策略
cè lüè · strategy
我们需要一个新策略。
We need a new strategy.
Chinese character · HSK 6
策 (cè) — “strategy / plan”
The character combines '竹' (bamboo) and '朿' (sound). Historically, state plans and military strategies were recorded on bamboo slips (竹简), which over time led the character to primarily mean 'strategy' or 'policy'.
Memory cue
The grand STRATEGY is written on a bamboo (⺮) scroll, draped over a wooden stand (朿) for the general to review.
Common ways to use 策
This set shows 策 cè contributing the idea of a plan or course of action in strategy, planning, policy, decision-making, and responses to problems.
策划
cè huà · to plan or organize
她正在策划一场活动。
She is planning an event.
Usage note: 策划 often emphasizes organizing how an event or project will be carried out.
政策
zhèng cè · policy
这项政策明年开始实行。
This policy will take effect next year.
Usage note: 政策 usually belongs to a government or organization rather than being a personal plan.
决策
jué cè · decision or decision-making
这是一个重要的决策。
This is an important decision.
Usage note: 决策 can mean a particular decision or the process of making important decisions.
对策
duì cè · countermeasure
我们得想个对策。
We need to think of a countermeasure.
Usage note: Use 对策 for a plan that responds to a problem, not simply any general plan.
Inside the character
- 竹 (bamboo) — meaning component. Two stalks of bamboo — often marks bamboo, slats, or anything written on bamboo.
- 朿 — sound component.
Where 策 comes from
Originally, '策' referred to a bamboo horsewhip or a bamboo slip used for writing. Because ancient records and strategic plans were bundled as bamboo scrolls, the character evolved to mean 'strategy' or 'plan'.
Learn 策 the visual way. InkSeal pairs every HSK 1–6
character with an illustration like this one, Common-use words and sentences,
component breakdowns, etymology, and recall-first review. The first 100
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More characters: 算 (suàn, to calculate / to compute) · 系 (xì / jì, system / to connect) · 织 (zhī, to weave / to knit) — or browse the full character library.