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 24 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
139. Low, underneath, thick and enough
Keep a description of degree separate from a location or comparison.
低
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left of 氐. Keep the small final dot in the right-hand part; it is not 氏 alone.
低
Show word reading and meaning
dī
low; below a usual or compared level
低 means low. 矮 describes short height in earlier examples; the words overlap in some situations but are not interchangeable in every phrase.
Read a sentence
今天的气温很低。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de qì wēn hěn dī。
The temperature is very low today.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 低
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.
底
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers 氐. Compare with 低, which puts 亻 beside 氐 instead of covering it.
底下
Show word reading and meaning
dǐxia
underneath; below
底下 means underneath or below. The location word is different from simply saying something is low.
Read a sentence
桌子底下有一只猫。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhuō zi dǐ xia yǒu yī zhī māo。
There is a cat underneath the table.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 底
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.
粗
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 is on the left and 且 on the right. Compare with 组, whose left-hand part is 纟.
粗
Show word reading and meaning
cū
thick; coarse, rather than thin or fine
粗 can mean thick or coarse in contrast with thin or fine. The object tells you which description fits.
Read a sentence
这根绳子比那根粗。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè gēn shéng zi bǐ nà gēn cū。
This rope is thicker than that one.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 粗
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.
够
Learn the shape and a useful word
句 is on the left and 多 on the right. Keep the 口 inside 句 rather than replacing it with the dot of 勺.
不够
Show word reading and meaning
búgòu
not enough; insufficient
不够 means not enough. State what is insufficient rather than treating it as a description of every quality.
Read a sentence
这些钱不够买这本书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē qián bú gòu mǎi zhè běn shū。
This money is not enough to buy this book.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 够
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.
倍
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands to the left of 咅, with 口 visible below its upper section. Compare with 部, which has 阝 at the right.
倍
Show word reading and meaning
bèi
times; a multiplier used in comparisons
倍 is a multiplier in a comparison. Check what quantity is being compared; a sound match does not identify the comparison base.
Read a sentence
这条路的长度是那条路的两倍。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo lù de cháng dù shì nà tiáo lù de liǎng bèi。
This road is twice as long as that one.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 倍
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 low, underneath, thick, not enough and a multiplier. Which pair shares 氐 but uses different surrounding parts?
Check and learn
低 is low, 底下 underneath, 粗 thick or coarse, 不够 not enough, and 倍 a multiplier. 低 has 亻 beside 氐; 底 has 广 covering it.
Try a new context
桌子太低了，底下的空间不够放箱子。
Is the sentence describing a low table or only a low price? What is insufficient?
Compare your interpretation
It describes a low table. The space underneath is insufficient for the box. 底下 identifies the place, while 不够 identifies the shortage.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
140. Standards, rules and a form
Distinguish a requirement from meeting it and from the document used to record information.
标
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is on the left and 示 on the right. Compare with 村, whose right-hand part is 寸.
标准
Show word reading and meaning
biāozhǔn
standard; a criterion for judging something
标准 means standard or criterion; it does not by itself say a particular work meets that standard.
Read a sentence
老师介绍了作文的评分标准。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī jiè shào le zuò wén de píng fēn biāo zhǔn。
The teacher explained the marking criteria for the composition.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 标
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.
符
Learn the shape and a useful word
竹 appears at the top and 付 beneath it. Compare with 付 alone; keep the bamboo-like upper strokes.
符合
Show word reading and meaning
fúhé
conform to; meet a condition or requirement
符合 means conform to or meet a requirement. It needs the relevant condition or standard in context.
Read a sentence
这个答案符合题目的要求。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge dá àn fú hé tí mù de yāo qiú。
This answer meets the question's requirements.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 符
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.
规
Learn the shape and a useful word
夫 stands on the left of 见. Compare with 观, whose left side is 又.
规定
Show word reading and meaning
guīdìng
rule; stipulate or set a requirement
规定 can be a rule or the act of stipulating a requirement. The surrounding sentence shows its job.
Read a sentence
请遵守图书馆的规定。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zūn shǒu tú shū guǎn de guī dìng。
Please follow the library's rules.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 规
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.
格
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is on the left of 各. Compare with 胳, where 月 replaces 木.
表格
Show word reading and meaning
biǎogé
form; a table with rows and columns
表格 means a form or a table of rows and columns. A form is not automatically the rule governing it.
Read a sentence
请在表格上写你的名字。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài biǎo gé shàng xiě nǐ de míng zi。
Please write your name on the form.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 格
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.
础
Learn the shape and a useful word
石 is on the left of 出. Compare with 矿, which has 广 on the right.
基础
Show word reading and meaning
jīchǔ
foundation; basic knowledge or skills
基础 means foundation or basic knowledge and skills. Use the complete word when describing what learning builds on.
Read a sentence
发音是学习汉语的重要基础。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fā yīn shì xué xí hàn yǔ de zhòng yào jī chǔ。
Pronunciation is an important foundation for learning Chinese.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 础
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 标准、符合、规定、表格、基础. Which word expresses meeting a condition, and which names the form?
Check and learn
符合 expresses meeting or conforming to a condition. 表格 names the form. 标准 is standard, 规定 rule or stipulate, and 基础 foundation. Having a form does not prove that its contents meet the rules.
Try a new context
这个表格不符合规定，请按标准修改。
Does the form already meet the requirements, and what does the speaker request?
Compare your interpretation
No. 不符合 explicitly says it does not meet the rules. The request is to revise it according to the standard.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
141. Study, achievement and a process
Do not confuse a qualification, an achievement and an occupation.
毕
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the 比-like upper part and 十 below. Compare with 比 alone; keep the lower cross.
毕业
Show word reading and meaning
bìyè
graduate; complete a course of study
毕业 means graduate or complete a course of study. The word does not identify which qualification by itself.
Read a sentence
姐姐明年大学毕业。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jiě jie míng nián dà xué bì yè。
My older sister graduates from university next year.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 毕
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.
博
Learn the shape and a useful word
十 is on the left; the right-hand part has a framed upper section and 寸 below. Compare with 傅, which has 亻 at the left.
博士
Show word reading and meaning
bóshì
doctoral degree; a person with or studying for that degree
博士 refers to a doctoral degree or a person associated with it. It does not automatically mean a medical practitioner.
Read a sentence
他正在读博士。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhèng zài dú bó shì。
He is studying for a doctorate.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 博
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.
功
Learn the shape and a useful word
工 stands beside 力. Compare the side-by-side layout with 努, which puts 力 below another part.
成功
Show word reading and meaning
chénggōng
succeed; successful; success
成功 means succeed or success. A claim of success needs a goal or result in context.
Read a sentence
这次活动很成功。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì huó dòng hěn chéng gōng。
This event was very successful.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 功
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.
导
Learn the shape and a useful word
巳 sits above 寸. Compare the upper turned shape with the separate character 已 in a printed model.
导游
Show word reading and meaning
dǎoyóu
tour guide
导游 is a tour guide, a role helping visitors. It is not the word for graduating.
Read a sentence
导游给我们介绍了这座古城。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dǎo yóu gěi wǒ men jiè shào le zhè zuò gǔ chéng。
The tour guide told us about this ancient town.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 导
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.
程
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 stands on the left of 呈. Compare with 种, which has the simpler 中 on the right.
过程
Show word reading and meaning
guòchéng
process; the course of an activity
过程 means process or the course of an activity. It is different from the final result.
Read a sentence
在学习过程中，错误能帮助我们发现问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zài xué xí guò chéng zhōng， cuò wù néng bāng zhù wǒ men fā xiàn wèn tí。
During learning, mistakes can help us identify problems.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 程
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 graduation, a doctoral qualification, success, a tour guide and a process. Which word identifies a process rather than a final result, and which names an occupation?
Check and learn
毕业 is graduate, 博士 is a doctoral qualification or person, 成功 is success, 导游 tour guide and 过程 process. A process and an occupation are not themselves a final outcome; a qualification also needs its own specific context.
Try a new context
他毕业以后想当导游，不打算读博士。
What job does he want, and what further study does he say he is not planning?
Compare your interpretation
He wants to become a tour guide after graduating. He is not planning doctoral study. Graduation alone does not identify his current degree level.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
142. People, responsibility and payment
Read the whole role word and keep who acts separate from what is paid.
父
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the two small upper strokes over the crossing lower strokes. Compare with 文, which has a dot and horizontal at the top.
父母
Show word reading and meaning
fùmǔ
parents; father and mother
父母 means parents, father and mother. It is not the word for only the father.
Read a sentence
我周末常给父母打电话。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zhōu mò cháng gěi fù mǔ dǎ diàn huà。
I often phone my parents at weekends.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 父
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.
姑
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands on the left of 古. Compare with 估, which has 亻 on the left.
姑娘
Show word reading and meaning
gūniang
young woman; girl, depending on context
姑娘 can refer to a young woman or girl in context. It is not automatically a family relationship in this word.
Read a sentence
那位姑娘是我的同学。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nà wèi gū niang shì wǒ de tóng xué。
That young woman is my classmate.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 姑
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.
傅
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is beside the taller right-hand part ending in 寸. Compare with 博, which has 十 at the left.
师傅
Show word reading and meaning
shīfu
skilled worker; a respectful way to address someone such as a driver
师傅 is a respectful address for a skilled worker or someone such as a driver. It is not interchangeable with every use of 老师.
Read a sentence
师傅，请问这辆车到车站吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
shī fu， qǐng wèn zhè liàng chē dào chē zhàn ma？
Driver, does this bus go to the station?
Learn the 12 strokes · write 傅
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.
负
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper wrapping strokes above 贝. Compare the whole shape with 贝 alone.
负责
Show word reading and meaning
fùzé
be responsible for; take charge of
负责 means be responsible for or take charge of. It does not mean making a payment.
Read a sentence
我负责准备今天的材料。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ fù zé zhǔn bèi jīn tiān de cái liào。
I am responsible for preparing today's materials.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 负
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.
付
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is on the left of 寸. Compare with 傅, which has a larger right-hand structure.
付
Show word reading and meaning
fù
pay; hand over payment
付 is pay in the selected example. It is distinct from 负责 even though both begin with an f sound.
Read a sentence
这顿饭的钱我来付。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè dùn fàn de qián wǒ lái fù。
I will pay for this meal.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 付
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 parents, young woman, a respectful address for a skilled worker, responsibility and payment. Which pair sounds alike but has different right-hand parts?
Check and learn
父母 is parents, 姑娘 young woman, 师傅 a skilled-worker address, 负责 be responsible, and 付 pay. 付 and 傅 both use fù as individual character readings, but their right-hand parts differ; 傅 is neutral fu in 师傅.
Try a new context
我已经付了钱，师傅负责安装。
Who has paid, and who is responsible for installation?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker has paid. The skilled worker is responsible for installation. The sentence assigns payment and responsibility to different people.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
143. Protect, provide, buy, store and pay a cost
Identify the action instead of treating every person-side character as the same verb.
保
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 呆, whose 口 is above 木. Compare with 抱, which has 扌 and 包.
保护
Show word reading and meaning
bǎohù
protect
保护 means protect. A similar sound does not make it the same action as 抱, hold in the arms.
Read a sentence
我们应该保护这里的树木。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yīng gāi bǎo hù zhè lǐ de shù mù。
We should protect the trees here.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 保
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.
供
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is on the left of 共. Compare with 共 alone, and keep the person-side strokes.
提供
Show word reading and meaning
tígōng
provide; supply something for someone's use
提供 means provide or supply. It does not by itself say the recipient has bought or used the item.
Read a sentence
酒店提供免费的早餐。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jiǔ diàn tí gōng miǎn fèi de zǎo cān。
The hotel provides a free breakfast.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 供
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.
购
Learn the shape and a useful word
贝 stands on the left of 勾. Compare with 沟, whose left side is 氵.
购买
Show word reading and meaning
gòumǎi
buy; purchase, more formal than 买
购买 means buy or purchase; it is more formal than 买 in many ordinary contexts.
Read a sentence
在哪里可以购买车票？
Show sentence reading and meaning
zài nǎ lǐ kě yǐ gòu mǎi chē piào？
Where can I buy a ticket?
Learn the 8 strokes · write 购
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.
存
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper horizontal and sloping stroke above the lower 子, with a vertical stroke at the left. Compare with 在, which ends in 土.
存
Show word reading and meaning
cún
store; save or deposit something
存 can mean store, save or deposit. The example specifies what is being stored or deposited.
Read a sentence
请把文件存到电脑里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ wén jiàn cún dào diàn nǎo lǐ。
Please save the file on the computer.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 存
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.
费
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper 弗 sits above 贝. Compare with 负, which has a different upper part over 贝.
费用
Show word reading and meaning
fèiyong
expense; cost; charges
费用 means cost or expense. It names the cost; 付 describes the action of paying in the earlier group.
Read a sentence
这次旅行的费用是多少？
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì lǚ xíng de fèi yong shì duō shao？
How much does this trip cost?
Learn the 9 strokes · write 费
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 protection, provision, purchase, storage and costs. How does 费用 differ from 付?
Check and learn
保护 is protect, 提供 provide, 购买 purchase, 存 store or deposit, and 费用 costs. 费用 names an expense, whereas 付 is the action of paying it in the selected context.
Try a new context
请先付费，再把行李存放在这里。
Which action comes first, and what is then left in storage?
Compare your interpretation
Payment comes first; luggage is then stored here. The sequence is explicit in 先……再……; no price is supplied.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
144. A guess is different from an observation
Keep an estimate, a description and an attitude distinct.
猜
Learn the shape and a useful word
犭 is on the left of 青. Compare with 请, which has 讠 before 青.
猜
Show word reading and meaning
cāi
guess
猜 means guess. It does not establish that the guessed information has been checked.
Read a sentence
你猜他今年多大？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ cāi tā jīn nián duō dà？
How old do you think he is this year?
Learn the 11 strokes · write 猜
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.
估
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left of 古. Compare with 姑, which places 女 at the left.
估计
Show word reading and meaning
gūjì
estimate; suppose something is likely
估计 means estimate or suppose something is likely. Its use can signal uncertainty rather than a verified result.
Read a sentence
我估计他十分钟后到。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ gū jì tā shí fēn zhōng hòu dào。
I expect he will arrive in ten minutes.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 估
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.
诚
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is on the left and 成 on the right. Compare with 城, whose left part is 土.
诚实
Show word reading and meaning
chéngshí
honest
诚实 means honest. Use the whole expression rather than inferring a person's character from a shape clue.
Read a sentence
他很诚实，从来不说谎。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hěn chéng shí， cóng lái bù shuō huǎng。
He is honest and never tells lies.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 诚
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.
笨
Learn the shape and a useful word
竹 is above 本. Compare with 本 alone; keep the upper strokes and the extra horizontal in 本.
笨
Show word reading and meaning
bèn
clumsy; slow to understand, often an unkind description of a person
笨 can be an unkind personal label meaning clumsy or slow to understand. Practise recognising the word without directing it at another learner.
Read a sentence
我用筷子的时候有点儿笨。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ yòng kuài zi de shí hou yǒu diǎnr bèn。
I am a little clumsy when using chopsticks.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 笨
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.
傲
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left, with a dense upper-and-right section ending in 攵. Keep the right-hand strokes distinct from a simple 又.
骄傲
Show word reading and meaning
jiāo’ào
proud; also arrogant when used critically
骄傲 can mean proud or arrogant. The attitude and context matter; do not force one English label onto every use.
Read a sentence
我为自己的进步感到骄傲。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ wèi zì jǐ de jìn bù gǎn dào jiāo ào。
I am proud of my progress.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 傲
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 words signal guessing or estimating? Recall the words for honest, clumsy or slow to understand, and proud or arrogant.
Check and learn
猜 is guess and 估计 estimate or suppose. 诚实 is honest, 笨 can describe clumsiness or slowness unkindly, and 骄傲 can mean proud or arrogant according to context. None of these is proven merely by writing the character.
Try a new context
我只是估计他会同意，还没有问他。
Has the speaker confirmed agreement?
Compare your interpretation
No. The speaker is only estimating and has not asked him yet. 会同意 is the expected outcome, not confirmed agreement.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the help and recall the five selected words. Revisit a confusing pair in its example, then try the new-context sentence again. For handwriting, write from memory and compare the model rather than copying it repeatedly.
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.