Radical 又

2 strokes

Although originally a picture of the right hand, this character now means “again” or “additionally” (there is also another word for “again”; see Character 217). We will use the old meaning “right hand” in stories, since it will be easier to create vivid stories using this than if we were to use the more abstract word “again”. Moreover, we will usually use the image of shaking hands to distinguish it from stories involving “hand” in general (since this is something you do with your right hand, even if you are left-handed).

[又…又… yòu A yòu B both A and B]

/ Two friends on unicycles meet in the street — each extends his right hand while balancing on a single wheel, and they shake hands again and again. The dwarf comes rushing past (nearly sending them flying) — he’s late for his yoga class and in no mood to be impressed.