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 21 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
121. A word chooses its reading
Use the selected word and sentence to avoid overgeneralising from one character.
香
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 is above 日. Compare with 秋, where 禾 sits beside 火 rather than above another part.
香蕉
Show word reading and meaning
xiāngjiāo
banana
香蕉 means banana. Do not assume every word with 香 simply means fragrant.
Read a sentence
我买了三根香蕉。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ mǎi le sān gēn xiāng jiāo。
I bought three bananas.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 香
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.
尝
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the small upper strokes, the cover beneath them and 云 at the bottom. Compare its full shape with 常.
尝
Show word reading and meaning
cháng
taste; try a small amount of food or drink
尝 is cháng, taste or try some food. 常 is a different character used in other words.
Read a sentence
你尝尝这个菜吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ cháng cháng zhè ge cài ba。
Try this dish.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 尝
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.
差
Learn the shape and a useful word
Look at the upper sloping strokes and the 工 at the bottom. Compare the whole form with 羊.
差
Show word reading and meaning
chà
poor; not good; pronounced chà
The chosen reading is chà, poor or bad. Other words can use other readings; do not apply chà everywhere.
Read a sentence
我昨天没睡好，今天感觉很差。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zuó tiān méi shuì hǎo， jīn tiān gǎn jué hěn chà。
I did not sleep well yesterday and feel awful today.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 差
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.
假
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is on the left and the dense right-hand part ends with 又. Compare the whole right side with the simpler 建 in 健.
放假
Show word reading and meaning
fàngjià
start a holiday; have time off from school or work
假 is jià in 放假, have time off. It is jiǎ in words about something false; those readings are different.
Read a sentence
我们下周放假。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men xià zhōu fàng jià。
Our holiday starts next week.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 假
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.
角
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the small top section over the larger lower frame, with a central vertical continuing through the inside.
角
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎo
jiǎo; a monetary unit worth one tenth of a yuan
角 is jiǎo as a money unit here, one tenth of a yuan. Do not infer the reading of a different word from this example alone.
Read a sentence
这支笔两元五角。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhī bǐ liǎng yuán wǔ jiǎo。
This pen costs two yuan and fifty cents.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 角
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: Read 香蕉、尝、差、放假、角 in their examples. Which reading of 假 belongs to a holiday, and what does five 角 count?
Check and learn
香蕉 is banana; 尝 cháng is taste; 差 chà is poor in the example; 放假 uses jià. 五角 is five tenths of a yuan, fifty cents, not five holidays or five bananas.
Try a new context
放假以后，我想尝尝这种香蕉。
Is 假 here about time off or about something fake?
Compare your interpretation
It is time off, jià. The speaker wants to try this kind of banana after the holiday starts.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
122. Training and counting different things
Use classifiers with their objects, rather than giving all counts the same word.
锻
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 is on the left and 段 on the right. Contrast the full character with 段 alone.
锻炼
Show word reading and meaning
duànliàn
exercise; train
锻炼 means exercise or train. Its meaning is not the same as 段, section, despite the shared part.
Read a sentence
我每天早上锻炼半小时。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ měi tiān zǎo shang duàn liàn bàn xiǎo shí。
I exercise for half an hour every morning.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 锻
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.
斤
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the top sloping strokes and the long vertical on the right. Compare with 听, which adds 口 to this shape.
公斤
Show word reading and meaning
gōngjīn
kilogram
公斤 means kilogram. The selected word is not the same unit as 斤 alone.
Read a sentence
这些苹果一共两公斤。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē píng guǒ yí gòng liǎng gōng jīn。
These apples weigh two kilograms in total.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 斤
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.
封
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 土-like sections stand on the left of 寸. Keep the small dot in the right-hand part.
封
Show word reading and meaning
fēng
a classifier for letters and similar items
封 counts letters, as in 一封信. It is not the usual classifier for a sheet of paper.
Read a sentence
我给朋友写了一封信。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ gěi péng you xiě le yī fēng xìn。
I wrote a letter to my friend.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 封
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.
层
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 covers 云. Compare its lower 云 with 古 in 居 and with the different lower part of 屋.
层
Show word reading and meaning
céng
a classifier for storeys or layers
层 counts storeys or layers. The sentence identifies what is being counted.
Read a sentence
这座楼有五层。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zuò lóu yǒu wǔ céng。
This building has five storeys.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 层
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.
张
Learn the shape and a useful word
弓 is on the left and 长 on the right. Compare the full side-by-side character with 长 alone.
张
Show word reading and meaning
zhāng
a classifier for flat things such as paper or tickets
张 counts many flat things, such as sheets of paper or tickets, in the uses taught here.
Read a sentence
请给我两张纸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng zhāng zhǐ。
Please give me two sheets of paper.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 张
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: Choose the words for exercise and kilogram, then choose 封、层 or 张 for a letter, a storey and a sheet of paper.
Check and learn
锻炼 is exercise and 公斤 is kilogram. 一封信 is a letter, 一层 can count a storey, and 一张纸 is a sheet of paper. These counting words are not freely interchangeable.
Try a new context
我在五层的房间里写了一封信，用了两张纸。
How many letters and how many sheets of paper are mentioned?
Compare your interpretation
One letter and two sheets. 五层 identifies the floor; it does not count five letters. 封 and 张 count different things.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
123. Pictures, lists, cards and mail
Link a written shape to its whole-word use, then find the object in a sentence.
片
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upright left side and the lower right-hand turn. Compare this full outline with the different vertical-and-hook arrangement in 牙.
照片
Show word reading and meaning
zhàopiàn
photograph
照片 means photograph. 片 in this word is not a classifier for counting the photographs in the example.
Read a sentence
这张照片是我去年照的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng zhào piàn shì wǒ qù nián zhào de。
I took this photo last year.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 片
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.
图
Learn the shape and a useful word
A full enclosure surrounds 冬. Keep the lower enclosing stroke; compare with the right-open enclosure of 区.
地图
Show word reading and meaning
dìtú
map
地图 means map. Read it as one word before interpreting the place names around it.
Read a sentence
请在地图上找一下车站。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài dì tú shàng zhǎo yí xià chē zhàn。
Please find the station on the map.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 图
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.
单
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the two small upper strokes and the central vertical through the framed middle and lower horizontal.
名单
Show word reading and meaning
míngdān
list of names
名单 is a list of names. 单 has different whole-word uses; it is dān in this word.
Read a sentence
我的名字在名单上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de míng zi zài míng dān shàng。
My name is on the list.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 单
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.
卡
Learn the shape and a useful word
Look at the 上-like top and the strokes continuing below. Compare it with 上 alone; do not leave out the lower section.
银行卡
Show word reading and meaning
yínhángkǎ
bank card
银行卡 is bank card. 卡 is kǎ in this word; this is not its only possible reading.
Read a sentence
我的银行卡在包里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de yín háng kǎ zài bāo lǐ。
My bank card is in my bag.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 卡
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.
邮
Learn the shape and a useful word
由 is on the left and 阝 on the right. Compare its side position with the outer enclosure of 园.
邮件
Show word reading and meaning
yóujiàn
email; mail, depending on context
邮件 can be email or mail according to context. The selected example refers to emailing a teacher.
Read a sentence
我刚刚给老师发了邮件。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ gāng gāng gěi lǎo shī fā le yóu jiàn。
I have just emailed my teacher.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 邮
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: Recall the words for photograph, map, name list, bank card and email. Which words include 片 and 图?
Check and learn
照片 is photograph and includes 片; 地图 is map and includes 图. 名单 is name list, 银行卡 bank card and 邮件 email or mail in context.
Try a new context
我把照片和名单一起发给老师了。
Does the sentence identify a map or a bank card as something sent?
Compare your interpretation
No. It identifies photographs and a name list. 地图 and 银行卡 are useful contrasts, but they are not named in this sentence.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
124. Feelings, care and sound
Distinguish concern, an effect, and a sound instead of translating from one component.
心
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the low central hook and the separate dots around it. Compare with 必, which adds a crossing sloping stroke.
担心
Show word reading and meaning
dānxīn
worry; be worried about
担心 means worry or be worried about. Other words with 心 can express different feelings or attitudes.
Read a sentence
妈妈担心我的身体。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mā ma dān xīn wǒ de shēn tǐ。
Mum is worried about my health.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 心
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.
顾
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the left-hand enclosing form around the small lower part, followed by 页 on the right. Keep both sides.
照顾
Show word reading and meaning
zhàogù
look after; take care of
照顾 means look after or take care of, not merely look at.
Read a sentence
我在家照顾小猫。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zài jiā zhào gù xiǎo māo。
I look after the kitten at home.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 顾
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.
响
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands to the left of 向. Compare the complete character with 向 alone.
影响
Show word reading and meaning
yǐngxiǎng
affect; an effect or influence
影响 is affect or influence. It is not simply the noun for a sound.
Read a sentence
外面的声音影响我学习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wài miàn de shēng yīn yǐng xiǎng wǒ xué xí。
The noise outside affects my studying.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 响
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.
声
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 士-like top sits above the lower turned form. Compare the upper horizontal strokes with those in 生.
声音
Show word reading and meaning
shēngyīn
sound; voice
声 can count a call or sound, as in 一声鸟叫. 声音 is the whole word for sound or voice.
Read a sentence
请把声音放小一点儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ shēng yīn fàng xiǎo yī diǎnr。
Please turn the volume down a little.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 声
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.
音
Learn the shape and a useful word
立 is above 日. Compare the stacked arrangement with 香, which has 禾 above 日.
声音
Show word reading and meaning
shēngyīn
sound; voice
声音 means sound or voice; 音 also occurs in other sound-related words.
Read a sentence
请把声音放小一点儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ shēng yīn fàng xiǎo yī diǎnr。
Please turn the volume down a little.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 音
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 word means worry, which means look after, and which means affect? Read 声音 and identify its two target characters.
Check and learn
担心 means worry, 照顾 look after, and 影响 affect. 声 and 音 form 声音, sound or voice. A shared component or topic does not make these words interchangeable.
Try a new context
外面的声音影响我休息。
Which expression names the noise, and which says it affects something?
Compare your interpretation
声音 names the sound or noise; 影响 expresses its effect on the speaker's rest. The sentence does not say someone is providing care.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
125. Handling a problem and considering options
Recognise the visual parts and keep the direction of an action clear.
或
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice 口 and the lower short stroke inside the larger sloping, hooked form. Compare it with 成, which has a different interior.
或者
Show word reading and meaning
huòzhě
or; introduces alternatives in a statement
或者 introduces alternatives in statements. The complete sentence determines the alternatives.
Read a sentence
我周末想跑步或者游泳。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zhōu mò xiǎng pǎo bù huò zhě yóu yǒng。
I would like to run or swim at the weekend.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 或
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.
借
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left of 昔. Compare with 错, which has 钅 on the left instead.
借
Show word reading and meaning
jiè
borrow or lend; direction is shown by the surrounding words
借 can mean borrow or lend; words such as 向你 and 借给你 establish the direction.
Read a sentence
我想向你借一本书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng xiàng nǐ jiè yī běn shū。
I would like to borrow a book from you.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 借
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.
理
Learn the shape and a useful word
王 is on the left and 里 on the right. Keep 里 complete, including its central vertical and lower horizontals.
经理
Show word reading and meaning
jīnglǐ
manager
经理 means manager; it is a job title, not a description of physical distance.
Read a sentence
他是这家酒店的经理。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì zhè jiā jiǔ diàn de jīng lǐ。
He is the manager of this hotel.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 理
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.
办
Learn the shape and a useful word
力 is in the centre with an extra stroke on each side. Compare with 力 alone and with 加, which has a separate 口.
办法
Show word reading and meaning
bànfǎ
way of dealing with a problem; solution
办法 means a way of dealing with a problem. The word is not a command just to do something.
Read a sentence
我想到了一个好办法。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng dào le yí gè hǎo bàn fǎ。
I have thought of a good solution.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 办
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.
法
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands on the left of 去. Compare with 去 alone; do not drop the water-side strokes.
办法
Show word reading and meaning
bànfǎ
way of dealing with a problem; solution
办法 is a solution or way to deal with a problem; 方法 is another whole word learned in its own contexts.
Read a sentence
我想到了一个好办法。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng dào le yí gè hǎo bàn fǎ。
I have thought of a good solution.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 法
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: Read 或者、借、经理、办法. Which two target characters make 办法? In 向你借一本书, who receives the borrowed book?
Check and learn
或 belongs to 或者, or. 经理 is manager; 办 and 法 form 办法. In 向你借一本书, the speaker asks to borrow a book from you, so the speaker receives it.
Try a new context
我想向经理借一本词典，或者去图书馆借。
Is the speaker offering a dictionary to the manager?
Compare your interpretation
No. 向经理借 means borrowing from the manager. The alternative is borrowing at the library.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
126. Understanding a world and its history
Read a shared word twice if needed, but attend to the different target character each time.
解
Learn the shape and a useful word
角 is on the left; the right side includes 刀 above 牛. Keep the parts in position rather than writing 角 alone.
了解
Show word reading and meaning
liǎojiě
understand; learn about; know something about
了解 means understand or know about. 解 is jiě here; learn other word readings separately.
Read a sentence
我想了解这个城市的历史。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng liǎo jiě zhè ge chéng shì de lì shǐ。
I would like to learn about this city's history.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 解
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.
界
Learn the shape and a useful word
田 sits above 介. Compare with 里, whose lower part and arrangement differ.
世界
Show word reading and meaning
shìjiè
world
世界 means world. The word is not formed by simply adding two English labels.
Read a sentence
我想了解世界上的不同文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng liǎo jiě shì jiè shàng de bù tóng wén huà。
I would like to learn about different cultures around the world.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 界
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.
史
Learn the shape and a useful word
A framed upper section is crossed by the lower spreading strokes. Compare the full form with 中, whose vertical remains straight.
历史
Show word reading and meaning
lìshǐ
history
历史 means history. 史 and 使 are different characters even when they occur in related-looking outlines.
Read a sentence
我喜欢学习中国历史。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xǐ huan xué xí zhōng guó lì shǐ。
I like studying Chinese history.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 史
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.
历
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 covers 力. Compare with 力 alone and with 厉, which has a different covered part.
历史
Show word reading and meaning
lìshǐ
history
历 is the first character of 历史. Learn its order before 史 when recalling the word.
Read a sentence
我喜欢学习中国历史。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xǐ huan xué xí zhōng guó lì shǐ。
I like studying Chinese history.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 历
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.
世
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the long horizontal base and the upright strokes above it. Compare with the closed lower form of 出.
世界
Show word reading and meaning
shìjiè
world
世 is the first character of 世界; 界 follows it.
Read a sentence
我想了解世界上的不同文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng liǎo jiě shì jiè shàng de bù tóng wén huà。
I would like to learn about different cultures around the world.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 世
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: Write the two-character words for history and world in the right order. Which word uses 解 to mean understand or know about?
Check and learn
History is 历史, with 历 before 史. World is 世界, with 世 before 界. 了解 means understand or know about.
Try a new context
我想了解这个城市的历史。
Is the speaker asking to change the city or to learn about its past?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker wants to learn about the city's history. 了解 describes understanding or finding out, not changing the city.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each of these five words. Then write the target characters from memory if handwriting is your goal. Compare the whole shapes, readings and meanings separately; reopen any model you need.
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.