Level 3 · Unit 8 Animals & Wildlife

How to Write 象 (xiàng)

Meaning: "Elephant / Appearance"
Step-by-Step Stroke Order Diagram
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Detailed Mastery Guide for 象

The character 象 (Traditional: 象) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Elephant / Appearance". In our Level 3 curriculum, we focus on the 12-step stroke sequence to ensure your handwriting is both fast and accurate.

Writing & Recognition

Proper stroke order is essential for character recognition and legibility. By following the animation above, you can see how the character is built from top to bottom and left to right. This character is often categorized under Animals & Wildlife, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

大象 dàxiàng daai6 zoeng6
elephant
現象 xiànxiàng jin6 zoeng6
phenomenon

Radical Breakdown

Breaking it down: The character 象 is built on the radical 豕 (152). Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.

Etymology & Origins

Pictograph representing the profile of an elephant with a trunk, tusks, and body.

Example Sentence

Simplified: 大象的体型非常巨大。

Dàxiàng de tǐxíng fēicháng jùdà.

Traditional: 大象的體型非常巨大。

Daai6 zoeng6 dik1 tai2 jing4 fei1 soeng4 geoi6 daai6.

"The elephant is very large."

Dialect Pronunciation

In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as xiàng. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is zoeng6. Use the audio buttons to hear the subtle tonal differences between the two major Chinese dialects.

Practice & Retention

To move this character from short-term to long-term memory, we recommend using our free practice sheet generator. Writing the character 10-15 times while following the correct sequence is a proven method for mastery.

Quick Self-Check

What is the meaning of '象'?

A) Elephant
B) Mountain
C) River
D) Forest

Other Characters in Level 3 Unit 8

Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!

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