Chinese course / Character learning
Start recognising Chinese characters
Start with five characters, then stop and revisit them tomorrow. Read the useful word aloud, notice one detail in its shape, and cover the help before trying again. You can keep learning spoken Chinese while character recognition develops.
New to pinyin? First try sounds and pinyin. The character foundations lesson explains characters, words and components.
How to practise without rushing
- Look at one character and its useful word. Use the help as often as you need today.
- Close the help. Try saying the word and recalling its meaning. If it is new, reopen the model and try again later.
- Tomorrow, mix yesterday's five with a few new ones. Spend extra time on shapes you confuse.
- For handwriting, open the stroke panel and follow the model. Copy once carefully on paper, then cover it and write once from memory. Compare the shape and proportions; repeated copying alone does not check recall.
Recognition, pronunciation, typing and handwriting are separate skills. Practise the one you need. Shape cues help you distinguish characters; stroke panels show how to form them. A component clue is not a guaranteed meaning or reading.
Pinyin may show the usual tone of 一 or 不. Their spoken tones can change in a sentence. The foundation lesson on tone changes explains how to say these changes.
This sequence is arranged for learning, not by syllabus level. It teaches 1940 simplified characters in useful words, including the shared HSK 1–2 handwriting targets. The readings below apply to those words; some characters have other readings. Use the stroke panels when handwriting is your goal.
Page 14 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
79. Water and ice sides — rivers, thirst and coolness
Three drops on the left mean water — liquid, or a feeling that flows.
河
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵plus 可. Water that can carry things — a river.
河
Show word reading and meaning
hé
river
Read a sentence
桥下面的河水很清。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Qiáo xià miàn de hé shuǐ hěn qīng.
The river water under the bridge is clear.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 河
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
海
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵plus 每. Every river runs into it — the sea.
大海
Show word reading and meaning
dà hǎi
the sea
Read a sentence
我第一次看到大海，非常高兴。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ dì yī cì kàn dào dà hǎi, fēi cháng gāo xìng.
I was very happy when I saw the sea for the first time.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 海
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
渴
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵plus 曷. Water is exactly what you want when this character applies — thirsty.
口渴
Show word reading and meaning
kǒu kě
thirsty
渴 (thirsty) and 喝 hē (to drink) look close; the 氵one is the dry feeling.
Read a sentence
走了这么久，我有点口渴。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zǒu le zhè me jiǔ, wǒ yǒu diǎn kǒu kě.
After walking for so long, I am a little thirsty.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 渴
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
凉
Learn the shape and a useful word
冫 has two strokes on the left, beside 京. Contrast this with the three-stroke 氵 in 河 and 海. 凉快 is pleasantly cool.
凉快
Show word reading and meaning
liáng kuai
pleasantly cool
Read a sentence
树下比太阳下面凉快。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Shù xià bǐ tài yáng xià miàn liáng kuai.
It is cooler under the tree than in the sun.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 凉
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
满
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵with 艹 and 两 filling the right side. Water up to the brim — full, and by extension satisfied.
满意
Show word reading and meaning
mǎn yì
satisfied
Read a sentence
我对这次的学习结果很满意。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ duì zhè cì de xué xí jié guǒ hěn mǎn yì.
I am satisfied with the results of this study session.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 满
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Which 氵character means thirsty, and which means satisfied in 满意?
Check and learn
渴 means thirsty in 口渴, and 满 means satisfied in 满意. Say kǒu kě and mǎn yì, then point to each three-drop side from memory.
Try a new context
河边比太阳下凉快，我喝了水，不口渴了。
Where is it cooler, and what changed after drinking? Does 满意 mean thirsty?
Compare your interpretation
It is cooler beside the river than in the sun, and I am no longer thirsty after drinking. 凉快 describes pleasant coolness and 口渴 thirst. 满意 means satisfied with something; it is not the word for thirst.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
80. Fire 火 and 灬 — flames left and below
火on the left and 灬underneath are the same fire in two positions.
烧
Learn the shape and a useful word
火plus 尧. Direct flame — to burn, to cook, and in 发烧, a fever "burning".
发烧
Show word reading and meaning
fā shāo
to have a fever
发烧 names the illness, not literal burning; English "have a fever", not "emit burn".
Read a sentence
孩子发烧了，爸爸带他去医院。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Hái zi fā shāo le, bà ba dài tā qù yī yuàn.
The child has a fever, and Dad is taking him to hospital.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 烧
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
灯
Learn the shape and a useful word
火plus 丁. A small flame made useful — a lamp.
电灯
Show word reading and meaning
diàn dēng
electric light
Read a sentence
离开房间前，请关掉电灯。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Lí kāi fáng jiān qián, qǐng guān diào diàn dēng.
Please turn off the electric light before leaving the room.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 灯
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
炼
Learn the shape and a useful word
火plus 东-like strokes. Metal refined in fire — the body tempered by training.
锻炼
Show word reading and meaning
duàn liàn
to exercise; to train
Read a sentence
每天散步也是一种锻炼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Měi tiān sàn bù yě shì yì zhǒng duàn liàn.
A daily walk is also a form of exercise.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 炼
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
照
Learn the shape and a useful word
昭 on top with 灬 fire below. Light shining on something — to shine, and the photo it leaves.
照片
Show word reading and meaning
zhào piàn
photo
Read a sentence
这张照片是去年冬天拍的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè zhāng zhào piàn shì qù nián dōng tiān pāi de.
This photo was taken last winter.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 照
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
熊
Learn the shape and a useful word
能 on top with 灬 below. The fire here is only a shape; the word is the animal.
熊猫
Show word reading and meaning
xióng māo
panda
Not every 灬 is a fire — in 熊 the bottom dots are part of the borrowed shape, a cue to memorise rather than a meaning.
Read a sentence
照片里的熊猫正在吃竹子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhào piàn lǐ de xióng māo zhèng zài chī zhú zi.
The panda in the photo is eating bamboo.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 熊
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Which character appears in 照片, photo, and which appears in 熊猫, panda?
Check and learn
照 appears in 照片 zhào piàn, photo; 熊 appears in 熊猫 xióng māo, panda. 熊 alone can mean bear, so read the complete word. Both have 灬 below; 烧 has 火 on its left. These shape comparisons do not establish historical origins.
Try a new context
我发烧了，今天不锻炼。关灯以前，看了一张熊猫的照片。
Which activity is cancelled, and what is pictured? Does 熊猫 say that a cat has a fever?
Compare your interpretation
I am not exercising today because I have a fever. The photo shows a panda. 发烧 concerns the speaker; 熊猫 is the complete panda word, not a statement about a cat's illness.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
81. Feelings 心 and 忄 — heart below, heart beside
心at the bottom and 忄on the left both mark states of the heart.
感
Learn the shape and a useful word
咸 over 心. What strikes the heart — a feeling.
感觉
Show word reading and meaning
gǎn jué
feeling; to feel
Read a sentence
我感觉今天比昨天冷。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ gǎn jué jīn tiān bǐ zuó tiān lěng.
I feel that it is colder today than yesterday.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 感
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
急
Learn the shape and a useful word
刍 over 心. The heart in a hurry — anxious, urgent.
着急
Show word reading and meaning
zháo jí
anxious; worried
Read a sentence
车还没来，着急也没有用。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Chē hái méi lái, zháo jí yě méi yǒu yòng.
The vehicle has not arrived yet; getting anxious will not help.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 急
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
愿
Learn the shape and a useful word
原 over 心. What the heart originally wants — to be willing.
愿意
Show word reading and meaning
yuàn yi
to be willing
Read a sentence
你愿意和我们一起练习吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
Nǐ yuàn yi hé wǒ men yì qǐ liàn xí ma?
Are you willing to practise with us?
Learn the 14 strokes · write 愿
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
怕
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄plus 白. The heart goes pale — afraid.
害怕
Show word reading and meaning
hài pà
to be afraid of
Read a sentence
我害怕一个人走没有路灯的小路。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ hài pà yí ge rén zǒu méi yǒu lù dēng de xiǎo lù.
I am afraid of walking alone along a path with no streetlights.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 怕
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
怪
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄plus 圣. The heart cannot place it — strange; also to blame.
奇怪
Show word reading and meaning
qí guài
strange
奇怪 is "strange"; 怪 someone (怪我) is "blame me" — same character, two everyday uses.
Read a sentence
很奇怪，门开着，里面却没有人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Hěn qí guài, mén kāi zhe, lǐ miàn què méi yǒu rén.
It is strange: the door is open, but nobody is inside.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 怪
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Which 心character means willing in 愿意, and which 忄character means strange in 奇怪?
Check and learn
愿 means willing in 愿意, and 怪 means strange in 奇怪. Say yuàn yi and qí guài, then write one heart below and one heart beside.
Try a new context
我愿意试试，但是有点害怕，也有点着急。
Am I refusing to try? Which two feelings exist alongside willingness?
Compare your interpretation
I am willing to try despite feeling a little afraid and anxious. 愿意 expresses willingness; 害怕 and 着急 describe feelings that do not cancel that willingness. The sentence does not say that I have already tried successfully.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
82. 阝 on the left and right — nearby places and neighbours
阝on the left (the mound/place radical) collects addresses and relationships.
阿
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝plus 可. Mostly a sound-carrier today — the friendly prefix in 阿姨 and 阿明.
阿姨
Show word reading and meaning
ā yí
aunt; a polite address for a woman
阿 carries no meaning in 阿姨; it softens the address. Read it as a whole word.
Read a sentence
阿姨，您知道车站在哪里吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
Ā yí, nín zhī dào chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ ma?
Auntie, do you know where the station is?
Learn the 7 strokes · write 阿
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
除
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝plus 余. Remove the surplus — except, besides, or divide.
除了
Show word reading and meaning
chú le
except; besides
除了…以外 means "apart from…"; the 以外 often drops in speech.
Read a sentence
除了星期天，这家店每天都开门。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Chú le xīng qī tiān, zhè jiā diàn měi tiān dōu kāi mén.
This shop opens every day except Sunday.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 除
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
附
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝plus 付. Attached to a place — nearby.
附近
Show word reading and meaning
fù jìn
nearby
Read a sentence
学校附近没有银行，只有一家超市。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Xué xiào fù jìn méi yǒu yín háng, zhǐ yǒu yì jiā chāo shì.
There is no bank near the school, only a supermarket.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 附
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
邻
Learn the shape and a useful word
令 on the left and 阝 on the right. Compare its right-hand placement with the left-hand 阝 in 附. Learn the complete word 邻居.
邻居
Show word reading and meaning
lín jū
neighbour
In 邻 the 阝sits on the RIGHT — the same mound radical, other side.
Read a sentence
新邻居帮我们搬了两把椅子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Xīn lín jū bāng wǒ men bān le liǎng bǎ yǐ zi.
Our new neighbour helped us move two chairs.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 邻
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
阳
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝plus 日. The sunny side of the hill — the sun itself.
太阳
Show word reading and meaning
tài yáng
the sun
Read a sentence
太阳出来以后，房间里暖和多了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Tài yáng chū lái yǐ hòu, fáng jiān lǐ nuǎn huo duō le.
The room became much warmer after the sun came out.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 阳
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Which character appears in 附近, nearby, and which has 阝 on the right in 邻居, neighbour?
Check and learn
附 appears in 附近 fù jìn and has 阝 on the left. 邻 appears in 邻居 lín jū and has 阝 on the right. Notice the placement; a similar written outline does not make their components or words interchangeable.
Try a new context
阿姨家附近的邻居每天都很早起床。
Whose neighbours are mentioned, and what do they do early? Keep 附近 as location, not a family relationship.
Compare your interpretation
The neighbours near Auntie's home get up early each day. 附近 marks proximity and 邻居 names neighbours; 阿姨 identifies whose home is the reference point. The neighbours are not automatically relatives.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
83. Movement 辶 — the walking path
辶at the lower left wraps a journey — lateness, a trip through, an encounter, a choice, a welcome.
迟
Learn the shape and a useful word
尺 with 辶. The walk that missed its measure — late.
迟到
Show word reading and meaning
chí dào
to be late
Read a sentence
我今天迟到了五分钟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ jīn tiān chí dào le wǔ fēn zhōng.
I was five minutes late today.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 迟
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
遍
Learn the shape and a useful word
扁 with 辶. Going the whole route once — one complete time through.
一遍
Show word reading and meaning
yí biàn
once through; one time (cover to cover)
看一遍 is "read it once through" — a count of complete passes, not of glances.
Read a sentence
请把这段话从头到尾读一遍。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Qǐng bǎ zhè duàn huà cóng tóu dào wěi dú yí biàn.
Please read this passage through once from beginning to end.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 遍
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
遇
Learn the shape and a useful word
禺 with 辶. Paths crossing — to meet by chance, to encounter.
遇到
Show word reading and meaning
yù dào
to encounter; to run into
Read a sentence
我在超市遇到了以前的老师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ zài chāo shì yù dào le yǐ qián de lǎo shī.
I ran into my former teacher at the supermarket.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 遇
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
选
Learn the shape and a useful word
先 with 辶. Moving one ahead of the rest — to choose.
选择
Show word reading and meaning
xuǎn zé
to choose
Read a sentence
这两本书你可以选择一本。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè liǎng běn shū nǐ kě yǐ xuǎn zé yì běn.
You can choose one of these two books.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 选
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
迎
Learn the shape and a useful word
卬 with 辶. Walking out to meet someone — to welcome.
欢迎
Show word reading and meaning
huān yíng
to welcome; welcome
Read a sentence
欢迎大家明天来听我们的介绍。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Huān yíng dà jiā míng tiān lái tīng wǒ men de jiè shào.
Everyone is welcome to come and hear our introduction tomorrow.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 迎
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
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Try with the help closed: Which 辶character means once-through in 一遍, and which means welcome in 欢迎?
Check and learn
遍 means once-through in 一遍, and 迎 means welcome in 欢迎. Say yí biàn and huān yíng, then trace the 辶path under each.
Try a new context
我读了一遍，还是没懂。选择答案以前，再读一遍。
How many readings have already happened, and is the second complete? Distinguish a request from an accomplished action.
Compare your interpretation
One complete reading has happened without understanding. A second is requested before choosing an answer; it is not reported as already done. 一遍 counts a complete pass; 选择 is choosing.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
84. The roof 宀 — shelter and what happens under it
宀on top puts the word under a roof — safety, a hotel, a decision at home.
安
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 over 女. The household settled under the roof — peace, safety.
安全
Show word reading and meaning
ān quán
safe; safety
Read a sentence
过马路以前，要先看看是否安全。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Guò mǎ lù yǐ qián, yào xiān kàn kan shì fǒu ān quán.
Check whether it is safe before crossing the road.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 安
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
宾
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 over 兵-like strokes. A guest under your roof — the guest, and the hotel that hosts many.
宾馆
Show word reading and meaning
bīn guǎn
hotel
Read a sentence
我们住的宾馆离机场不远。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ men zhù de bīn guǎn lí jī chǎng bù yuǎn.
The hotel where we are staying is not far from the airport.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 宾
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
容
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 above 谷. Notice the lower 口 within 谷. Read 容易 as a whole word meaning easy; the shape is a recognition cue, not an explanation of that meaning.
容易
Show word reading and meaning
róng yì
easy
容易 looks like it should mean "face" (it also appears in 笑容, a smiling face); in 容易 it means easy.
Read a sentence
这道题不容易，我想再试一次。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè dào tí bù róng yì, wǒ xiǎng zài shì yí cì.
This question is not easy; I want to try again.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 容
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
害
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 over 丯 and 口. Trouble under the roof — harm; in 害怕, the harm you fear.
害怕
Show word reading and meaning
hài pà
to be afraid of
Read a sentence
孩子害怕打雷，妈妈陪着他。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Hái zi hài pà dǎ léi, mā ma péi zhe tā.
The child is afraid of thunder, and Mum is staying with him.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 害
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
定
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 over 疋. Feet planted at home — settled, decided.
一定
Show word reading and meaning
yí dìng
certainly; definitely
Read a sentence
我答应你，明天一定把书带来。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ dā ying nǐ, míng tiān yí dìng bǎ shū dài lái.
I promise I will definitely bring the book tomorrow.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 定
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Which 宀character means safe in 安全, and which means certainly in 一定?
Check and learn
安 means safe in 安全, and 定 means certainly in 一定. Say ān quán and yí dìng, then write both roofs from memory.
Try a new context
这家宾馆离车站近，但不一定安静。
Which advantage is certain, and which quality is uncertain? Use 不一定 (bù yí dìng), not necessarily.
Compare your interpretation
The hotel is close to the station, but it is not necessarily quiet. 不一定 removes certainty; it does not assert that the hotel is definitely noisy. 宾馆 names the hotel and 安静 is the quality being questioned.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with yesterday's group. With all help closed, say the selected word and meaning, distinguish one easily confused shape, and explain the new context. Reopen the model only after trying; revisit what you could not recall.
Choose your next character list
Use the level lists alongside lessons you understand. The lists keep recognition and handwriting requirements separate. A listed character is a study target, rather than evidence of mastery.
HSK 1 charactersHSK 2 charactersHSK 3 charactersHSK 4 charactersHSK 5 charactersHSK 6 characters
Stroke model credits
Models: Hanzi Writer Data, derived from Make Me a Hanzi. Copyright © 1999 Arphic Technology Co., Ltd. Data is provided without warranty and may be redistributed under the Arphic Public License. Renderer: MIT license.