How to Write 乙 (yǐ) — Meaning “second; 'B' (in a sequence); ethyl”

Picture a hook or a bent fishhook, as 乙 looks like a simple curved line with a small hook at the end. Alternatively, think of the number '2' being slightly twisted — since 乙 means 'second' or 'B', visualize it as a squiggly '2'. This shape is unique and easy to recall as the simplest character in Chinese.

Start with a short horizontal stroke that curves downward to the left, then makes a sharp turn to the right and ends with a small hook. The key is to keep the stroke smooth and continuous, without lifting the pen. Common mistakes include making the curve too sharp or forgetting the final hook, which changes the character's appearance.

乙 is a single curved stroke with a hook, while 乜 has an extra diagonal line extending left and means 'squint' or 'what'. 九 has two strokes: a left-falling stroke and a horizontal bent stroke, meaning 'nine'. Visually, 乙 lacks the diagonal of 乜 and the second stroke of 九; its single stroke is simpler.

乙 is commonly used to label the second item in a sequence, such as 'Party B' in contracts (乙方) or 'Grade B' (乙级). It also appears in chemical terms like 'ethyl' (乙基) and in the phrase 甲乙 (jiǎ yǐ) to mean 'A and B' or 'parties in a contract'. Culturally, it reflects the traditional Chinese ordering system using heavenly stems.

Common words containing 乙 include: 乙方 (yǐ fāng) — Party B; the second party (in a contract); 乙级 (yǐ jí) — Grade B; second class; 甲乙 (jiǎ yǐ) — A and B / Party A and Party B.