Learn to write the Chinese character "而" by watching the stroke order animation of "而".
Stroke by Stroke: 而 Writing Order
Master the Chinese character '而' stroke by stroke with visual step-by-step instructions.
Follow the Calligraphy Master: Writing '而' Step-by-Step
Learn the proper way to write the Chinese character '而' through a video tutorial with a
calligraphy teacher. Follow the Calligraphy Master's Step-by-Step Guide to Write the
Chinese Character '而'. You can download the printable handwriting worksheets below and
practice writing together with pen and paper.
and / as well as / but (not) / yet (not) / (shows causal relation) / (shows change of state) / (shows contrast)
Usage
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而 (ér)
1. **Pronoun**: Corresponds to "尔", meaning "you" or "your".
- Example: 而翁归,自与汝复算耳。 (When the old man returns, we will settle accounts with you again.)
2. **Conjunction**: An ancient term used to connect words, phrases, and clauses, indicating various relationships:
a. **Indicating Parallel Relationship**: 多而杂 (many and mixed).
b. **Indicating Subsequent Relationship**: 取而代之 (take the place then replace).
c. **Indicating Progressive Relationship**: 而且 (and moreover).
d. **Indicating Contrastive Relationship**: 似是而非 (seems right but is wrong).
e. **Connecting Affirmative and Negative**: 浓而不烈 (strong but not overwhelming).
f. **Connecting Adverbial Phrases with Core Terms**: 侃侃而谈 (talk fluent and easy).
g. **Inserting in Subject-Predicate for Hypothesis**: 人而无信,不知其可 (If a person lacks trust, one doesn’t know its feasibility).
3. **Showing Range**: 从上而下 (from top to bottom).
4. **Noun**: The character is pictographically representing the shape of bristles (jaw hair).
- Example: 而,颊毛也。 (The character "而" represents bristles on the jaws.)
5. **Conjunction Uses**:
- (1) Used continuously from ancient times, linking various elements to display complex relations: 如,“君子博学而日参省乎己。” (The gentleman is well-learned and reflects on himself daily.)
- (2) Shows progress: 余方心动欲还,而大声发于水上。 (I was moved to return, when suddenly a loud sound came from the water.)
- (3) Indicating contrast: 青,取之于蓝,而青于蓝。 (The color blue is derived from indigo, but is bluer than indigo.)
- (4) Indicates a hypothetical relationship: 诸君而有意;瞻余马首可也。 (If everyone has intention, they may look towards my horse.)
- (5) Connects qualifying/adverbial phrases: 吾恂恂而起。 (I rose gently.)
6. **Alternative Pronouns**:
- (1) 你; 你的 (you; your): 余知而无罪也。 (I know and yet I am not guilty.)
- (3) 如此 (this): 同是被逼迫,君而妾亦然。 (Both are being forced to do so, you and the concubine as well.)
- (4) Another form: 而夫 (this man; that man).
7. **Modal Particles**:
- (1) Indicates relationship akin to "of": 虞之与虢,相恃而势。 (The relationship of Yu and Guo relies on each other for power.)
- (2) Used with directional terms: 形而上者谓之道。 (That which is beyond form is called the "Dao".)
8. **Rhetorical Question Indication**:
- (1) Used in rhetorical questions: 为仁由己,而由人乎哉? (Is not being benevolent up to oneself, but relying on others?)
- (2) Atters an emphasis: 已而已而,今之从政者殆而。 (Indeed, the current political leaders are perilous.)
9. **As a Verb**:
- (1) Implies similarity: 溺死者千有余人,军惊而坏都舍。 (Over a thousand drowned, the army was alarmed and abandoned the city.)
通“能” (Also reads as "néng")
**Noun**: Ability
- 然计天下之所以治者,何也?唯而以尚同一义为政故也。 (To govern the world, what matters? Only by upholding the same principles in governance.)
**Verb**:
- (1) Can; to be able: 不逢汤武与恒缪兮,也孰去而知之? (If not encountering Tang and Wu, who could possibly know?)
lit. sth hits one in the face / directly in one's face / sth assaults the senses / blatant (advertising) / eye-catching / (a smell) assaults the nostrils
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