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 30 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
175. People, life and feelings
Read the whole words instead of assigning one English meaning to every occurrence.
民
Learn the shape and a useful word
Trace the folded central outline and long lower slant. Compare the full form with 氏.
民族
Show word reading and meaning
mínzú
ethnic group; a people sharing cultural traditions
民族 is a people or ethnic group; do not infer a person's nationality from the single character alone.
Read a sentence
每个民族都有自己的文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi gè mín zú dōu yǒu zì jǐ de wén huà。
Every ethnic group has its own culture.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 民
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.
命
Learn the shape and a useful word
The roof-like top covers a small 口 and a separate 卩-shaped right section.
生命
Show word reading and meaning
shēngmìng
life; a living being's existence
生命 concerns life; the selected word is not an order or command.
Read a sentence
我们应该尊重每一个生命。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yīng gāi zūn zhòng měi yí gè shēng mìng。
We should respect every life.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 命
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.
默
Learn the shape and a useful word
黑 is on the left and 犬 on the right. Keep the small dot in 犬.
幽默
Show word reading and meaning
yōumò
humorous; a sense of humour
幽默 describes humour; 默 in this word does not mean that a speaker must be silent.
Read a sentence
我们的老师很幽默。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men de lǎo shī hěn yōu mò。
Our teacher is very humorous.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 默
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.
母
Learn the shape and a useful word
The outer folded shape contains two separate dots. Compare these dots with the inner strokes of 毋.
父母
Show word reading and meaning
fùmǔ
parents; father and mother
父母 refers to parents. 母 is mǔ in this selected word.
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 5 strokes · write 母
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.
慕
Learn the shape and a useful word
莫 is above a lower heart-style group of dots and strokes; keep that lower part.
羡慕
Show word reading and meaning
xiànmù
admire and wish one had what someone else has
羡慕 means to admire or envy someone else's situation; it is not automatically a hostile feeling.
Read a sentence
我很羡慕她流利的汉语。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ hěn xiàn mù tā liú lì de hàn yǔ。
I admire her fluent Chinese and wish mine were as good.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 慕
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 幽默 require a speaker to remain silent because it contains 默?
Check and learn
Words: 民族 mínzú — ethnic group; a people sharing cultural traditions; 生命 shēngmìng — life; a living being's existence; 幽默 yōumò — humorous; a sense of humour; 父母 fùmǔ — parents; father and mother; 羡慕 xiànmù — admire and wish one had what someone else has. No. 幽默 concerns humour. The meaning of the whole word is not a literal command derived from 默.
Try a new context
父母很幽默，常把我们逗笑。
Who is described, and what effect do they have?
Compare your interpretation
The parents are humorous and often make the speaker's group laugh. No judgement of every family is being made.
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.
176. Patience, worry and a lively place
Notice how a whole word names an attitude, a feeling or an environment.
耐
Learn the shape and a useful word
而 is on the left and 寸 on the right. Compare the two sides rather than treating the lower strokes as one box.
耐心
Show word reading and meaning
nàixīn
patience; patient when helping or waiting
耐心 can mean patience or patient, depending on the sentence.
Read a sentence
老师很有耐心，一遍一遍地解释。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī hěn yǒu nài xīn， yī biàn yī biàn de jiě shì。
The teacher is very patient and explains things again and again.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 耐
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.
恼
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 is on the left. The right side has a small upper cap above a 凶-like lower section.
烦恼
Show word reading and meaning
fánnǎo
worry; trouble; something that bothers a person
烦恼 concerns worry or trouble; learn the whole word rather than assigning the same feeling to every 忄 character.
Read a sentence
他愿意听朋友说自己的烦恼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yuàn yì tīng péng you shuō zì jǐ de fán nǎo。
He is willing to listen to his friends talk about their worries.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 恼
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.
闹
Learn the shape and a useful word
门 surrounds 市. Compare with 问, whose interior is only 口.
热闹
Show word reading and meaning
rènao
lively; bustling with people and activity
热闹 means lively or bustling. Its second syllable is neutral nao in this entry.
Read a sentence
春节的时候，这条街很热闹。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chūn jié de shí hou， zhè tiáo jiē hěn rè nao。
This street is very lively at Chinese New Year.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 闹
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.
内
Learn the shape and a useful word
A broad 冂 outline encloses a 人-like pair of strokes.
内
Show word reading and meaning
nèi
inside; within a place or time limit
内 indicates inside or within; it does not by itself tell you what kind of container or period is involved.
Read a sentence
请在三天内回复邮件。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài sān tiān nèi huí fù yóu jiàn。
Please reply to the email within three days.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 内
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.
嗯
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 is on the left and 恩 on the right; the right side includes 心 at the bottom.
嗯
Show word reading and meaning
ǹg
ǹg; a short sound expressing agreement or acknowledgement
The official selected entry records ǹg. This spoken response can vary with tone and context; native aural review remains needed.
Read a sentence
嗯，我知道了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
ǹg， wǒ zhī dào le。
Mm, I understand.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 嗯
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 热闹 and 烦恼 differ despite their similar final sounds?
Check and learn
Words: 耐心 nàixīn — patience; patient when helping or waiting; 烦恼 fánnǎo — worry; trouble; something that bothers a person; 热闹 rènao — lively; bustling with people and activity; 内 nèi — inside; within a place or time limit; 嗯 ǹg — ǹg; a short sound expressing agreement or acknowledgement. 热闹 describes a lively place or activity; 烦恼 concerns worry or trouble. 闹 and 恼 also have different left sides.
Try a new context
外面很热闹，我却想在屋内安静地看书。
Does the speaker want to join the activity outside?
Compare your interpretation
Not necessarily. The speaker contrasts the lively outside with a wish to read quietly indoors.
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.
177. People, rural places and frequency
Keep neutral syllables and a frequency expression tied to their selected words.
娘
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 is on the left and 良 on the right. Compare the left side with 粮, which uses 米.
姑娘
Show word reading and meaning
gūniang
young woman; girl, depending on context
姑娘 has neutral niang in this entry. Learn the word's reading rather than pronouncing both syllables with full citation tones.
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 10 strokes · write 娘
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.
农
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the small upper cap and the sloping lower outline. 浓 adds 氵 to this whole shape.
农村
Show word reading and meaning
nóngcūn
countryside; rural areas
农村 refers to the countryside or rural villages; it is not the name of one particular village.
Read a sentence
爷爷奶奶住在农村。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yé ye nǎi nai zhù zài nóng cūn。
My grandparents live in the countryside.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 农
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.
弄
Learn the shape and a useful word
王 is above 廾, whose lower strokes spread below the horizontal line.
弄
Show word reading and meaning
nòng
do; make; handle something, often in a result phrase
弄 is a broad action word. Use the surrounding object or result to understand what was done.
Read a sentence
对不起，我把你的书弄湿了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
duì bu qǐ， wǒ bǎ nǐ de shū nòng shī le。
I am sorry; I got your book wet.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 弄
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.
暖
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 is on the left and 爰 on the right. Compare with 缓, which has 纟 instead.
暖和
Show word reading and meaning
nuǎnhuo
warm and comfortable, about weather, clothing or a place
暖和 has neutral huo and describes comfortable warmth; distinguish it from the hotter 热.
Read a sentence
今天很暖和，我们出去走走吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān hěn nuǎn huo， wǒ men chū qù zǒu zǒu ba。
It is pleasantly warm today; let us go out for a walk.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 暖
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.
偶
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is beside 禺. Keep the extra person-side strokes when comparing it with 遇.
偶尔
Show word reading and meaning
ǒu’ěr
occasionally; once in a while
偶尔 means occasionally. The apostrophe in ǒu’ěr separates the two syllables; it is not another sound.
Read a sentence
我偶尔坐公交车去上班。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ ǒu ěr zuò gōng jiāo chē qù shàng bān。
I occasionally take the bus to work.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 偶
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. What does 偶尔 tell you about how often something happens?
Check and learn
Words: 姑娘 gūniang — young woman; girl, depending on context; 农村 nóngcūn — countryside; rural areas; 弄 nòng — do; make; handle something, often in a result phrase; 暖和 nuǎnhuo — warm and comfortable, about weather, clothing or a place; 偶尔 ǒu’ěr — occasionally; once in a while. 偶尔 means occasionally. It does not mean every day or never.
Try a new context
我偶尔去农村看朋友，不是每周都去。
How often does the visit happen, and is it weekly?
Compare your interpretation
The visits happen occasionally. The speaker explicitly denies going every week.
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.
178. Queues, signs, judgement and company
Use the left-hand part and the full word to distinguish related sounds.
排
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is on the left and 非 on the right; the right side has two upright rows of short strokes.
排队
Show word reading and meaning
páiduì
queue; line up
排队 is to line up or queue, not merely to arrange objects in any order.
Read a sentence
请排队买票。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng pái duì mǎi piào。
Please queue to buy tickets.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 排
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.
牌
Learn the shape and a useful word
片 is on the left and 卑 on the right. Compare the left side with 脾.
牌子
Show word reading and meaning
páizi
sign; brand, depending on context
牌子 can name a sign or a brand in context; its second syllable is neutral zi.
Read a sentence
这个牌子上写着禁止停车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge pái zi shàng xiě zhe jìn zhǐ tíng chē。
This sign says that parking is prohibited.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 牌
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.
判
Learn the shape and a useful word
半 is beside the narrow 刂. Keep the right-hand knife-side separate from 半.
判断
Show word reading and meaning
pànduàn
judge; decide what is true from the available information
判断 can take a question-like clause, as in 判断是否正确, judge whether something is correct. It names the judging process rather than its guaranteed success.
Read a sentence
请根据课文判断这句话是否正确。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng gēn jù kè wén pàn duàn zhè jù huà shì fǒu zhèng què。
Please use the text to decide whether this statement is correct.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 判
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.
乓
Learn the shape and a useful word
Compare the last lower stroke with 乒: 乓 ends with a dot toward the lower right.
乒乓球
Show word reading and meaning
pīngpāngqiú
table tennis; a table-tennis ball
乒乓球 is one word for table tennis. This card and the later 乒 card study two shapes in that same word.
Read a sentence
你会打乒乓球吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ huì dǎ pīng pāng qiú ma？
Can you play table tennis?
Learn the 6 strokes · write 乓
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.
陪
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 is on the left, with a 立-like top over 口 on the right.
陪
Show word reading and meaning
péi
accompany; spend time with someone
陪 means to accompany or keep someone company; it is not the same word as 赔, compensate.
Read a sentence
我陪奶奶去医院。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ péi nǎi nai qù yī yuàn。
I am going to the hospital with my grandmother.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 陪
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. Which word describes accompanying someone, and which describes making a judgement?
Check and learn
Words: 排队 páiduì — queue; line up; 牌子 páizi — sign; brand, depending on context; 判断 pànduàn — judge; decide what is true from the available information; 乒乓球 pīngpāngqiú — table tennis; a table-tennis ball; 陪 péi — accompany; spend time with someone. 陪 is accompany; 判断 is judge or determine. Neither means that a judgement has already proved correct.
Try a new context
我陪朋友排队，没有先进去。
What does the speaker do with the friend, and what do they deny doing?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker accompanies the friend in the queue and says they did not go inside first.
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.
179. Criticism, skin, temper, texts and video
Notice similar right-hand parts while keeping words and classifiers separate.
批
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is on the left and 比 on the right. Compare 比 alone with the full character.
批评
Show word reading and meaning
pīpíng
criticise; point out someone's faults or mistakes
批评 means to criticize; use the explanation in context to tell whether the criticism is constructive or unhelpful.
Read a sentence
老师批评了上课说话的学生。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī pī píng le shàng kè shuō huà de xué shēng。
The teacher criticised the students who talked during class.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 批
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.
皮
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the long outer falling stroke, the upper turn and the crossed lower strokes. 波 adds 氵 to this whole shape.
皮肤
Show word reading and meaning
pífū
skin
皮肤 refers to skin. Learn the word rather than using 皮 as a separate translation for every material.
Read a sentence
冬天，我的皮肤有点儿干。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dōng tiān， wǒ de pí fū yǒu diǎnr gān。
My skin is a little dry in winter.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 皮
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.
脾
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 is on the left and 卑 on the right. Compare directly with 牌, whose left side is 片.
脾气
Show word reading and meaning
píqi
temper; a person's usual emotional manner
脾气 means temper or disposition; 气 has a neutral syllable in píqi here.
Read a sentence
她脾气很好，很少生气。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā pí qi hěn hǎo， hěn shǎo shēng qì。
She has a good temper and rarely gets angry.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 脾
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.
篇
Learn the shape and a useful word
The bamboo-style ⺮ top sits above 扁. Compare with 编, which has 纟 on the left.
篇
Show word reading and meaning
piān
a classifier for pieces of writing
篇 counts texts such as articles. Use 一篇 with a suitable piece of writing, rather than treating it as a count for any object.
Read a sentence
请读这篇课文。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng dú zhè piān kè wén。
Please read this passage.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 篇
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.
频
Learn the shape and a useful word
步 is on the left and 页 on the right. Compare the two stacked sides with the simpler 步.
视频
Show word reading and meaning
shìpín
video; a recorded moving image
视频 names video; the whole word does not tell you that a clip has been watched or understood.
Read a sentence
这个视频介绍了发音方法。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge shì pín jiè shào le fā yīn fāng fǎ。
This video explains pronunciation techniques.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 频
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. What changes between 牌 and 脾, and what does 一篇 usually count?
Check and learn
Words: 批评 pīpíng — criticise; point out someone's faults or mistakes; 皮肤 pífū — skin; 脾气 píqi — temper; a person's usual emotional manner; 篇 piān — a classifier for pieces of writing; 视频 shìpín — video; a recorded moving image. 牌 has 片 at the left; 脾 has 月. 篇 counts a text such as an article, rather than a video merely because it is long.
Try a new context
这篇文章介绍了皮肤的特点。
What kind of item contains the information, and what is its topic?
Compare your interpretation
It is an article about the characteristics of skin. 篇 counts the article, not the skin or a video.
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.
180. Goods, recruitment and a sport
Separate role direction and the two similar table-tennis shapes.
品
Learn the shape and a useful word
Three small 口 shapes are stacked with one above two.
商品
Show word reading and meaning
shāngpǐn
goods; products for sale
商品 means goods or merchandise. 品 in this word does not simply mean that someone is tasting something.
Read a sentence
这家店的商品种类很多。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn de shāng pǐn zhǒng lèi hěn duō。
This shop sells many kinds of products.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 品
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.
聘
Learn the shape and a useful word
耳 is on the left; the right has a 由-like upper section and a lower turning hook.
招聘
Show word reading and meaning
zhāopìn
recruit; look for people to fill jobs
招聘 concerns recruiting staff; 应聘 describes applying for a position. Keep the direction of the action clear.
Read a sentence
这家饭馆正在招聘厨师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā fàn guǎn zhèng zài zhāo pìn chú shī。
This restaurant is recruiting chefs.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 聘
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.
乒
Learn the shape and a useful word
Compare the lower stroke with 乓: 乒 has a falling stroke toward the lower left.
乒乓球
Show word reading and meaning
pīngpāngqiú
table tennis; a table-tennis ball
Read pīngpāngqiú as one word. Distinguishing 乒 and 乓 is shape practice, not two additional vocabulary items.
Read a sentence
你会打乒乓球吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ huì dǎ pīng pāng qiú ma？
Can you play table tennis?
Learn the 6 strokes · write 乒
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.
评
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is beside 平. Compare with 批: both occur together in 批评, but their left sides differ.
批评
Show word reading and meaning
pīpíng
criticise; point out someone's faults or mistakes
批评 is the complete selected word. This card revisits the same word to learn its second target shape.
Read a sentence
老师批评了上课说话的学生。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī pī píng le shàng kè shuō huà de xué shēng。
The teacher criticised the students who talked during class.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 评
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.
泼
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside 发. Compare the water-side strokes with the bare 发 outline.
活泼
Show word reading and meaning
huópō
lively; energetic and outgoing
活泼 means lively or active in manner; it does not mean that someone is literally splashing water.
Read a sentence
她是个很活泼的小孩儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì gè hěn huó pō de xiǎo háir。
She is a very lively child.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 泼
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 final lower strokes of 乒 and 乓 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 商品 shāngpǐn — goods; products for sale; 招聘 zhāopìn — recruit; look for people to fill jobs; 乒乓球 pīngpāngqiú — table tennis; a table-tennis ball; 批评 pīpíng — criticise; point out someone's faults or mistakes; 活泼 huópō — lively; energetic and outgoing. 乒 has a lower-left falling stroke, while 乓 has a lower-right dot. Together in 乒乓球 they form part of one sport name.
Try a new context
他平时很活泼，听别人批评时却很认真。
Does a lively manner imply ignoring criticism?
Compare your interpretation
No. The sentence contrasts a normally lively manner with listening seriously to criticism.
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.