How to Write 羽 (yǔ) — Meaning “feather”

Imagine a small bird with two feathers sticking out from each side, like the two halves of the character. The left and right parts look like two wing feathers fluttering together. This visual of paired feathers helps link the shape to its meaning "feather."

Write the left side first: horizontal fold (㇕), then horizontal (一), then vertical hook (亅). Repeat the same three strokes for the right side, making six strokes total. A common mistake is making the vertical hooks too long or the two halves uneven, so keep them balanced and compact.

"羽毛" (yǔ máo) means feather or plumage, used when talking about birds or decorations. "羽毛球" (yǔ máo qiú) is badminton, a popular sport in China, literally "feather ball." "羽绒服" (yǔ róng fú) means down jacket, a warm coat filled with down feathers, common in winter.

羽 appears in words related to feathers, wings, and bird features, as well as in sports terms like badminton. In Chinese culture, badminton is widely played and respected, and the character's feather imagery also appears in idioms like "羽毛丰满" (full-fledged, meaning mature or ready).

Common words containing 羽 include: 羽毛 (yǔ máo) — feather or plumage; 羽毛球 (yǔ máo qiú) — badminton; 羽绒服 (yǔ róng fú) — down jacket.