What does 而 mean in Chinese?

而 (ér) means "and; as well as; and so; but (not); yet (not); (indicates causal relation); (indicates change of state); (indicates contrast)" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 而?

而 is pronounced "ér" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.

What HSK level is 而?

而 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 而?

Common words with 而 include 一哄而散 (to disperse in confusion (idiom)), 一哄而起 ((of a group of people) to rush into action), 一带而过 (to skate around), 一扫而光 (to clear off), 一扫而空 (to sweep clean).

How do you write 而?

You can practice writing 而 using our stroke order tool.

而 (ér), and

而

ér

and; as well as; and so; but (not)

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Radical: 而 (no. 126)

View stroke order →

Definitions

and
as well as
and so
but (not)
yet (not)
(indicates causal relation)
(indicates change of state)
(indicates contrast)

Example Sentences

这个方法简单而有效。

Zhège fāngfǎ jiǎndān ér yǒuxiào

This method is simple and effective

Words Containing 而

Word	Pinyin	Meaning
一哄而散	yī hōng ér sàn	to disperse in confusion (idiom)
一哄而起	yī hōng ér qǐ	(of a group of people) to rush into action
一带而过	yī dài ér guò	to skate around
一扫而光	yī sǎo ér guāng	to clear off
一扫而空	yī sǎo ér kōng

Related Words

去(qù)· to go

→

下来(xià lai)· to come down

→

出来(chū lái)· to come out

→

偏偏(piān piān)· (indicates that sth turns out just the opposite of what one would wish) unfortunately

→

Grammar Notes

More and More (越来越)HSK 2

Subject + 越来越 + Adjective/Verb + 了

Not Only...But AlsoHSK 3

Subject + 不但 + Clause 1，而且 + Clause 2

In Addition (另外)HSK 4

Sentence 1。另外，Sentence 2。

Appears in these articles

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: HSK 4
HSK Lord study list: HSK 4 list

而: HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 而 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 4 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.