a child (子) wearing a pointed hat (the top strokes). The hat looks like a roof, so the child is under a roof studying. This helps you recall both the shape and the meaning.

The top part has three strokes: a dot, a left-falling stroke, and a right-falling stroke that curves into a hook. A common mistake is writing the top as three separate dots, but the right stroke should be a single curved line. Also, make sure the bottom 子 is centered and a bit wider than the top.

字 (zì) has a simple roof radical (宀) above 子, meaning 'character/word', while 学 has a more complex top with diagonal strokes. 存 (cún) has a horizontal line above 子, giving it a flat top, and means 'to exist'. The key visual difference is the shape above 子.

学 is a core verb meaning 'to study' or 'to learn', found in words like 学习 (study), 学校 (school), and 学生 (student). Education is deeply valued in Chinese culture, and this character appears in sayings like 学无止境 (knowledge has no limit), reflecting a lifelong learning attitude.

Common words containing 学 include: 学习 (xué xí) — To study; to learn; 学校 (xué xiào) — School; 学生 (xué shēng) — Student..