由 (yóu) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 由 (yóu) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 由 (yóu) means "by / from / due to". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 5 strokes and the radical 田.

Q: How do you write 由 stroke by stroke?

由 has 5 strokes. The radical is 田. 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 由 and 田?

由 (yóu) and 田 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 由?

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

Q: What common words use 由?

Common words containing 由 include: 理由 (lǐ yóu) — Reason; Excuse; 自由 (zì yóu) — freedom; liberty; free; 由于 (yóu yú) — because of / due to.

How to Write 由

The character 由 (yóu) is written with 5 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 田 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

由 is pronounced yóu in Mandarin Chinese. It means by / from / due to.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 由 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 由

理由 lǐ yóu

Reason; Excuse

自由 zì yóu

freedom; liberty; free

由于 yóu yú

because of / due to

Example Sentences

请给我一个迟到的理由。

qǐng gěi wǒ yí gè chí dào de lǐ yóu

Please give me a reason for being late.

我喜欢自由自在的生活。

wǒ xǐ huān zì yóu zì zài de shēng huó

I like a free and easy life.

由于下雨，比赛取消了。

yóu yú xià yǔ bǐ sài qǔ xiāo le

Due to the rain, the match was canceled.

Similar Characters

田 tián

甲 jiǎ

申 shēn

Practice Writing 由 (yóu)

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

App Store ▶ Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions about 由

What does 由 (yóu) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 由 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 由 and 田?

What mistakes do learners make writing 由?

What common words use 由?

How to Write 由 (yóu)