How to Write 侑 (yòu) — Meaning “to urge someone to eat or drink; to accompany”

Imagine a person (亻) holding up a big plate of food shaped like the letter "Y" (from 有) and saying "You!" (sound like yòu) — eat up! This connects the shape and sound to the meaning of urging someone to eat or drink.

Write the left radical 亻 first (two strokes: slant, vertical), then the right part 有 (six strokes: horizontal, left-falling, vertical, horizontal fold, horizontal, horizontal). A common mistake is making the left radical too tall or wide; keep it narrow so the right side has space to balance.

侑 has the right side 有 (containing a 月-like shape), while 仰 has the right side 卬 (with a kneeling figure shape) and 仲 has the right side 中 (a box with a line through it). Visually, look for the distinct top part: 侑 starts with a horizontal stroke, 仰 starts with a short slant, and 仲 starts with a vertical stroke through a box.

侑 is rare in everyday speech and mainly appears in formal or ancient contexts, like the words 侑酒 (urging someone to drink with entertainment) and 侑食 (urging someone to eat with music). It reflects a traditional Chinese banquet custom where hosts would politely encourage guests to eat and drink, often accompanied by performances.

Common words containing 侑 include: 侑酒 (yòu jiǔ) — to urge someone to drink; to accompany a drink with entertainment; 侑食 (yòu shí) — to urge someone to eat; to accompany a meal with music; 酬侑 (chóu yòu) — to entertain with wine.