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 29 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
169. Two people, a quantity, a train and trees
Use the correct counting expression for the thing counted.
俩
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 两. Compare the full character with 两 alone.
俩
Show word reading and meaning
liǎ
two; the two of us or them; includes the classifier 个
俩 liǎ refers to two people in uses such as 我们俩 and includes the counting idea of 个. In the standard use taught here, do not add 个 after it.
Read a sentence
我们俩一起去吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men liǎ yì qǐ qù ba。
Let the two of us go together.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 俩
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.
量
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper 日 and horizontal sit above 里. Compare the complete vertical stack with 里 alone.
大量
Show word reading and meaning
dàliàng
a large amount of; a large number of
大量 means a large amount or number. 量 is liàng here; the measuring verb can use liáng in other contexts.
Read a sentence
这次活动需要大量的准备工作。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì huó dòng xū yào dà liàng de zhǔn bèi gōng zuò。
This event requires a great deal of preparation.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 量
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.
列
Learn the shape and a useful word
歹 stands to the left of 刂. Compare with 例, which adds 亻 before 列.
列
Show word reading and meaning
liè
a classifier for trains or rows
列 can count trains or rows. The following noun identifies what is counted.
Read a sentence
这列火车开往上海。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè liè huǒ chē kāi wǎng shàng hǎi。
This train is bound for Shanghai.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 列
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.
棵
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is beside 果. Compare with 课, whose left part is 讠.
棵
Show word reading and meaning
kē
a classifier for trees and certain plants
棵 counts trees and some other plants. It is not the mass unit 克.
Read a sentence
门口有两棵树。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mén kǒu yǒu liǎng kē shù。
There are two trees at the entrance.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 棵
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.
克
Learn the shape and a useful word
古 sits above two lower spreading strokes. Compare with 古 alone and with 兄, whose top is 口 rather than 古.
克
Show word reading and meaning
kè
gram; a unit of mass
克 means gram, a unit of mass. 克 kè and 棵 kē have the same basic syllable with different tones; 克 is a mass unit and 棵 counts plants.
Read a sentence
这包茶叶重一百克。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè bāo chá yè zhòng yì bǎi kè。
This packet of tea weighs one hundred grams.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 克
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 俩、大量、列、棵、克. Which words count two people, a train, a tree and mass in grams?
Check and learn
俩 liǎ refers to two people in the selected use. 一列火车 counts a train, 一棵树 counts a tree, and 克 kè is a gram. 大量 is a large quantity; it is not a specific counting unit.
Try a new context
门口有两棵树，旁边停着一列火车。
How many trees and trains are mentioned, and what do 棵 and 列 count?
Compare your interpretation
Two trees and one train are mentioned. 棵 counts the trees; 列 counts the train. The two counting words do not count the same object.
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.
170. Scope, forgiveness and a rule word
Read what the whole sentence commits to, without adding an unstated conclusion.
既
Learn the shape and a useful word
Compare the shared left-hand outline with 即. Here the right-hand part has a longer lower turn and spreading strokes rather than the narrow 卩.
既
Show word reading and meaning
jì
both; used with 又 to link two qualities or actions
既……又…… links two qualities or actions in the selected use. Both parts belong to the description.
Read a sentence
这家饭馆既便宜又好吃。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā fàn guǎn jì pián yi yòu hǎo chī。
This restaurant is inexpensive and serves tasty food.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 既
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.
连
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 runs along the lower left and bottom of 车. Compare with 车 alone.
连
Show word reading and meaning
lián
even; used with 都 or 也 to emphasise an unexpected case
连 can introduce an unexpected case with 都 or 也, meaning even. The whole construction determines its scope.
Read a sentence
他连这个字都不认识。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā lián zhè ge zì dōu bù rèn shi。
He does not even recognise this character.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 连
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.
论
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is beside 仑. Compare with 轮, which has 车 beside 仑.
不论
Show word reading and meaning
búlùn
no matter; regardless of, normally followed by 都
不论 means no matter or regardless of in the selected construction, normally followed by 都.
Read a sentence
不论天气怎样，他都去跑步。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bú lùn tiān qì zěn yàng， tā dōu qù pǎo bù。
He goes running regardless of the weather.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 论
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.
谅
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is on the left of 京. Compare with 惊, which has 忄 at the left.
原谅
Show word reading and meaning
yuánliàng
forgive; excuse someone's mistake
原谅 means forgive or excuse someone's mistake. It does not automatically say every consequence disappears.
Read a sentence
对不起，请原谅我的错误。
Show sentence reading and meaning
duì bu qǐ， qǐng yuán liàng wǒ de cuò wù。
I am sorry; please forgive my mistake.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 谅
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.
律
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 is beside 聿. Keep the full right-hand vertical-and-horizontal arrangement, not just a simple 十.
法律
Show word reading and meaning
fǎlǜ
law; laws
法律 means law or laws. A vocabulary example is not an explanation of a particular legal rule.
Read a sentence
我们应该遵守法律。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yīng gāi zūn shǒu fǎ lǜ。
We should obey the law.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 律
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 既……又……, 连……都……, 不论、原谅、法律. Which construction links two qualities, and which can mean regardless of?
Check and learn
既……又…… links two qualities or actions. 不论……都…… can mean regardless of. 连……都…… highlights even an unexpected case; 原谅 is forgive and 法律 law. Interpret the full sentence rather than guessing from a single character.
Try a new context
不论他来不来，我们都按计划开始。
Does starting depend on whether he comes?
Compare your interpretation
No. The group will start as planned whether he comes or not. 不论……都…… keeps that result across both alternatives.
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.
171. Where the parts sit changes the character
Distinguish being sleepy from laziness, and a frame from repeated parts.
困
Learn the shape and a useful word
A full enclosure surrounds 木. Compare with 林, which has two 木 side by side without this enclosure.
困
Show word reading and meaning
kùn
sleepy; feel a need to sleep
困 means sleepy in the selected example. It is not the same judgement as calling someone 懒.
Read a sentence
我昨晚没睡好，现在很困。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zuó wǎn méi shuì hǎo， xiàn zài hěn kùn。
I did not sleep well last night and am very sleepy now.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 困
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.
林
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 木-like parts sit side by side. Compare with 森, which uses three in a different arrangement.
森林
Show word reading and meaning
sēnlín
forest
森林 means forest. Two related targets inside a word do not supply an exact tree count for a real forest.
Read a sentence
这片森林里有很多鸟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè piàn sēn lín lǐ yǒu hěn duō niǎo。
There are many birds in this forest.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 林
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.
懒
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands to the left of 赖. Keep the dense right-hand part, including its lower 贝, rather than omitting it.
懒
Show word reading and meaning
lǎn
lazy; unwilling to make an effort
懒 means lazy or unwilling to make an effort. It can be an unkind label; being sleepy alone does not establish laziness.
Read a sentence
我今天有点儿懒，不想收拾房间。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ jīn tiān yǒu diǎnr lǎn， bù xiǎng shōu shi fáng jiān。
I am feeling a little lazy today and do not want to tidy the room.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 懒
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.
浪
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside 良. Compare with 狼, which has 犭 at the left.
浪费
Show word reading and meaning
làngfèi
waste; use something without good reason
浪费 means waste or use without good reason. The full word need not be about waves or water.
Read a sentence
请不要浪费水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bú yào làng fèi shuǐ。
Please do not waste water.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 浪
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.
麻
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers two 木-like inner parts. Compare the uncovered two-part layout of 林.
麻烦
Show word reading and meaning
máfan
troublesome; a trouble; politely ask someone to take trouble
麻烦 can be troublesome or a polite way to ask someone to take trouble. Context distinguishes a complaint from a request.
Read a sentence
麻烦你帮我看一下这个地址。
Show sentence reading and meaning
má fan nǐ bāng wǒ kàn yí xià zhè ge dì zhǐ。
Could I trouble you to look at this address for me?
Learn the 11 strokes · write 麻
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 sleepy, forest, lazy, waste and troublesome or asking a favour. How does 困 differ from 林?
Check and learn
困 is sleepy here, 森林 forest, 懒 lazy, 浪费 waste and 麻烦 troublesome or a polite request in context. 困 encloses one 木; 林 has two beside each other. Sleepiness does not itself prove laziness.
Try a new context
我很困，想先休息一会儿，不是不愿意帮忙。
Does the speaker say they are unwilling to help?
Compare your interpretation
No. The speaker is sleepy and wants a short rest first. The sentence explicitly denies being unwilling to help.
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.
172. Tidying and describing a space
Separate an action, waste material and the condition of a place.
垃
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 stands beside 立. Compare with 拉, which has 扌 beside 立.
垃圾
Show word reading and meaning
lājī
rubbish; waste
垃圾 means rubbish or waste. Learn its full lājī reading rather than assigning independent meanings to each target.
Read a sentence
请把垃圾放进垃圾桶。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ lā jī fàng jìn lā jī tǒng。
Please put the rubbish in the bin.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 垃
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.
圾
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 is on the left of 及. Compare with 及 alone and keep the earth-side strokes.
垃圾
Show word reading and meaning
lājī
rubbish; waste
圾 is jī in 垃圾. This pair studies another target shape in the same existing word, not a second vocabulary item.
Read a sentence
请把垃圾放进垃圾桶。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ lā jī fàng jìn lā jī tǒng。
Please put the rubbish in the bin.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 圾
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.
拉
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is on the left and 立 on the right. Compare directly with 垃, whose left side is 土.
拉
Show word reading and meaning
lā
pull
拉 means pull in the selected example. It is not the waste material 垃圾.
Read a sentence
请把门往外拉。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ mén wǎng wài lā。
Please pull the door outwards.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 拉
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.
丽
Learn the shape and a useful word
Below the long top horizontal are two small framed parts, each with a dot inside. Keep both instead of one repeated outline without its dots.
美丽
Show word reading and meaning
měilì
beautiful; attractive to look at
美丽 means beautiful. It is a description, not an action of cleaning.
Read a sentence
她的家乡是一座美丽的城市。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de jiā xiāng shì yī zuò měi lì de chéng shì。
Her hometown is a beautiful city.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 丽
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.
乱
Learn the shape and a useful word
舌 stands beside a lower turning hook. Compare with 刮, which has 刂 beside 舌 instead.
乱
Show word reading and meaning
luàn
messy; disordered
乱 means messy or disordered. It does not always mean dirty; identify what is out of order.
Read a sentence
我的房间有点儿乱。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de fáng jiān yǒu diǎnr luàn。
My room is a little messy.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 乱
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 rubbish, pulling, beautiful and messy. Contrast the left sides of 垃 and 拉, then read 垃圾 as one word.
Check and learn
垃圾 lājī is rubbish, 拉 lā pull, 美丽 beautiful and 乱 messy. 垃 has 土 at the left; 拉 has 扌. Recognising the different left-hand part prevents confusing a material with an action.
Try a new context
这里很乱，请先把垃圾拿出去。
What condition is described, and what does the speaker ask someone to remove?
Compare your interpretation
The place is messy. The request is to take out the rubbish first. The sentence asks for an action rather than simply calling the place beautiful.
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.
173. Food, appearance and a positive description
Use the full word to separate a food name, romance, clothing and descriptions.
馒
Learn the shape and a useful word
饣 stands beside 曼. Compare its food-side strokes with 氵 in 漫.
馒头
Show word reading and meaning
mántou
steamed bun, usually without a filling
The second syllable of 馒头 is neutral tou; this word names a steamed bun.
Read a sentence
早饭我吃了两个馒头。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zǎo fàn wǒ chī le liǎng gè mán tou。
I had two steamed buns for breakfast.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 馒
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.
漫
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 曼. Keep the three water-side strokes distinct from 饣 in 馒.
浪漫
Show word reading and meaning
làngmàn
romantic
浪漫 means romantic; a visible component alone does not supply the meaning of the whole word.
Read a sentence
这是一部浪漫的爱情电影。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè shì yī bù làng màn de ài qíng diàn yǐng。
This is a romantic film about love.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 漫
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.
帽
Learn the shape and a useful word
巾 is on the left; the taller right-hand part has an upper box-like section above 目.
帽子
Show word reading and meaning
màozi
hat; cap
帽子 has neutral zi. Keep the cloth-side 巾 when recalling the character.
Read a sentence
我的帽子被风吹走了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de mào zi bèi fēng chuī zǒu le。
My hat was blown away by the wind.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 帽
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.
貌
Learn the shape and a useful word
The left side is 豸; on the right, a 白-shaped section sits above two lower spreading strokes.
礼貌
Show word reading and meaning
lǐmào
politeness; polite manners
礼貌 concerns politeness and manners, not simply somebody's physical appearance.
Read a sentence
跟别人交流时，要注意礼貌。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gēn bié rén jiāo liú shí， yào zhù yì lǐ mào。
Pay attention to being polite when communicating with others.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 貌
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美
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 羊-like upper section sits above the spreading 大 shape.
美好
Show word reading and meaning
měihǎo
wonderful; pleasant and full of hope
美好 can describe a good or beautiful prospect or experience; do not restrict it to a person's looks.
Read a sentence
祝你有一个美好的周末！
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhù nǐ yǒu yí gè měi hǎo de zhōu mò！
Have a wonderful weekend!
Learn the 9 strokes · write 美
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. How do the left sides of 馒 and 漫 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 馒头 mántou — steamed bun, usually without a filling; 浪漫 làngmàn — romantic; 帽子 màozi — hat; cap; 礼貌 lǐmào — politeness; polite manners; 美好 měihǎo — wonderful; pleasant and full of hope. 馒 has 饣, while 漫 has 氵; the shared 曼 does not make their words interchangeable.
Try a new context
帽子很美，但我不觉得这件事浪漫。
What is called beautiful, and is the situation described as romantic?
Compare your interpretation
The hat is beautiful. The speaker explicitly says they do not find the situation romantic.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each selected word. Recheck a confused shape or word reading, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to change.
174. Dreams, interest, access and time
Distinguish a dream, a fan, a password, a price condition and a time unit.
梦
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 木 shapes form 林 above 夕.
梦
Show word reading and meaning
mèng
dream; an experience during sleep
Compare a sleeping 梦 with 梦想, which can refer to an aspiration. The surrounding sentence tells you which idea is intended.
Read a sentence
我昨晚做了一个有意思的梦。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zuó wǎn zuò le yí gè yǒu yì si de mèng。
I had an interesting dream last night.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 梦
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.
迷
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 sits inside the movement-side 辶 strokes. Compare 米 alone with the full 迷 outline.
球迷
Show word reading and meaning
qiúmí
fan of a ball sport or team
In 球迷, 迷 helps form a word for a sports fan; do not translate the character separately as lost.
Read a sentence
她是一名网球迷。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì yī míng wǎng qiú mí。
She is a tennis fan.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 迷
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.
密
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 forms the roof; 必 is in the middle and 山 below.
密码
Show word reading and meaning
mìmǎ
password; a secret code used for access
密码 means a password or code. Read the whole word before guessing from a single character.
Read a sentence
我忘记了电脑的密码。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ wàng jì le diàn nǎo de mì mǎ。
I have forgotten my computer password.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 密
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.
免
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the curved lower stroke and the absence of the extra lower dot seen in 兔.
免费
Show word reading and meaning
miǎnfèi
free of charge
免费 means free of charge, not free from every possible condition.
Read a sentence
这个博物馆今天免费开放。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge bó wù guǎn jīn tiān miǎn fèi kāi fàng。
This museum is open free of charge today.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 免
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.
秒
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 is on the left and 少 on the right.
秒
Show word reading and meaning
miǎo
second; a unit of time
秒 is a second as a time unit; distinguish it from 分钟 and from the idea of a second attempt.
Read a sentence
请等十秒再回答。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng děng shí miǎo zài huí dá。
Please wait ten seconds before answering.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 秒
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Does 免费 mean that no password could ever be required?
Check and learn
Words: 梦 mèng — dream; an experience during sleep; 球迷 qiúmí — fan of a ball sport or team; 密码 mìmǎ — password; a secret code used for access; 免费 miǎnfèi — free of charge; 秒 miǎo — second; a unit of time. No. 免费 concerns the charge; a password or registration condition is a separate matter.
Try a new context
电影免费，但需要输入密码才能看。
Is there a charge, and is access completely unrestricted?
Compare your interpretation
The film is free of charge, but a password is needed to watch it. Free does not mean unrestricted access.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each selected word. Recheck a confused shape or word reading, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to change.
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.