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 15 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
85. Thread 纟 — grades, paper and results
纟on the left is twisted silk — today it marks ranks, documents and outcomes.
级
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟plus 及. Steps braided in order — a grade, a level.
年级
Show word reading and meaning
nián jí
grade (in school)
Read a sentence
她的弟弟今年上三年级。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Tā de dì di jīn nián shàng sān nián jí.
Her younger brother is in the third year of primary school this year.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 级
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.
纸
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟plus 氏. Fibres pressed flat — paper.
纸
Show word reading and meaning
zhǐ
paper
Read a sentence
这张纸的背面还可以写字。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè zhāng zhǐ de bèi miàn hái kě yǐ xiě zì.
You can still write on the back of this sheet of paper.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 纸
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.
练
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟plus the same right side as 炼. Repetition woven in — to practise.
练习
Show word reading and meaning
liàn xí
to practise; exercise
练 (practise) and 炼 (temper in fire) share a sound; the 纟one is study, the 火one is the gym (锻炼).
Read a sentence
每天练习一次，比考前才练好。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Měi tiān liàn xí yí cì, bǐ kǎo qián cái liàn hǎo.
Practising once each day is better than waiting until just before the exam.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 练
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.
绩
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟plus 责. Threads counted at the end — achievement, results.
成绩
Show word reading and meaning
chéng jì
result; score
Read a sentence
这次成绩比上次好，但还有错题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè cì chéng jì bǐ shàng cì hǎo, dàn hái yǒu cuò tí.
This result is better than the last one, but there are still incorrect answers.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 绩
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.
结
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟plus 吉. Threads tied together — to tie, to bear fruit, a result.
结果
Show word reading and meaning
jié guǒ
result; as a result
结果 is neutral — the outcome can be good or bad, and it also opens "as a result, …".
Read a sentence
结果和我们想的不一样。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Jié guǒ hé wǒ men xiǎng de bù yí yàng.
The result is different from what we expected.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 结
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 纟character means grade in 年级, and which means score in 成绩?
Check and learn
级 means grade in 年级, and 绩 means score in 成绩. Say nián jí and chéng jì, then write the two right-hand sides (及 vs 责) without looking.
Try a new context
我们年级练习以后，成绩提高了，但结果还要再检查。
What improved, and what still needs checking? Does practice alone make every result correct?
Compare your interpretation
The grade group's results or scores improved after practice, but the results still need checking. 年级 is the school year group, 练习 practice and 成绩 the scores. Improvement is not a guarantee that every answer is correct.
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.
86. Speech 讠 and 言 — talking and messages
讠on the left and 言 inside both point to words and speech; 信 is the exception to remember.
讲
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠plus 井. Words laid out in order — to speak, to explain.
讲话
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎng huà
to speak; to give a talk
Read a sentence
请等他说完，再讲话。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Qǐng děng tā shuō wán, zài jiǎng huà.
Please wait until he has finished before speaking.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 讲
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.
议
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠plus 义. Words about what is right — to discuss; a meeting.
会议
Show word reading and meaning
huì yì
meeting; conference
Read a sentence
今天的会议只开半个小时。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Jīn tiān de huì yì zhǐ kāi bàn ge xiǎo shí.
Today's meeting lasts only half an hour.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 议
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.
调
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠plus 周. Words going round a matter — to investigate. Another reading, tiáo, adjusts.
调查
Show word reading and meaning
diào chá
to investigate; survey
调 is diào in 调查 and 声调, but tiáo in 空调 and 调整 — same character, two readings.
Read a sentence
老师在调查同学们喜欢什么运动。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Lǎo shī zài diào chá tóng xué men xǐ huan shén me yùn dòng.
The teacher is surveying which sports the students like.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 调
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.
言
Learn the shape and a useful word
A stack of horizontal strokes stands above 口. The complete 言 appears in 信 and 誓; simplified 语 instead has the abbreviated speech part 讠.
发言
Show word reading and meaning
fā yán
to speak; to make a statement
Read a sentence
发言以前，请先想好要说什么。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Fā yán yǐ qián, qǐng xiān xiǎng hǎo yào shuō shén me.
Before speaking, think about what you want to say.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 言
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.
信
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻person beside 言. A person standing by their word — believe; also a letter.
相信
Show word reading and meaning
xiāng xìn
to believe; to trust
信 is both "believe" (相信) and "letter" (写信); context chooses.
Read a sentence
我相信她会按时回来。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ xiāng xìn tā huì àn shí huí lái.
I believe she will return on time.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 信
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 means investigate in 调查, and which means believe in 相信?
Check and learn
调 means investigate in 调查, and 信 means believe in 相信. Say diào chá and xiāng xìn, then write the speech radical on the correct side of each.
Try a new context
会议上先调查问题，再让大家发言，不要只相信一个人的说法。
What evidence-gathering action comes first, and what follows? Which advice warns against relying on one account?
Compare your interpretation
Investigate the problem first, then let everyone speak. The final clause warns against believing only one person's account. 调查 is diào chá, investigation; 发言 is speaking to the group and 相信 is believing.
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.
87. Cloth 衤 — shirts, quilts and first cuts
衤(the cloth radical, one dot more than 礻) dresses the word; 初 remembers the tailor's first cut.
衬
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤 on the left and 寸 on the right. Compare the short right-hand 寸 with the three sloping strokes 彡 in 衫. Read the selected whole word 衬衫.
衬衫
Show word reading and meaning
chèn shān
shirt
衬 and 衫 share one word; learn 衬衫 as a pair, like 阿姨.
Read a sentence
这件衬衫的袖子太长，穿着不方便。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè jiàn chèn shān de xiù zi tài cháng, chuān zhe bù fāng biàn.
The sleeves of this shirt are too long, making it awkward to wear.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 衬
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.
衫
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤plus 彡. Cloth with decorative strokes — a shirt or blouse, again inside 衬衫.
衬衫
Show word reading and meaning
chèn shān
shirt
Read a sentence
我的白衬衫还没干。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ de bái chèn shān hái méi gān.
My white shirt is not dry yet.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 衫
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.
裙
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤plus 君. Cloth that flows like a ruler's robe — a skirt.
裙子
Show word reading and meaning
qún zi
skirt
Read a sentence
她穿了一条蓝色的裙子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Tā chuān le yì tiáo lán sè de qún zi.
She is wearing a blue skirt.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 裙
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.
被
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤plus 皮. The cloth skin you pull over yourself — a quilt. The same character marks the passive in grammar.
被子
Show word reading and meaning
bèi zi
quilt; blanket
被子 is the bedding; 被 + verb ("被批评") is the passive marker. Same shape, two jobs.
Read a sentence
天冷了，我想换一床厚被子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Tiān lěng le, wǒ xiǎng huàn yì chuáng hòu bèi zi.
It has become cold; I would like to change to a thick quilt.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 被
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.
初
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤plus 刀. The first cut into the cloth — the beginning.
当初
Show word reading and meaning
dāng chū
back then; at the beginning
Read a sentence
当初我不会游泳，现在已经学会了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Dāng chū wǒ bú huì yóu yǒng, xiàn zài yǐ jīng xué huì le.
I could not swim back then, but now I have learnt.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 初
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 衤character means quilt, and which means beginning in 当初?
Check and learn
被 appears in 被子 bèi zi, quilt; 初 appears in 当初 dāng chū, back then. Both have 衤 on the left. Use the stroke model and compare 衤 with 礻: 衤 has an extra lower sloping stroke. Do not omit its final dot.
Try a new context
当初我买了白衬衫，后来换成蓝裙子。被子还是原来的。
Which clothing changed and which household item did not? Use 后来 (hòu lái), later, and 原来的 (yuán lái de), the original.
Compare your interpretation
The earlier white shirt was exchanged for a blue skirt. The quilt stayed the same. 当初 gives the earlier time; 衬衫 and 裙子 are clothing, while 被子 is the household quilt.
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.
88. Food 饣 and 米 — cakes, dumplings and appetites
饣(the eat radical) and 米 (rice) gather the words of the table.
糕
Learn the shape and a useful word
米plus 羔. Rice (flour) with lamb-soft sweetness — cake.
蛋糕
Show word reading and meaning
dàn gāo
cake
Read a sentence
这块蛋糕是留给你的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè kuài dàn gāo shì liú gěi nǐ de.
This piece of cake has been saved for you.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 糕
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.
糖
Learn the shape and a useful word
米plus 唐. Sweetness from the grain — sugar, candy.
糖果
Show word reading and meaning
táng guǒ
candy; sweets
Read a sentence
我把糖果放在小盒子里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ bǎ táng guǒ fàng zài xiǎo hé zi lǐ.
I put the sweets in the small box.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 糖
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.
饺
Learn the shape and a useful word
饣plus 交. Food folded across itself — the dumpling.
饺子
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎo zi
dumpling
Read a sentence
今天我们自己包饺子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Jīn tiān wǒ men zì jǐ bāo jiǎo zi.
We are making dumplings ourselves today.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 饺
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.
饱
Learn the shape and a useful word
饣plus 包. Eaten until wrapped full — full, satisfied.
吃饱
Show word reading and meaning
chī bǎo
to eat one's fill
Read a sentence
我已经吃饱了，不用再给我加饭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ yǐ jīng chī bǎo le, bú yòng zài gěi wǒ jiā fàn.
I am full already; you do not need to give me more rice.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 饱
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.
饿
Learn the shape and a useful word
饣plus 我. My stomach asking for food — hungry.
饿了
Show word reading and meaning
è le
hungry
饱 and 饿 are the pair: full and hungry. Both take 饣because both are about eating.
Read a sentence
孩子饿了，先给他一点吃的吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Hái zi è le, xiān gěi tā yì diǎn chī de ba.
The child is hungry; give him something to eat first.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 饿
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 means dumpling, and which means hungry?
Check and learn
饺 means dumpling in 饺子, and 饿 means hungry in 饿了. Say jiǎo zi and è le, then point to the 饣side of each from memory.
Try a new context
我饿了，想吃饺子。吃饱以后再吃一小块蛋糕。
What do I want first, and what is planned after the meal? Contrast 饿了 with 吃饱.
Compare your interpretation
I am hungry and want dumplings first. A small piece of cake is planned after eating my fill. 饿了 and 吃饱 describe different states; neither is the name of a particular food.
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.
89. Hands at work 3 — protect, base, quite, choose, help
Three more 扌actions, one hand-built word, one helper to remember.
护
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌plus 户. A hand guarding the door — to protect.
保护
Show word reading and meaning
bǎo hù
to protect
Read a sentence
骑车的时候，要注意保护自己。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Qí chē de shí hou, yào zhù yì bǎo hù zì jǐ.
Take care to protect yourself when cycling.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 护
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.
据
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌plus 居. The hand you lean on — a basis; "according to".
根据
Show word reading and meaning
gēn jù
basis; according to
Read a sentence
请根据这段话回答下面的问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Qǐng gēn jù zhè duàn huà huí dá xià miàn de wèn tí.
Please answer the questions below using this passage.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 据
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.
挺
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌plus 廷. Holding up straight — to endure, and the colloquial "quite".
挺好
Show word reading and meaning
tǐng hǎo
quite good
挺好 is spoken "quite good"; the posture sense appears in 挺立, standing straight.
Read a sentence
这个办法挺好，我们试试。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Zhè ge bàn fǎ tǐng hǎo, wǒ men shì shi.
This method is quite good; let us try it.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 挺
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.
择
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌plus 睪-like right side. The hand picking between options — to choose, inside 选择.
选择
Show word reading and meaning
xuǎn zé
to choose
选 (choose with 辶) and 择 (choose with 扌) share one word: 选择.
Read a sentence
选择以前，先想想自己需要什么。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Xuǎn zé yǐ qián, xiān xiǎng xiang zì jǐ xū yào shén me.
Before choosing, think about what you need.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 择
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.
助
Learn the shape and a useful word
且 plus 力. Strength lent to the one who needs it — to help.
帮助
Show word reading and meaning
bāng zhù
to help
Read a sentence
谢谢你给我们的帮助。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Xiè xie nǐ gěi wǒ men de bāng zhù.
Thank you for your help.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 助
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.
Try with the help closed: Which character means protect, and which means help in 帮助?
Check and learn
护 means protect in 保护, and 助 means help in 帮助. Say bǎo hù and bāng zhù, then write 护's door and 助's strength from memory.
Try a new context
根据这段话选择答案。需要帮助时可以问老师。
What should the answer be based on, and what support is allowed? Does 选择 mean accepting any answer without evidence?
Compare your interpretation
The answer should be based on the passage; asking the teacher for help is allowed when needed. 根据 identifies the basis, 选择 the choice and 帮助 the support. It is not an instruction to guess without reading.
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.
90. Family — women, marriage, uncles and raising children
女marks the women of the family; 叔 and 育 complete the household.
姨
Learn the shape and a useful word
女plus 夷. Mother's sister — or any woman you address politely.
阿姨
Show word reading and meaning
ā yí
aunt; a polite address for a woman
Read a sentence
我的阿姨住在这座城市。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ de ā yí zhù zài zhè zuò chéng shì.
My maternal aunt lives in this city.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 姨
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.
婚
Learn the shape and a useful word
女plus 昏. The old wedding was at dusk (昏); today it is simply marriage.
结婚
Show word reading and meaning
jié hūn
to marry; to get married
结婚 needs no object: 我们结婚了 — "we got married".
Read a sentence
他们准备明年结婚。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Tā men zhǔn bèi míng nián jié hūn.
They are planning to get married next year.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 婚
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.
如
Learn the shape and a useful word
女plus 口. A shape to memorise as a whole — its everyday job is "if" and "as".
如果
Show word reading and meaning
rú guǒ
if
Read a sentence
如果明天下雨，我们就在家看书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Rú guǒ míng tiān xià yǔ, wǒ men jiù zài jiā kàn shū.
If it rains tomorrow, we will read at home.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 如
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.
叔
Learn the shape and a useful word
尗 plus 又. Father's younger brother — said twice in the family word.
叔叔
Show word reading and meaning
shū shu
uncle (father's younger brother)
叔叔 repeats the character and lightens the second; the same pattern as 弟弟.
Read a sentence
叔叔是爸爸的弟弟，比爸爸小三岁。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Shū shu shì bà ba de dì di, bǐ bà ba xiǎo sān suì.
My uncle is Dad's younger brother and is three years younger than Dad.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 叔
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.
育
Learn the shape and a useful word
亠-like top over 月. Raising a body — to nurture, to educate.
教育
Show word reading and meaning
jiào yù
to educate; education
教 is jiào in 教育 (teach as a noun activity) but jiāo in 教书 (teach as a job).
Read a sentence
我们在讨论孩子的教育问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
Wǒ men zài tǎo lùn hái zi de jiào yù wèn tí.
We are discussing children's education.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 育
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 means marry in 结婚, and which means if in 如果?
Check and learn
婚 means marry in 结婚, and 如 means if in 如果. Say jié hūn and rú guǒ, then write 婚's dusk and 如's mouth without looking.
Try a new context
如果叔叔明年结婚，我们就去看他。
Is the marriage stated as certain, or as a condition? Which uncle does the selected family word identify?
Compare your interpretation
It is a condition: if the uncle marries next year, we will visit. 如果 does not establish that it will happen. In the selected family use, 叔叔 is the father's younger brother; it can also be a polite address in other contexts.
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.