As a character: prefix used before the surname of a person or a numeral i…
Common radical name
老字头 · lǎo zì tóu
Practice the strokes
Select Next stroke to begin. Trace each highlighted stroke, then select Next again. After the final stroke, Next shows the complete character. Select Next once more to begin again.
Complete character · 6 strokes
01 · MEET THE RADICAL
What should you notice?
Start by remembering the shape 老 and its radical meaning, “old.” Then compare it with the examples below. Look for the same shape, or a compact version of it, inside each character.
The pinyin above names this radical’s main form. Each example character has its own pronunciation and meaning. Use the radical as a memory aid, and learn the whole character too.
Recognize its forms
A radical can change shape to fit inside a character. Compare these forms with the main shape above; simplified and traditional writing can also use different forms.
Variants
02 · CONNECT SHAPE AND MEANING
Find it in these characters
Look for the shared component. Read each character’s pinyin aloud, then connect it to its English meaning. The connection may be less obvious in some characters.
kǎo
to beat; to hit
zhě
(after a verb or adjective) one who (is) ...; (after a no…
mào
extremely aged (in one's 80s or 90s); octogenarian
qí
man of sixty or seventy
03 · TRY TO RECALL
A quick memory check
Without looking back, can you remember this character’s pronunciation and meaning? Can you spot the radical or its variant?
Reveal pronunciation and meaning
kǎo · to beat; to hit
Compare the character with 老 and its forms 耂. If you missed it, revisit the examples and try again.
Next, trace the radical using the stroke guide above. Try writing it from memory, then check the shape and stroke order.
Explore more: history, regional forms, and readings
These reference details show how the radical has changed across time and writing traditions. You can return to them after learning the main form.
