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 22 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
127. Actions, purposes and an eventual result
Keep the complete expressions distinct when a short character has several possible jobs.
丢
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper sloping stroke over 去. Compare with 去 alone and check that extra upper stroke.
丢
Show word reading and meaning
diū
lose; misplace
丢 can mean lose or misplace. 手机丢了 describes a lost phone rather than an instruction to throw it away.
Read a sentence
我的手机丢了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de shǒu jī diū le。
I have lost my phone.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 丢
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.
求
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper horizontal, the central hook and the strokes on both sides. Keep the small upper dot.
要求
Show word reading and meaning
yāoqiú
require; a requirement or request
要求 can be require, request or a requirement. The example shows a teacher requiring practice.
Read a sentence
老师要求我们每天练习汉语。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī yāo qiú wǒ men měi tiān liàn xí hàn yǔ。
The teacher asks us to practise Chinese every day.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 求
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.
终
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 is on the left of 冬. Compare with 冬 alone; keep the thread-side strokes.
终于
Show word reading and meaning
zhōngyú
finally; at last, after waiting or effort
终于 means finally after waiting or effort. It does not by itself supply a past-tense marker.
Read a sentence
我终于做完作业了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zhōng yú zuò wán zuò yè le。
I have finally finished my homework.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 终
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.
用
Learn the shape and a useful word
Look at the outer frame and the inner vertical and horizontal strokes. Compare with 月, which lacks the same central vertical arrangement.
用
Show word reading and meaning
yòng
use
用 means use in this context. 不用 is a separate expression for not needing to do something.
Read a sentence
我想用这个方法学习新词。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng yòng zhè ge fāng fǎ xué xí xīn cí。
I would like to use this method to learn new words.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 用
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.
主
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the dot above the 王-like lower part. Compare with 玉, whose dot is lower on the right.
主要
Show word reading and meaning
zhǔyào
main; principal; mainly
主要 means main, principal or mainly. Learn which job it has in the full sentence.
Read a sentence
这本书主要介绍中国文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū zhǔ yào jiè shào zhōng guó wén huà。
This book mainly introduces Chinese culture.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 主
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 丢、要求、终于、用、主要. Which expression indicates an eventual result, and which can state a requirement?
Check and learn
终于 marks finally or at last; 要求 can state a requirement. 丢 is lose in the selected context, 用 is use, and 主要 is main or mainly. Context chooses the particular use.
Try a new context
我终于找到了丢的卡，现在可以用了。
What was lost, and what can the speaker do now?
Compare your interpretation
The card was lost and has finally been found. The speaker can now use it. 终于 marks the eventual successful result.
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.
128. Going out with the right equipment
Use a visible part as a recognition clue while reading the whole action or object word.
爬
Learn the shape and a useful word
爪 is on the left and 巴 on the right. Compare the left part with the different inner strokes of 瓜.
爬
Show word reading and meaning
pá
climb; crawl, depending on context
爬 can mean climb or crawl. 爬山 is climb a mountain or go hiking in the selected context.
Read a sentence
周末我们去爬山吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhōu mò wǒ men qù pá shān ba。
Let us go mountain climbing at the weekend.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 爬
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.
骑
Learn the shape and a useful word
马 stands on the left of 奇. Compare the whole form with 奇 alone; keep the horse-side strokes.
骑
Show word reading and meaning
qí
ride; sit astride a bicycle, horse or similar thing
骑 is ride astride, as with a bicycle or horse. It is not the general verb for travelling in every vehicle.
Read a sentence
我每天骑自行车上学。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ měi tiān qí zì xíng chē shàng xué。
I cycle to school every day.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 骑
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.
铅
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 is on the left; the right-hand part has an upper section over 口. Compare the full shape with 铃, which ends differently.
铅笔
Show word reading and meaning
qiānbǐ
pencil
铅笔 means pencil. The word is qiānbǐ; this does not claim that a modern pencil core is made of lead.
Read a sentence
请用铅笔写答案。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng yòng qiān bǐ xiě dá àn。
Please write the answer in pencil.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 铅
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.
鞋
Learn the shape and a useful word
革 is on the left and 圭 on the right. Compare its two 土-like right-hand sections with 封, which has 寸 on the right.
鞋
Show word reading and meaning
xié
shoe; shoes
鞋 can mean shoe or shoes. 一双鞋 counts a pair rather than a single shoe.
Read a sentence
这双鞋有点儿小。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè shuāng xié yǒu diǎnr xiǎo。
These shoes are a little small.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 鞋
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.
伞
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper 人-like cover sits above small side strokes and a central vertical crossing a horizontal.
伞
Show word reading and meaning
sǎn
umbrella
伞 means umbrella. Bring the whole word to mind rather than treating every covering shape as an umbrella.
Read a sentence
今天可能下雨，请带伞。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān kě néng xià yǔ， qǐng dài sǎn。
It might rain today; please take an umbrella.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 伞
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: Name the verbs for climbing and riding, then the words for pencil, shoes and umbrella. Which character contains 奇?
Check and learn
爬 is climb or crawl, 骑 is ride astride, 铅笔 is pencil, 鞋 shoes and 伞 umbrella. 骑 contains 奇 on the right, but the complete character and word still need learning.
Try a new context
下雨的时候，我不骑车，带伞走路。
Does the speaker cycle with an umbrella in this sentence?
Compare your interpretation
No. The speaker does not cycle when it rains and walks with an umbrella. 不 negates 骑车; do not omit it.
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.
129. Similar-looking parts and different whole words
Contrast a bare character with the same visible part inside a larger one.
奇
Learn the shape and a useful word
大 sits above 可. Compare this complete shape with the right-hand part of 骑.
奇怪
Show word reading and meaning
qíguài
strange; odd
奇怪 is strange or odd. 奇 is qí in this word.
Read a sentence
这个声音有点儿奇怪。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge shēng yīn yǒu diǎnr qí guài。
This sound is a little strange.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 奇
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.
趣
Learn the shape and a useful word
走 is on the left and lower side of 取. Keep the enclosing lower sweep rather than writing 取 alone.
兴趣
Show word reading and meaning
xìngqù
interest in a topic or activity
兴趣 is interest. 感兴趣 expresses being interested, normally with 对 introducing the topic.
Read a sentence
我对中国历史很有兴趣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ duì zhōng guó lì shǐ hěn yǒu xìng qù。
I am very interested in Chinese history.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 趣
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.
激
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is on the left and the dense right-hand part includes 白 and 方. Compare the whole form with a printed model.
冰激凌
Show word reading and meaning
bīngjīlíng
ice cream
冰激凌 means ice cream. It is not a definition of 激 by itself.
Read a sentence
我想吃一个冰激凌。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng chī yí gè bīng jī líng。
I would like an ice cream.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 激
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.
像
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left of 象. Compare with 象 alone and with the much simpler 向.
好像
Show word reading and meaning
hǎoxiàng
seem; appear to
好像 means seem or appear to in the selected example; it does not establish a fact with certainty.
Read a sentence
他好像有点儿累。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hǎo xiàng yǒu diǎnr lèi。
He seems a little tired.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 像
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.
行
Learn the shape and a useful word
The two sides form an open arrangement. Compare with 街, which inserts extra material between related outer parts.
不行
Show word reading and meaning
bùxíng
not work; not be acceptable or possible
行 is xíng in 不行, not work or not be acceptable. 银行 uses háng instead; keep the readings with their words.
Read a sentence
这张卡不行，请换一张。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng kǎ bù xíng， qǐng huàn yī zhāng。
This card does not work; please use another one.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 行
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 奇怪、兴趣、冰激凌、好像、不行. Which word signals an impression rather than certainty, and which uses the xíng reading?
Check and learn
好像 signals seeming or an impression; 不行 uses xíng. 奇怪 means strange, 兴趣 interest and 冰激凌 ice cream. A shared part or sound does not give all five the same meaning.
Try a new context
这张卡好像不行，请换一张。
Is the speaker expressing complete certainty about the card?
Compare your interpretation
No. 好像 expresses an impression that the card does not work. The next request is to use a different card.
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.
130. Meanings selected by a full expression
Distinguish reading, degree and word function from a familiar written component.
重
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the central vertical through the framed middle and the stacked lower horizontal strokes. Compare with 里, which has a different top.
重要
Show word reading and meaning
zhòngyào
important
重 is zhòng in 重要, important. It is chóng in words about repetition; do not use one reading everywhere.
Read a sentence
复习对学习很重要。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fù xí duì xué xí hěn zhòng yào。
Review is important for learning.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 重
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.
种
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 is on the left and 中 on the right. Contrast with 秋, which has 火 instead of 中.
种
Show word reading and meaning
zhǒng
type; kind; a classifier for kinds
种 is zhǒng for a kind or type, as in 两种茶. The planting verb uses zhòng in other contexts.
Read a sentence
这两种茶有什么不同？
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè liǎng zhǒng chá yǒu shén me bù tóng？
What is the difference between these two kinds of tea?
Learn the 9 strokes · write 种
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.
越
Learn the shape and a useful word
走 forms the left and lower sweep, with a hooked part on the right. Compare the right-hand part with 取 in 趣.
越
Show word reading and meaning
yuè
the more; increasing degree in a 越……越…… statement
In 越……越……, the word expresses increasing degree: the more one thing happens, the more another does.
Read a sentence
你越练习，就越容易记住这些词。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ yuè liàn xí， jiù yuè róng yì jì zhù zhè xiē cí。
The more you practise, the easier it is to remember these words.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 越
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.
展
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 covers a broad lower section ending in a spreading stroke. Compare with the different lower shapes of 层 and 屋.
发展
Show word reading and meaning
fāzhǎn
develop; development
发展 is develop or development; it does not mean show every time a similar character appears.
Read a sentence
这个城市发展得很快。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge chéng shì fā zhǎn de hěn kuài。
This city is developing very quickly.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 展
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.
卫
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper turned shape above the long lower horizontal. Compare with the different lower shape of 子.
卫生间
Show word reading and meaning
wèishēngjiān
toilet; bathroom; restroom
卫生间 means toilet or bathroom. Learn the full three-character word before looking for the place.
Read a sentence
请问，卫生间在哪儿？
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng wèn， wèi shēng jiān zài nǎr？
Excuse me, where is the toilet?
Learn the 3 strokes · write 卫
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 重要、种、越、发展、卫生间. Which reading of 种 counts kinds, and which word helps you ask for a bathroom?
Check and learn
种 zhǒng counts kinds or types. 卫生间 is the bathroom word. 重要 uses zhòng and means important; 发展 is develop; 越 can link increasing degrees in a paired construction.
Try a new context
这两种练习都很重要，越练越容易。
Is 种 counting planted trees or kinds of practice?
Compare your interpretation
It counts two kinds of practice, zhǒng. The sentence says both are important and that practice becomes easier with more practice; it is not a general guarantee about every learning task.
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.
131. Check the detail before deciding
Use the sentence to distinguish place, time, attention and ease.
带
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the broad upper section, the cover beneath it and 巾 at the bottom. Compare this full shape with 帝 in a printed model.
带
Show word reading and meaning
dài
bring; take something along
带 can mean bring or take along. The direction and object come from the situation.
Read a sentence
出门时，别忘了带手机。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chū mén shí， bié wàng le dài shǒu jī。
Do not forget to take your phone when you go out.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 带
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.
处
Learn the shape and a useful word
Look at the left sloping strokes and 卜 on the right. Compare the full form with 外, whose left part differs.
到处
Show word reading and meaning
dàochù
everywhere; in many places
处 is chù in 到处, everywhere. Other words can use chǔ, so do not apply this reading everywhere.
Read a sentence
春天，到处都是花。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chūn tiān， dào chù dōu shì huā。
There are flowers everywhere in spring.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 处
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.
注
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands on the left of 主. Contrast with 主 alone, and remember that the selected reading is zhù rather than zhǔ.
注意
Show word reading and meaning
zhùyì
pay attention to; take care with
注意 means pay attention or take care to notice. It is different from 主要, main or mainly.
Read a sentence
过马路时，请注意安全。
Show sentence reading and meaning
guò mǎ lù shí， qǐng zhù yì ān quán。
Please pay attention to safety when crossing the road.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 注
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.
末
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two horizontal strokes cross the central vertical, with the upper horizontal longer in the usual printed form. Compare with 未, where the lower one is longer.
周末
Show word reading and meaning
zhōumò
weekend
周末 means weekend. The small difference between 末 and 未 changes the character.
Read a sentence
你周末有什么打算？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ zhōu mò yǒu shén me dǎ suàn？
What are your plans for the weekend?
Learn the 5 strokes · write 末
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.
易
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 is above 勿. Compare with 复, whose lower strokes have a different arrangement.
容易
Show word reading and meaning
róngyì
easy; likely to happen in certain constructions
容易 means easy or, in some constructions, likely to happen. The selected example concerns ease of remembering.
Read a sentence
这个词很容易记。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge cí hěn róng yì jì。
This word is easy to remember.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 易
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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Try with the help closed: Read 带、到处、注意、周末、容易. Which expression means everywhere, and how do the horizontal strokes distinguish 末 from 未?
Check and learn
到处 means everywhere. In 末 the upper horizontal is longer; in 未 the lower horizontal is longer. 带 is bring or take along, 注意 pay attention, 周末 weekend and 容易 easy in the selected use.
Try a new context
周末出门时，请注意带卡和伞。
Which two things should the person remember to take?
Compare your interpretation
A card and an umbrella. 周末 sets the time; 注意 asks the person to pay attention to bringing them.
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.
132. Keeping an appointment and completing a task
Connect a clock time and a bank with useful written-task words from the next level.
刻
Learn the shape and a useful word
亥 is on the left and 刂 on the right. Compare its left-hand position with 该, which puts 讠 before 亥.
刻
Show word reading and meaning
kè
quarter of an hour, used in clock times
刻 is a quarter of an hour in 三点一刻. This is one contextual use, not its only meaning.
Read a sentence
我们三点一刻见面。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men sān diǎn yī kè jiàn miàn。
Let us meet at quarter past three.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 刻
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.
银
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 is on the left and 艮 on the right. Keep the right-hand lower turn and dot; compare with 很, which has 彳 instead.
银行
Show word reading and meaning
yínháng
bank
银行 is yínháng, bank. The reading of 行 here differs from xíng in 不行.
Read a sentence
银行在商场旁边。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yín háng zài shāng chǎng páng biān。
The bank is beside the shopping centre.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 银
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.
按
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands on the left of 安. Compare with 案, which puts 木 underneath 安 instead.
按时
Show word reading and meaning
ànshí
on time; at the scheduled time
按时 means on time or according to the scheduled time. This example word belongs to the HSK 4 vocabulary list.
Read a sentence
请按时交作业。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng àn shí jiāo zuò yè。
Please hand in your homework on time.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 按
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.
案
Learn the shape and a useful word
安 sits above 木. Compare this stacked layout with 按, whose 扌 is at the left.
答案
Show word reading and meaning
dá’àn
answer; the response to a question
答案 means answer. The word, rather than one visible part, identifies what is written.
Read a sentence
请先自己想，再看答案。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng xiān zì jǐ xiǎng， zài kàn dá àn。
Please think for yourself before looking at the answer.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 案
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.
材
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands on the left of 才. Compare with 才 alone and with 财, which has 贝 on the left.
材料
Show word reading and meaning
cáiliào
material; information or documents used for a purpose
材料 means material or materials. It is a complete word, not a command to write a tree.
Read a sentence
上课前，请准备好这些材料。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shàng kè qián， qǐng zhǔn bèi hǎo zhè xiē cái liào。
Please get these materials ready before class.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 材
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 三点一刻、银行、按时、答案、材料. Which pair places 安 beside a hand-side part versus above 木?
Check and learn
三点一刻 is quarter past three; 银行 is bank; 按时 is on time; 答案 is answer and 材料 materials. 按 has 扌 beside 安, while 案 has 安 above 木. The last three targets extend into HSK 4 vocabulary.
Try a new context
请按时交答案，不要把材料留在银行。
What must be handed in on time, and what should not be left at the bank?
Compare your interpretation
The answers should be handed in on time. The materials should not be left at the bank. The sentence gives two distinct instructions.
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.