How to Write 祝 (zhù) — Meaning “To wish”

Picture an older brother (兄) standing before an altar (礻) and making a wish. The brother is praying for something, so the image helps you remember 祝 means "to wish."

The left radical 礻 has four strokes: dot, horizontal hook, vertical, then left-falling stroke — do not confuse it with the similar radical 衣 (clothing). The right part 兄 is balanced: start with a vertical, then horizontal, left-falling, horizontal, and finally a right-falling stroke; keep both halves similar in height.

All three share the left radical 礻, but the right parts differ: 祝 has 兄 (older brother), 社 has 土 (earth, meaning society), and 祀 has 巳 (a snake-like shape, meaning sacrifice). Visually, 祝's right side looks like a person, while 社 looks like earth and 祀 has a curled shape.

祝 is used to express wishes, especially in greetings like 祝贺 (to congratulate) and 祝福 (to bless). You'll hear it during holidays, birthdays, or celebrations — for example, 祝你生日快乐 means "Wish you a happy birthday." It carries a warm, positive feeling.

Common words containing 祝 include: 祝贺 (zhù hè) — Congratulations; to congratulate; 祝福 (zhù fú) — Blessing; to bless; 庆祝 (qìng zhù) — to celebrate.