How is 而 pronounced?

而 is pronounced “ér” in pinyin.

What HSK level is 而?

而 belongs to HSK 4 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

How do you write 而?

Follow the stroke-order animation above; 而 is written using standard stroke order. Practice it in the writing trainer.

HSK 4particle

而

ér

而 (ér) means “and; as well as; and so; but (not); yet (not); (indicates causal relation); (indicates change of state); (indicates contrast)”. It is an HSK 4 Chinese character in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

Stroke order

Practice writingUnlock HSK 4 required

Example

这个方法简单而有效。

Zhège fāngfǎ jiǎndān ér yǒuxiào.

This method is simple and effective.

Words containing 而

而且ér qiě(not only ...) but also; moreover; in addition; furthermore 半途而废bàn tú ér fèito give up halfway (idiom); leave sth unfinished 从而cóng érthus; thereby 不言而喻bù yán ér yùit goes without saying; it is self-evident 反而fǎn éron the contrary; instead 然而rán érhowever; yet; but 而已ér yǐthat's all; nothing more 进而jìn érand then; and thereby; and in turn 而是ér shìrather 侃侃而谈kǎn kǎn ér tánto speak frankly with assurance 因而yīn értherefore; as a result; thus; and as a result, ...锲而不舍qiè ér bù shěto chip away at a task and not abandon it (idiom); to chisel away at sth; to persevere; unflagging efforts

More HSK 4 vocabulary

HSK 4 →

爱情ài qíngromance; love (romantic)安排ān páito arrange; to plan; to set up; arrangements; plans 安全ān quánsafe; secure; safety; security 按时àn shíon time; before deadline; on schedule 按照àn zhàoaccording to; in accordance with; in the light of; on the basis of 百分之bǎi fēn zhīpercent 棒bàngstick; club; cudgel; smart; capable; strong; wonderful; classifier for legs of a relay race 包子bāo zibao (steamed stuffed bun)保护bǎo hùto protect; to defend; to safeguard; protection 保证bǎo zhèngguarantee; to guarantee; to ensure; to safeguard; to pledge 报名bào míngto sign up; to enter one's name; to apply; to register; to enroll; to enlist 抱bàoto hold; to carry (in one's arms); to hug; to embrace; to surround; to cherish; (coll.) (of clothes) to fit nicely

Frequently asked questions

What does 而 mean?: 而 (ér) means “and; as well as; and so; but (not); yet (not); (indicates causal relation); (indicates change of state); (indicates contrast)”. It is an HSK 4 word.
How is 而 pronounced?: 而 is pronounced “ér” in pinyin.
What HSK level is 而?: 而 belongs to HSK 4 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.
How do you write 而?: Follow the stroke-order animation above; 而 is written using standard stroke order. Practice it in the writing trainer.

Updated: 2026-05-27