呢
Character learning workspace

ne / ní · wool

Master the form, understand its parts, and learn how it behaves in real Chinese.

HSK 2.0 · Level 1HSK 3.0 · Level 1Frequency #96
Watch · inspect · write

Learn every stroke in 呢

Replay the complete order, pause on difficult movements, inspect one stroke at a time, then write it yourself with live correction.

Interactive stroke trainerWatch and inspect
Checking daily allowance…Please waitGo unlimited
Loading strokes…
0 strokes
Choose Watch order or Practice writing
Stroke graphics: Make Me a Hanzi / Arphic Public License
Sound changes meaning

Readings & meanings

呢 has 2 dictionary pronunciations. The examples show how each reading behaves in real words.

ne

particle indicating that a previously asked question is to be applied to the preceding word ("What about ...?", "And ...?"); particle for inquiring about location ("Where is ...?"); particle signaling a pause, to emphasize the preceding words and allow the listener time to take them on board ("ok?", "are you with me?")

着呢zhe ne · comes at the end of the sentence to indicate a strong degree
ní

dense wool fabric (used for coats and jackets)

呢呢ní ní · garrulous
Step-by-step explorer

See how 呢 is constructed

Switch between the accumulated form and the isolated movement of each stroke.

Loading stroke diagrams…

Character anatomy

Understand the reusable parts

The decomposition shows how the visual pieces fit together, not necessarily the character’s historical origin.

Writing notes

Shape and proportion

8Total strokes

Count each continuous pen movement once, including turns and hooks.

Left-rightCharacter structure

Keep the left side compact and leave enough room for the right side.

口Key radical

Use the highlighted radical in the animation as a visual anchor for remembering the form.

Print and practise

Download a 呢 writing sheet

Get a ready-to-use A4 sheet immediately, or open the full builder to change its grid and guidance.

Preparing worksheet…
Customize

Includes the stroke sequence, progressive tracing, and blank writing squares. Generated locally in your browser.

Vocabulary in context

Common words with 呢

Open a word for its full breakdown, or listen before reading the meaning.

neparticle indicating that a previously asked question is to be applied to the preceding word ("What about ...?", "And ...?"); particle for inquiring about location ("Where is ...?"); particle signaling a pause, to emphasize the preceding words and allow the listener time to take them on board ("ok?", "are you with me?")
nídense wool fabric (used for coats and jackets)
Read and listen

Example sentences

Notice where 呢 sits in each complete thought.

Zhè shì nǐ de gǒu. wǒ de ne?这是你的狗。我的呢?

Here is your dog. Where is mine?

Source: Tatoeba #5845594 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Shì shuí gěi nǐ shuō nàge de ne?是谁给你说那个的呢?

Who said that to you?

Source: Tatoeba #5100179 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Shì de, wǒ shì xiǎo yǔ, nǐ ne?是的,我是小雨,你呢?

Yes, I am Xiaoyu. Who are you?

Source: Tatoeba #6142041 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Wǒ tǐng hǎo de, nǐ ne?我挺好的,你呢?

I'm all right. And you?

Source: Tatoeba #9954864 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Nǐ de xié zǐ zài zhè ér. wǒ de ne?你的鞋子在这儿。我的呢?

Your shoes are here. Where are mine?

Source: Tatoeba #1228428 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Wǒ hěn hǎo. nǐ ne?我很好。你呢?

I'm fine. How about you?

Source: Tatoeba #10026182 · CC BY 2.0 FR
Turn reference into recall

How to study 呢 in context

  1. Say ne / ní, then recall the core meaning: wool.
  2. Write all 8 strokes while keeping the left-right balanced.
  3. Use it in 着呢 (zhe ne), meaning “comes at the end of the sentence to indicate a strong degree”.
  4. Read the complete sentence aloud once, then cover the translation and explain how 呢 works in that context.

Definitions and traditional forms are compiled from Make Me a Hanzi, HSK curriculum data, and CC-CEDICT. Sourced example sentences link to Tatoeba; editorial examples are labeled separately. Review data sources and licenses.