元 Stroke Order — How to Write 元
元 is written in 4 strokes, following the standard Chinese stroke order. Start from the radical 儿, then complete the remaining strokes.
Stroke order matters in Chinese: it keeps the character balanced, and it is how dictionaries and handwriting input methods expect a character to be written.
元 Radical and Character Components
元 is a pictograph. A man 儿 with two lines emphasizing their head 二.
Radical: 儿 + 2 more strokes
元 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- yuán
Meanings of 元 in Chinese
1
yuán元
Signifying the first, primary, chief, or beginning of something.
我们全家一起庆祝元旦。
Our whole family celebrated New Year's Day together.
Fundamental; basic; referring to a unit, component, or the essential part of something.
这个电子元件是电路的核心单元。
This electronic component is the core unit of the circuit.
Same as '圆' (yuán), meaning round or circular.
这个图案的边缘是元形。
The edge of this pattern is circular.
An unknown variable, as in 'quadratic equation with one variable' (一元二次方程).
解决这类一元问题需要用到特殊的方法。
Solving this type of one-variable problem requires special methods.
Refers to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), a Chinese imperial dynasty, or the associated theatrical form known as Yuan opera (元曲).
元曲是元代文学的瑰宝之一。
Yuan opera is one of the treasures of Yuan Dynasty literature.
Historically, '元' was used as a substitute for '玄' (meaning 'profound' or 'mysterious') during the Qing Dynasty to avoid using Emperor Kangxi's personal name, '玄烨' (Xuányè).
宇宙之浩瀚，蕴含着无限元机
The vastness of the cosmos holds infinite profound mysteries.
Common Words and Phrases with 元
1
Yuanbao (元宝) refers to shoe-shaped gold or silver ingots, formerly used as currency in China.
春节时，人们喜欢在家中摆放金色的元宝装饰，寓意招财进宝
During the Spring Festival, people enjoy placing golden yuanbao decorations in their homes, signifying the bringing in of wealth and treasures.
2
New Year's Day, the first day of the Gregorian calendar year.
元旦那天，我们全家人都会聚在一起，共同迎接新的一年。
On New Year's Day, our whole family will gather together to welcome the new year.
3
Yuanfeng was the regnal era name of Emperor Shenzong of Song during the Song Dynasty (1078-1085 AD).
元丰年间，文化艺术领域涌现出许多杰出的作品。
During the Yuanfeng era, many outstanding works emerged in the fields of culture and art.
4
Yuánhé, the reign title of Emperor Xianzong of Tang (806-820 AD).
元和年间，诗人白居易创作了许多脍炙人口的诗篇。
During the Yuanhe era, the poet Bai Juyi composed many well-known poems.
5
Yuanjia was the era name (reign title) of Emperor Wen of Liu Song (Liu Yilong) during the Southern Dynasties, from 422 to 453 AD.
在元嘉年间，许多文人墨客留下了宝贵的诗篇和著作。
During the Yuanjia years, many literati and scholars left behind valuable poems and writings.
6
A component or element of a machine or instrument.
这款设备的许多关键元件都是进口的，确保了其高性能和稳定性。
Many key components of this device are imported, ensuring its high performance and stability.
7
Metascience, also known as the science of science or the theory of science, which is the study of science itself, its methods, practices, and how it is conducted, often aiming to improve the quality and reliability of scientific research.
元科学的兴起有助于我们更深入地理解科学的运作方式和挑战。
The rise of metascience helps us to more deeply understand how science operates and its challenges.
8
senior statesman
王教授是这所大学的元老，他的学识和经验对学校的发展起到了举足轻重的作用。
Professor Wang is a doyen of this university, and his knowledge and experience have played a crucial role in the school's development.
9
Yuanmou Man (Homo erectus yuanmouensis), a species of early hominid whose fossils, discovered in 1965 in Yuanmou, Yunnan, China, date back approximately 1.7 million years.
元谋人的发现为研究早期人类的演化提供了重要的实物证据。
The discovery of Yuanmou Man provided important physical evidence for studying the evolution of early humans.
10
the first year of a reign
这座宏伟的宫殿是在国王即位的元年开始建造的，耗时数载方才竣工
This magnificent palace began construction in the first year of the king's reign, taking several years to complete.
11
The first wife; original spouse.
他一直对他的元配忠诚，即使在贫困时期也未曾变心。
He remained loyal to his original wife, never changing his heart even in times of poverty.
12
Yuánqì (元气) refers to vitality, vigor, spirit, or fundamental energy. It can also denote primordial chaos in a philosophical sense.
经过一夜充足的睡眠，她感觉元气满满，准备迎接新的一天。
After a night of sound sleep, she felt full of vitality and ready to embrace the new day.
13
A genre of Chinese opera and poetic drama popular during the Yuan Dynasty.
元曲是中国古代文学艺术的瑰宝，尤其以其独特的说唱形式和生动的人物塑造而闻名。
Yuanqu is a treasure of ancient Chinese literature and art, particularly renowned for its unique vocal performance style and vivid character portrayal.
14
supreme commander
当敌军来犯时，老元戎亲自披挂上阵，激励将士。
When the enemy invaded, the old commander-in-chief personally donned his armor and inspired his soldiers.
15
head of state
这位经验丰富的工程师被推举为新技术的元首，带领团队攻克难关。
This experienced engineer was appointed as the principal leader of the new technology, guiding the team to overcome difficulties.
16
Marshal, a military rank superior to that of a general.
这位元帅以其卓越的军事才能而闻名。
This marshal was renowned for his exceptional military prowess.
More words with 元
- jì纪yuán元Era, Epoch
- jǔ矩zhèn阵yuán元matrix element
- kuí魁yuán元Chief, First place
- lí黎yuán元the common people; the multitude
- zhuàng状yuán元Number One Scholar
- zhào赵gōng公yuán元shuài帅God of Wealth, Marshal Zhao
- lì郦dào道yuán元Li Daoyuan
- yuán元sù素element
- měi美yuán元US dollar
- dān单yuán元Unit, Module
- yáng阳jiā嘉yuán元nián年The first year of Yangjia
- yuán元dài代Yuan Dynasty
- yuán元xiāo宵jié节Lantern Festival, Yuanxiao Festival
- yuán元yīn音vowel
- bǎi百yuán元hundred yuan, 100 yuan
- ōu欧yuán元Euro
- yì一yuán元one yuan, unary
- yuán元è恶arch-criminal, principal offender
- yuán元xiāo宵Yuanxiao, glutinous rice balls
- èr二yuán元Binary, Dual
Idioms with 元
- yuán元è恶dà大jiān奸arch-villain and principal culprit
- kāi开guó国yuán元lǎo老founding elder statesman
- kāi开guó国yuán元xūn勋founding figure with great merit
- lián连zhòng中sān三yuán元Win three top honors consecutively
- pú蒲yuán元shí识shuǐ水to have exceptionally keen discernment
- sān三cháo朝yuán元lǎo老highly experienced long-serving senior figure
- shòu寿yuán元wú无liàng量Wishing you a boundless lifespan
- yī一yuán元fù复shǐ始A new year begins
- zhuàng状yuán元jí及dì第to achieve top scholar status
- yuán元fāng方jì季fāng方equally outstanding brothers
- yuán元jiān奸jù巨è恶arch-criminal and chief evil-doer
- yuán元xiōng凶jù巨è恶arch-criminal and major villain
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Open the tool →Questions about 元
What does 元 mean in Chinese?
元 (yuán) means “Signifying the first” in Chinese.
How do you pronounce 元?
元 is pronounced yuán in Mandarin Chinese.
How many strokes does 元 have?
元 has 4 strokes.
How do you write 元?
元 is written in 4 strokes, starting from the radical 儿. See the animated stroke order on this page.
What is the radical of 元?
The radical of 元 is 儿, and 元 is a pictograph.