掌 (zhǎng) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 掌 (zhǎng) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 掌 (zhǎng) means "palm of the hand". It is an HSK Level 5 character, with 12 strokes and the radical 手.

Q: How do you write 掌 stroke by stroke?

掌 has 12 strokes. The radical is 手. 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 掌 and 拳?

掌 (zhǎng) and 拳 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 掌?

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

Q: What common words use 掌?

Common words containing 掌 include: 掌握 (zhǎng wò) — to master or grasp; 鼓掌 (gǔ zhǎng) — to clap hands; to applaud; 手掌 (shǒu zhǎng) — palm.

How to Write 掌

The character 掌 (zhǎng) is written with 12 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 手 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

掌 is pronounced zhǎng in Mandarin Chinese. It means palm of the hand.

As an HSK Level 5 character, 掌 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 掌

掌握 zhǎng wò

to master or grasp

鼓掌 gǔ zhǎng

to clap hands; to applaud

手掌 shǒu zhǎng

palm

Example Sentences

我掌握了汉语语法。

wǒ zhǎng wò le hàn yǔ yǔ fǎ

I've mastered Chinese grammar.

大家为他鼓掌。

dà jiā wèi tā gǔ zhǎng

Everyone clapped for him.

他的手掌很大。

tā de shǒu zhǎng hěn dà

His palms are very large.

Similar Characters

拳 quán

拿 ná

挈 qiè

Practice Writing 掌 (zhǎng)

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 掌

What does 掌 (zhǎng) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 掌 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 掌 and 拳?

What mistakes do learners make writing 掌?

What common words use 掌?

How to Write 掌 (zhǎng)