How to Write 与 (yǔ/yù) — Meaning “and; with”

Imagine a horizontal line as a table and a hook as a person's arm reaching out to join hands with someone, and the dot is a small gift they exchange. This image represents connecting 'with' others or adding 'and'.

Write the horizontal stroke first from left to right, then the vertical stroke downward ending with a left hook, and finally add the dot to the right of the vertical line. A common mistake is forgetting the dot or making the hook too large—keep the dot small and close to the vertical.

一 is just a single horizontal line meaning 'one', while 丁 has a horizontal line and a vertical hook but no dot, and is used as a surname or meaning 'nail'. 与 is unique because it includes a dot, and it means 'and' or 'with'.

与 is a formal conjunction meaning 'and' or a preposition meaning 'with', often used in writing and set phrases like 参与 (participate) and 与其 (rather than). It is more formal than 和 and is common in news, essays, and official documents.

Common words containing 与 include: 参与 (cān yù) — To participate in; to get involved in.; 与其 (yǔ qí) — rather than; instead of; 与人 (yǔ rén) — with others.