数

數

shǔ, shù, shuò

娄 + 攵

HSK 2.0Level 5

HSK 3.0Level 4

Definitions

shù (noun) number; quantity; figure

shǔ (verb) to count; to calculate

Etymology

Simplified form of 數. Phonosemantic compound. 攵 represents the meaning and 婁 represents the sound.

Semantic: 攵 Phonetic: 娄

About

数 is the simplified form of traditional 數. It is a phono-semantic compound: the right-hand radical 攵 (depicting a hand holding a stick, indicating 'strike' or 'action') suggests the action of counting, while the left-hand component 娄 (simplified from 婁) gives the sound. The character serves as both a verb meaning 'to count' and a noun with meanings such as 'number,' 'mathematics,' and 'destiny.' The simplification reduced the complex left side 婁 to 娄 while keeping the right radical intact.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢数学课。

Wǒ xǐhuān shùxué kè.

I like math class.

他数了三个苹果。

Tā shǔle sān gè píngguǒ.

He counted three apples.

数字技术发展很快。

Shùzì jìshù fāzhǎn hěn kuài.

Digital technology develops quickly.

我们需要更多数据。

Wǒmen xūyào gèng duō shùjù.

We need more data.

数量和质量都重要。

Shùliàng hé zhìliàng dōu zhòngyào.

Quantity and quality are both important.

他擅长数学计算。

Tā shàncháng shùxué jìsuàn.

He is good at mathematical calculations.

这个数据需要仔细分析。

Zhège shùjù xūyào zǐxì fēnxī.

This data needs careful analysis.

统计数字显示经济增长。

Tǒngjì shùzì xiǎnshì jīngjì zēngzhǎng.

Statistical figures show economic growth.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 娄

Component: 攵

数