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 27 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
157. A foundation for continuing work
Separate a basic starting point, a skill and a suggestion.
积
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 is on the left of 只. Compare with 种, which has 中 at the right.
积极
Show word reading and meaning
jījí
active; enthusiastic; take initiative
积极 describes being active or taking initiative in the selected context. It is not the same as already completing the work.
Read a sentence
他积极参加课堂讨论。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā jī jí cān jiā kè táng tǎo lùn。
He takes an active part in class discussions.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 积
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.
基
Learn the shape and a useful word
其 sits above 土. Compare with 其 alone and keep the lower base.
基本
Show word reading and meaning
jīběn
basic; fundamental
基本 means basic or fundamental. A basic point is not necessarily a complete account of a topic.
Read a sentence
请先掌握这些基本词语。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng xiān zhǎng wò zhè xiē jī běn cí yǔ。
Please learn these basic expressions first.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 基
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.
技
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands on the left of 支. Compare with 枝, which has 木 at the left.
技术
Show word reading and meaning
jìshù
technology; a practical technique or skill
技术 means technology, technique or practical skill according to context. It does not name one particular device by itself.
Read a sentence
他正在学习修电脑的技术。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhèng zài xué xí xiū diàn nǎo de jì shù。
He is learning the skills needed to repair computers.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 技
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.
继
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 is on the left, with 米 and a lower turn on the right. Compare with 断, whose right side is 斤 instead.
继续
Show word reading and meaning
jìxù
continue; carry on
继续 means continue. It implies carrying an activity on, not starting an unrelated one without context.
Read a sentence
休息十分钟以后，我们继续学习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiū xi shí fēn zhōng yǐ hòu， wǒ men jì xù xué xí。
We will continue studying after a ten-minute break.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 继
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.
建
Learn the shape and a useful word
The inner 聿-like strokes are partly surrounded by the long turning lower stroke of 廴. Compare the full shape with 聿 alone.
建议
Show word reading and meaning
jiànyì
suggest; a suggestion
建议 is suggest or a suggestion. Giving a suggestion does not show that someone accepted it.
Read a sentence
老师建议我每天读一小段课文。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī jiàn yì wǒ měi tiān dú yī xiǎo duàn kè wén。
The teacher suggested that I read a short passage every day.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 建
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 积极、基本、技术、继续、建议. Which word means continue, and which names a suggestion?
Check and learn
继续 means continue and 建议 means suggestion or suggest. 积极 is active or taking initiative, 基本 basic and 技术 technique or technology. A suggestion and its acceptance are separate.
Try a new context
老师建议我们先学基本技术，再继续练习。
What should be learned first, and what follows?
Compare your interpretation
The suggestion is to learn basic techniques first, then continue practising. The sentence reports the advice, not whether the learners have followed it.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
158. Countries, wider connections and a century
Identify the complete word rather than guessing from a familiar component.
籍
Learn the shape and a useful word
竹 is above a lower section with 耒 on the left and 昔 on the right. Keep both lower parts instead of reducing them to one 木.
国籍
Show word reading and meaning
guójí
nationality; citizenship
国籍 means nationality or citizenship. The word names a category, not the country of every person in a sentence.
Read a sentence
请在表格上填写国籍。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài biǎo gé shàng tián xiě guó jí。
Please enter your nationality on the form.
Learn the 20 strokes · write 籍
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.
际
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands to the left of 示. Compare with 标, which has 木 beside 示.
国际
Show word reading and meaning
guójì
international
国际 means international. It does not itself name any one country.
Read a sentence
这是一所国际学校。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè shì yī suǒ guó jì xué xiào。
This is an international school.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 际
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.
济
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is on the left and 齐 on the right. Compare with 挤, which has 扌 at the left.
经济
Show word reading and meaning
jīngjì
economy; economic activity
经济 means economy or economic activity in the selected use; learn the whole word.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了这座城市的经济。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le zhè zuò chéng shì de jīng jì。
This book describes the city's economy.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 济
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.
纪
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 is beside 己. Compare with 记, whose left-hand part is 讠.
世纪
Show word reading and meaning
shìjì
century; a period of one hundred years
世纪 means century, a period of one hundred years. It is not the word for a decade.
Read a sentence
这座桥建于上个世纪。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zuò qiáo jiàn yú shàng gè shì jì。
This bridge was built in the last century.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 纪
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.
京
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot and horizontal cover a 口, with a 小-like lower part. Compare with 景, which adds 日 above 京.
京剧
Show word reading and meaning
jīngjù
Beijing opera; a form of Chinese opera
京剧 means Beijing opera. The complete word names a form of opera, not just the city.
Read a sentence
爷爷很喜欢听京剧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yé ye hěn xǐ huan tīng jīng jù。
My grandfather really likes listening to Beijing opera.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 京
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 nationality, international, economy, century and Beijing opera. Which target is inside the word for a hundred-year period?
Check and learn
国籍 is nationality, 国际 international, 经济 economy, 世纪 century and 京剧 Beijing opera. 纪 is inside 世纪; the word names a hundred-year period.
Try a new context
这本书介绍上个世纪的国际经济。
Is the book about a ten-year period, and does 国际 identify one particular country?
Compare your interpretation
世纪 means century, not decade. 国际 means international and does not identify a single particular country. The book concerns international economic activity in the previous century.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
159. People, goods, obtaining and posting
Separate the goods from the person and from the action of receiving them.
伙
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands on the left of 火. Compare with 火 alone and keep the narrow person-side strokes.
小伙子
Show word reading and meaning
xiǎohuǒzi
young man; a friendly word for a young adult male
小伙子 is a friendly expression for a young adult man. It is a person word, not the word for goods.
Read a sentence
这个小伙子是新来的厨师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xiǎo huǒ zi shì xīn lái de chú shī。
This young man is the new chef.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 伙
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.
货
Learn the shape and a useful word
化 sits above 贝. Compare with 化 alone; the lower 贝 is part of the complete character.
货
Show word reading and meaning
huò
goods; merchandise
货 means goods or merchandise. The linked context identifies what is being handled.
Read a sentence
这家店今天进了新货。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn jīn tiān jìn le xīn huò。
This shop received new stock today.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 货
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.
获
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits over a lower section containing 犭 and 犬. Keep the lower small dot as well as the sloping strokes.
获得
Show word reading and meaning
huòdé
obtain; gain; receive
获得 means obtain, gain or receive. It does not imply that the thing was bought unless the context says so.
Read a sentence
她获得了这次比赛的第一名。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā huò dé le zhè cì bǐ sài de dì yī míng。
She took first place in this competition.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 获
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.
寄
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 奇. Compare with 奇 alone and with 骑, which places 马 at its left.
寄
Show word reading and meaning
jì
post; send something by mail
寄 means post or send by mail in the selected context. Sending and arrival are different events.
Read a sentence
我想给朋友寄一张明信片。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng gěi péng you jì yī zhāng míng xìn piàn。
I would like to send a postcard to my friend.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 寄
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.
价
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is on the left of 介. Compare with 界, which puts 田 above 介.
低价
Show word reading and meaning
dījià
low price; at a low price
低价 means a low price. It is a price description, not proof that an item has been purchased.
Read a sentence
这家店低价出售旧书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn dī jià chū shòu jiù shū。
This shop sells used books at low prices.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 价
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 young man, goods, obtaining, posting and a low price. Which word reports sending without establishing delivery?
Check and learn
小伙子 is young man, 货 goods, 获得 obtain, 寄 post and 低价 low price. 寄 reports sending; it does not by itself say the item has arrived.
Try a new context
小伙子昨天把货寄出去了，我们还没有收到。
Who sent the goods, and have they arrived according to the sentence?
Compare your interpretation
The young man sent the goods yesterday. The speaker says they have not received them yet, so sending is not the same as confirmed arrival here.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
160. Reducing, going down, winning and raising
Follow the actual action and its object.
减
Learn the shape and a useful word
冫 stands on the left of 咸. Compare with 感, which places 心 below 咸.
减
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎn
subtract; reduce
减 means reduce or subtract. The sentence identifies what becomes smaller.
Read a sentence
十减三等于七。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shí jiǎn sān děng yú qī。
Ten minus three equals seven.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 减
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.
降
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside the taller right-hand part ending in a central vertical and short horizontals. Compare the full form with 际.
降
Show word reading and meaning
jiàng
fall; go down; reduce, pronounced jiàng
降 is jiàng for going down or reducing in the selected use. Other words can use another reading; 降落 is jiàngluò.
Read a sentence
今天的气温降了五度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de qì wēn jiàng le wǔ dù。
The temperature fell by five degrees today.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 降
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.
奖
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper part has left-hand strokes and a 夕-like right section, with 大 underneath. Compare with 将, whose lower-right part is 寸.
获奖
Show word reading and meaning
huòjiǎng
win a prize or award
获奖 means win or receive an award. The word does not by itself say the award is money.
Read a sentence
听说自己获奖了，她很激动。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng shuō zì jǐ huò jiǎng le， tā hěn jī dòng。
She was very excited to hear that she had won an award.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 奖
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.
金
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper covering strokes above the central horizontals and lower side strokes. Compare the whole shape with 全.
奖金
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎngjīn
money awarded as a prize or bonus
奖金 is money awarded as a prize or bonus. It is a whole word with a more specific meaning than simply an award.
Read a sentence
获奖的学生拿到了奖金。
Show sentence reading and meaning
huò jiǎng de xué shēng ná dào le jiǎng jīn。
The award-winning student received prize money.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 金
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.
举
Learn the shape and a useful word
Small upper strokes sit over a broad middle, with horizontal strokes crossed by a central vertical below. Compare with 兴, whose lower part differs.
举
Show word reading and meaning
jǔ
raise; lift up
举 means raise or lift in the selected context. 举例 is a different complete expression for giving an example.
Read a sentence
知道答案的同学请举手。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhī dào dá àn de tóng xué qǐng jǔ shǒu。
Students who know the answer, please raise your hands.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 举
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 reducing, going down, receiving an award, prize money and raising. Does every use of 获奖 specify money?
Check and learn
减 is reduce, 降 jiàng go down, 获奖 receive an award, 奖金 prize money and 举 raise. 获奖 does not by itself specify a monetary award; 奖金 does.
Try a new context
她获奖以后举起了奖杯，但是没有拿到奖金。
Did she receive prize money, and what did she raise?
Compare your interpretation
She raised the trophy, 奖杯, after receiving an award, but did not receive prize money. 获奖 and 拿到奖金 are explicitly separated.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
161. Pride, a towel, scenery and surprise
Keep similar-looking words tied to the selected meaning and tone.
骄
Learn the shape and a useful word
马 stands on the left of 乔. Compare with 桥, whose left-hand part is 木.
骄傲
Show word reading and meaning
jiāo’ào
proud; also arrogant when used critically
骄傲 can mean proud or arrogant according to context. 骄 is jiāo in 骄傲, while 巾 is jīn in 毛巾; sharing an initial does not make their syllables identical.
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 9 strokes · write 骄
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.
巾
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the outer hanging frame and central vertical through it. Compare with 币, which has an extra upper stroke.
毛巾
Show word reading and meaning
máojīn
towel
毛巾 is towel. The selected word is máojīn; keep it separate from 金 jīn in money words.
Read a sentence
洗完脸以后，请用毛巾擦干。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xǐ wán liǎn yǐ hòu， qǐng yòng máo jīn cā gān。
Please dry your face with a towel after washing it.
Learn the 3 strokes · write 巾
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.
精
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 is beside 青. Compare with 情, which has 忄 beside 青.
精彩
Show word reading and meaning
jīngcǎi
excellent; exciting and impressive
精彩 describes an excellent or impressive event or work. It differs from a person feeling surprised.
Read a sentence
今天的表演很精彩。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de biǎo yǎn hěn jīng cǎi。
Today's performance was excellent.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 精
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.
景
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above 京. Compare with 京 alone and keep the upper 日.
风景
Show word reading and meaning
fēngjǐng
scenery; landscape
风景 means scenery or landscape. It is a whole-word meaning, not merely the noun wind.
Read a sentence
这里的风景很美。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ de fēng jǐng hěn měi。
The scenery here is beautiful.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 景
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惊
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands on the left of 京. Compare with 谅, which has 讠 instead.
吃惊
Show word reading and meaning
chījīng
be surprised
吃惊 means be surprised. It does not describe eating a thing called surprise.
Read a sentence
听到这个消息，我很吃惊。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi， wǒ hěn chī jīng。
I was surprised to hear this news.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 惊
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall proud or arrogant, towel, impressive, scenery and being surprised. Contrast 景 with 惊.
Check and learn
骄傲 is proud or arrogant, 毛巾 towel, 精彩 impressive, 风景 scenery and 吃惊 be surprised. 景 puts 日 above 京; 惊 puts 忄 to its left. The words and tones remain distinct.
Try a new context
这里的风景比照片上更美，我很吃惊。
Is the speaker describing a towel or expressing surprise about the scenery?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker is surprised that the scenery is more beautiful than in the photograph. 吃惊 names the reaction; 风景 names what is being described.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
162. Not only, although, hurry and prohibit
Keep the scope and tone of a complete expression.
仅
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is beside 又. Compare with 汉, which has 氵 beside 又.
不仅
Show word reading and meaning
bùjǐn
not only; often paired with 还 or 而且
不仅 means not only and often pairs with 还 or 而且. It does not simply negate everything that follows.
Read a sentence
这本书不仅有例句，还有练习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū bù jǐn yǒu lì jù， hái yǒu liàn xí。
This book has not only example sentences but also exercises.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 仅
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.
尽
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 尺-like upper part has two smaller strokes underneath. Compare its full lower section with 尺 alone.
尽管
Show word reading and meaning
jǐnguǎn
although; despite the situation being described
尽 is jǐn in 尽管, although. Other words, such as 尽力, use jìn; the selected word determines the reading.
Read a sentence
尽管这道题很难，他还是做出来了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jǐn guǎn zhè dào tí hěn nán， tā hái shi zuò chū lái le。
Although this question was difficult, he still managed to solve it.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 尽
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.
紧
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper section has two vertical strokes and 又, above a 糸-like lower section. Keep the small lower strokes as well as its central line.
赶紧
Show word reading and meaning
gǎnjǐn
hurry up and do something; act promptly
赶紧 means hurry up and do something promptly. It is not itself a statement that the action is already finished.
Read a sentence
快上课了，我们赶紧走吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
kuài shàng kè le， wǒ men gǎn jǐn zǒu ba。
Class is starting soon; let us hurry off.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 紧
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.
禁
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 木-like parts sit above 示. Compare with 林 alone and with 楚, whose lower part differs.
禁止
Show word reading and meaning
jìnzhǐ
prohibit; forbid
禁止 means prohibit; 禁 is jìn here. Other word contexts can use a different reading.
Read a sentence
这里禁止停车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ jìn zhǐ tíng chē。
Parking is prohibited here.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 禁
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.
竟
Learn the shape and a useful word
立 sits above 日 and the lower spreading strokes. Compare with 竞, whose middle frame is 口 rather than 日.
竟然
Show word reading and meaning
jìngrán
unexpectedly; to one's surprise
竟然 means unexpectedly or to one's surprise. It does not mean compete, despite the similar sound and outline of 竞.
Read a sentence
他竟然记住了所有的新词。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā jìng rán jì zhù le suǒ yǒu de xīn cí。
To my surprise, he remembered all the new words.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 竟
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 不仅、尽管、赶紧、禁止、竟然. Which selected reading of 尽 means although, and which expression prohibits an action?
Check and learn
尽管 uses jǐn and means although; 禁止 prohibits an action. 不仅 is not only, 赶紧 hurry up, and 竟然 unexpectedly. Do not replace 竟 with 竞.
Try a new context
尽管快迟到了，他还是没有跑，因为这里禁止跑步。
Does 尽管 mean he was on time, and did he run?
Compare your interpretation
No. He was nearly late, but did not run because running is prohibited there. 尽管 introduces the difficulty that did not change that decision.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, cover the models and recall each selected word. Recheck a pair you confused, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and note one missing or misplaced feature.
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.