矣 meaning and stroke order
Classical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5]
How to write 矣, stroke by stroke
7 strokes in order. Each box adds the next stroke in red. Write top to bottom and left to right, and finish enclosing strokes last.
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Meaning of 矣
Definitions from CC-CEDICT, grouped by pronunciation.
- classical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5]
How 矣 is built
Components of the character.
Radical: 矢 (arrow), shared by 11 characters on this site.
How to remember 矣
矣 puts 厶 on top of 矢 (shǐ, arrow). Picture an arrow that has already been shot and landed. The action is done, just as 矣 marks something as finished.
矣 is a classical particle placed at the end of a sentence to show that something has happened or a situation has changed, much like modern 了 (le). Today you meet it mostly in set phrases, idioms, and formal or literary writing. Example: 悔之晚矣 (huǐ zhī wǎn yǐ), it is too late for regrets.
Common mistake: Learners often confuse 矣 with 埃 (āi, dust) or 唉 (āi, sigh), which contain 矣 as a component but have different sounds and meanings. Also remember 矣 is third tone yǐ. Do not read it as neutral-tone le just because it works like 了.
矣 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Characters that contain 矣
Learning 矣 makes these easier to recognize and write.
Questions about 矣
How many strokes are in 矣?
矣 is written with 7 strokes. The diagrams on this page number every stroke in the order it is written, with the new stroke shown in red.
What does 矣 mean?
矣 (yǐ) means classical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5].
How do you pronounce 矣?
矣 is pronounced yǐ, in the third tone (dipping).
What is the radical of 矣?
The radical of 矣 is 矢, which carries the idea of "arrow". Dictionaries list 矣 under this radical.
Is 矣 on the HSK exam?
Yes. 矣 is part of the HSK 7-9 character list in the HSK 3.0 standard.
Can I use 矣 instead of 了 in everyday speech?
No. 矣 sounds bookish or old-fashioned in conversation. Use 了 in normal speech and save 矣 for quotes, idioms, or deliberately literary writing.
What are some common phrases that use 矣?
You will often see 足矣 (zú yǐ, that is enough) and 悔之晚矣 (huǐ zhī wǎn yǐ, too late for regrets). Both keep the classical sense of a completed or settled situation.