How to Write 玉 (yù) — Meaning “Jade”

Imagine the top horizontal line as a string, the vertical line as a needle, and the two horizontal lines as jade beads. The dot at the bottom right is a tiny piece of jade falling off. This visual of a necklace helps you recall the meaning "jade."

Write 玉 with 5 strokes: horizontal, horizontal, vertical, horizontal, and dot. Make sure the third stroke (vertical) goes through the center of the top two horizontals. The final dot is placed to the lower right of the last horizontal, not directly under it.

A common expression is 玉米 (yù mǐ), meaning corn, literally "jade rice" because corn kernels look like jade. Another is 玉石 (yù shí), meaning jade stone, used to describe precious jade materials. 玉镯 (yù zhuó) refers to a jade bracelet, often given as a gift.

Jade (玉) is deeply valued in Chinese culture as a symbol of purity and beauty. It appears in names and idioms, like 玉指 (yù zhǐ, jade fingers) to describe elegant hands. Giving jade jewelry is a common gesture of good wishes and protection.

Common words containing 玉 include: 玉米 (yù mǐ) — Corn; 玉石 (yù shí) — Jade stone; 玉镯 (yù zhuó) — Jade bracelet.