(tóu)

HSK 47 strokes

to throw (sth in a specific direction: ball, javelin, grenade etc)

Stroke order animation

Character information

Pinyin
tóu
Meaning
to throw (sth in a specific direction: ball, javelin, grenade etc); to cast (a ballot); to cast (a glance, a shadow etc); to put in (money for investment, a coin to operate a slot machine); to send (a letter, a manuscript etc); to throw oneself into (a river, a well etc to commit suicide); to go to; to seek refuge; to place oneself into the hands of; (coll.) to rinse (clothes) in water
Strokes
7
HSK level
HSK 4
Traditional
Same

Origin & structure

Where comes from and how its parts fit together.

Phonetic-semantic compound⿰扌殳

In this compound, the meaning comes from (hand); supplies the sound.

One part carries the meaning, the other suggests the sound.

Made of

Parts are arranged left to right.

How to write step by step

7 strokes — each frame adds one stroke, shown in dark ink over the lighter ones.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Words with

Common words using — tap any character to open its stroke-order page.

tóu
HSK 4

to throw into

Open 投入 page →
tóu
HSK 4

to lodge a complaint

Open 投诉 page →
tóu
HSK 4

investment

Open 投资 page →
tóupiào
HSK 6

to vote; to cast a vote

Open 投票 page →
tóubèn
HSK 7-9

to seek shelter

Open 投奔 page →
tóushè
HSK 7-9

to throw (a projectile)

Open 投射 page →
tóu
HSK 7-9

congenial; agreeable

Open 投机 page →
tóugǎo稿
HSK 7-9

to submit articles for publication

Open 投稿 page →

Related characters

Ready to master 投?

Trace 投 stroke by stroke in the online practice tool, or turn it into a printable worksheet PDF with Tianzige practice grids, pinyin, and stroke-order breakdowns.