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 32 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
187. Society, temperature, applications and degree
Separate similar shapes and distinguish an application from approval.
社
Learn the shape and a useful word
礻 is on the left and 土 on the right. Compare 礻 with the clothing-side 衤 in 袜.
社会
Show word reading and meaning
shèhuì
society; the community in which people live
社会 means society; the visible parts are memory cues rather than a literal definition.
Read a sentence
学校让我们更多地了解社会。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xiào ràng wǒ men gèng duō de liǎo jiě shè huì。
School helps us learn more about society.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 社
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.
摄
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is beside a stacked section containing 耳 above 双. Keep both lower 又-like parts.
摄氏度
Show word reading and meaning
shèshìdù
degree Celsius; a unit of temperature
摄氏度 is degrees Celsius. Learn shèshìdù as the selected three-syllable word.
Read a sentence
今天的气温是二十摄氏度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de qì wēn shì èr shí shè shì dù。
Today's temperature is twenty degrees Celsius.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 摄
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.
申
Learn the shape and a useful word
A vertical stroke passes through the middle of the box and extends both above and below it. Compare 由.
申请
Show word reading and meaning
shēnqǐng
apply for; submit a request
申请 often names a request to join or obtain something, as in 申请参加活动. It is different from the later approval of that request.
Read a sentence
我想申请这所学校的奖学金。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng zhè suǒ xué xiào de jiǎng xué jīn。
I would like to apply for this school's scholarship.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 申
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.
深
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is on the left; the right-hand roof-like strokes cover a 木-shaped lower section.
深
Show word reading and meaning
shēn
deep; far below a surface
深 can describe depth. Read the sentence to distinguish a physical depth from an extended use.
Read a sentence
这个湖很深。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge hú hěn shēn。
This lake is very deep.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 深
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.
甚
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the broad upper section and the folded lower outline. Compare 甚 with 其 instead of dropping the extra lower turn.
甚至
Show word reading and meaning
shènzhì
even; introduces an extreme or unexpected case
甚至 means even, introducing a stronger or less expected case; it does not mean at least.
Read a sentence
他很忙，甚至没时间吃午饭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hěn máng， shèn zhì méi shí jiān chī wǔ fàn。
He is so busy that he does not even have time for lunch.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 甚
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 does the upright in 申 differ from the one in 由?
Check and learn
Words: 社会 shèhuì — society; the community in which people live; 摄氏度 shèshìdù — degree Celsius; a unit of temperature; 申请 shēnqǐng — apply for; submit a request; 深 shēn — deep; far below a surface; 甚至 shènzhì — even; introduces an extreme or unexpected case. In 申 it extends above and below the box; in 由 it extends above only. 申请 names an application, not an approval.
Try a new context
我已经申请了，但还不知道结果。
Has an application been made, and is its outcome known?
Compare your interpretation
Yes, an application has been made. Its result is not yet known.
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.
188. Remaining things, loss, tidying and cause
Read whether the sentence names a remaining item, an action or a resulting feeling.
剩
Learn the shape and a useful word
乘 is on the left and 刂 on the right. Keep the narrow right-hand strokes.
剩
Show word reading and meaning
shèng
remain; be left over
剩 describes what remains or is left over. It does not by itself explain why something was unused.
Read a sentence
桌上还剩两块饼干。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhuō shàng hái shèng liǎng kuài bǐng gān。
There are still two biscuits left on the table.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 剩
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.
失
Learn the shape and a useful word
A short upper falling stroke sits above the 大-like lower outline. Compare 失 with 夫.
失去
Show word reading and meaning
shīqù
lose; no longer have something
失去 means lose or no longer have. It is not the same as deliberately throwing something away.
Read a sentence
他失去了这次比赛的机会。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shī qù le zhè cì bǐ sài de jī huì。
He lost the opportunity to take part in this competition.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 失
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.
拾
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 合. Compare the hand-side strokes with the mouth-side in 哈.
收拾
Show word reading and meaning
shōushi
tidy up; put things in order
收拾 means tidy up or put things in order here; 拾 has a neutral shi syllable in shōushi.
Read a sentence
我先收拾房间，再做功课。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiān shōu shi fáng jiān， zài zuò gōng kè。
I will tidy my room before doing my schoolwork.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 拾
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.
食
Learn the shape and a useful word
A sloping roof covers a folded lower outline. Compare the whole form with the abbreviated 饣 at the left of 饭.
食品
Show word reading and meaning
shípǐn
food; food products, often in formal or commercial use
食品 means food products. The full selected word provides the meaning being taught.
Read a sentence
这家店出售各种食品。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn chū shòu gè zhǒng shí pǐn。
This shop sells all kinds of food products.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 食
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.
使
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is on the left and 吏 on the right. Compare with 便, whose right side is 更.
使
Show word reading and meaning
shǐ
make; cause someone or something to have a result
使 can introduce a cause or result, as in making someone feel something; the following phrase supplies the result.
Read a sentence
这个消息使我很高兴。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xiāo xi shǐ wǒ hěn gāo xìng。
This news made me very happy.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 使
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 收拾 mean that something has necessarily been lost?
Check and learn
Words: 剩 shèng — remain; be left over; 失去 shīqù — lose; no longer have something; 收拾 shōushi — tidy up; put things in order; 食品 shípǐn — food; food products, often in formal or commercial use; 使 shǐ — make; cause someone or something to have a result. No. 收拾 means tidy up or put in order here. 失去 is the selected word for losing something.
Try a new context
请先把剩下的食品收拾好，不要马上扔掉。
What should be dealt with, and is immediate disposal requested?
Compare your interpretation
The remaining food should be put in order first. The instruction explicitly says not to throw it away immediately.
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.
189. Readings, methods, tomatoes and explanations
Use word identity to distinguish similar sounds and different grammatical jobs.
氏
Learn the shape and a useful word
Trace the upper slant, middle fold and lower turning hook. Compare 氏 with 民.
摄氏度
Show word reading and meaning
shèshìdù
degree Celsius; a unit of temperature
氏 is shì in 摄氏度. This is not the neutral shi syllable in 钥匙.
Read a sentence
今天的气温是二十摄氏度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de qì wēn shì èr shí shè shì dù。
Today's temperature is twenty degrees Celsius.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 氏
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.
示
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two horizontal strokes sit above a 小-like lower group. Compare 示 with the left-side form 礻.
表示
Show word reading and meaning
biǎoshì
express; indicate; show what someone means or feels
表示 can mean express or indicate. What is expressed must be understood from the sentence.
Read a sentence
他点头表示同意。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā diǎn tóu biǎo shì tóng yì。
He nodded to show that he agreed.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 示
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.
式
Learn the shape and a useful word
工 sits inside the sloping 弋 outline. Keep the small dot at the upper right.
方式
Show word reading and meaning
fāngshì
way; manner; method of doing something
方式 means a way or method of doing something, rather than a physical direction to a place.
Read a sentence
你喜欢哪种学习方式？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ xǐ huan nǎ zhǒng xué xí fāng shì？
Which way of learning do you like?
Learn the 6 strokes · write 式
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.
柿
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is on the left and 市 on the right. Compare 市 alone with the complete character.
西红柿
Show word reading and meaning
xīhóngshì
tomato
西红柿 is tomato. Read the full word xīhóngshì rather than treating 柿 as a separate fruit name here.
Read a sentence
我想买几个西红柿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng mǎi jǐ gè xī hóng shì。
I would like to buy a few tomatoes.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 柿
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.
释
Learn the shape and a useful word
The left has a top falling stroke over a 米-like group. The right has a 又-like top above horizontal and vertical strokes.
解释
Show word reading and meaning
jiěshì
explain; make something clear
解释 means explain or an explanation. An explanation may still need evidence; the word alone does not certify it.
Read a sentence
你能解释一下这个词吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ néng jiě shì yí xià zhè ge cí ma？
Could you explain this word?
Learn the 12 strokes · write 释
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. Is 氏 in 摄氏度 the same neutral syllable as 匙 in 钥匙?
Check and learn
Words: 摄氏度 shèshìdù — degree Celsius; a unit of temperature; 表示 biǎoshì — express; indicate; show what someone means or feels; 方式 fāngshì — way; manner; method of doing something; 西红柿 xīhóngshì — tomato; 解释 jiěshì — explain; make something clear. No. 氏 is shì in shèshìdù; 匙 is neutral shi in yàoshi. Learn each complete word's reading.
Try a new context
他解释了这种方式，却没有表示同意。
Does providing an explanation necessarily mean agreement here?
Compare your interpretation
No. He explained the method, but the sentence says he did not express agreement.
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.
190. Keys, capitals, roles and losing
Separate a whole-word reading from a similar sound in another word.
匙
Learn the shape and a useful word
是 is on the left and 匕 on the right. Keep the long lower stroke of 是 separate from 匕.
钥匙
Show word reading and meaning
yàoshi
key; an object that opens a lock
钥匙 means key and has neutral shi. Do not give 匙 a full shì tone just because 摄氏度 contains 氏.
Read a sentence
我把钥匙放在包里了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ bǎ yào shi fàng zài bāo lǐ le。
I put the keys in my bag.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 匙
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.
首
Learn the shape and a useful word
The top has two spreading strokes and a horizontal above 自. Keep the short top stroke inside 自.
首都
Show word reading and meaning
shǒudū
capital city
首都 is a capital city, with dū for 都. It is not the dōu reading meaning all.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了几个国家的首都。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le jǐ gè guó jiā de shǒu dū。
This book introduces the capitals of several countries.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 首
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.
授
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is beside 受. Compare 受 alone with the extra hand-side strokes.
教授
Show word reading and meaning
jiàoshòu
professor; a senior university teacher, in this use
教授 is a professor in this selected word. Do not assume every use of 教授 has the same grammatical role or reading.
Read a sentence
这位教授正在给学生讲课。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wèi jiào shòu zhèng zài gěi xué shēng jiǎng kè。
This professor is teaching the students.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 授
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.
售
Learn the shape and a useful word
隹 sits above 口. Compare the stacked form with 谁, which has 讠 beside 隹.
售票员
Show word reading and meaning
shòupiàoyuán
ticket seller; ticket clerk or conductor
售票员 means a ticket seller or ticket-office attendant. Learn the full role name rather than guessing a person's duties from one character.
Read a sentence
售票员给了我两张票。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shòu piào yuán gěi le wǒ liǎng zhāng piào。
The ticket seller gave me two tickets.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 售
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.
输
Learn the shape and a useful word
车 is beside 俞. Compare with 愉, which has 忄 instead of 车.
输
Show word reading and meaning
shū
lose a match or competition
输 means lose in this selected word; the rest of the sentence identifies the game, comparison or other situation.
Read a sentence
我们这次输了，下次再努力。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men zhè cì shū le， xià cì zài nǔ lì。
We lost this time and will try harder next time.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 输
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 reading does 都 have in 首都, and what does 输 contrast with?
Check and learn
Words: 钥匙 yàoshi — key; an object that opens a lock; 首都 shǒudū — capital city; 教授 jiàoshòu — professor; a senior university teacher, in this use; 售票员 shòupiàoyuán — ticket seller; ticket clerk or conductor; 输 shū — lose a match or competition. 首都 uses dū. 输, lose, contrasts with 赢, win; a sound shared with another word does not make their meanings the same.
Try a new context
售票员说，这趟车不去首都。
What does the ticket seller say about the service?
Compare your interpretation
This service does not go to the capital. The sentence does not say that all services avoid the capital.
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.
191. Familiarity, holidays, skills and order
Keep word-specific readings while using context to identify the topic.
熟
Learn the shape and a useful word
The broad upper section sits above 灬. Keep the four lower dots rather than ending at the upper outline.
熟悉
Show word reading and meaning
shúxi
be familiar with; know something well
熟悉 is shúxi with neutral xi. The reading applies to this word; it is not a list of every reading of 熟.
Read a sentence
我很熟悉这条路。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ hěn shú xi zhè tiáo lù。
I know this road very well.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 熟
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.
暑
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above 者. Compare 暑 with 署, whose upper part is 罒.
暑假
Show word reading and meaning
shǔjià
summer school holiday
暑假 is the summer holiday or vacation. 假 is jià in this word.
Read a sentence
暑假里，我想去海边旅行。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shǔ jià lǐ， wǒ xiǎng qù hǎi biān lǚ xíng。
I would like to travel to the seaside during the summer holiday.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 暑
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.
术
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 has an extra dot at the upper right. Compare 术 directly with 木.
技术
Show word reading and meaning
jìshù
technology; a practical technique or skill
技术 means technology, technique or technical skill in context; the selected word is jìshù.
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 5 strokes · write 术
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.
帅
Learn the shape and a useful word
巾 is at the right; a short falling stroke and an upright are at the left. Compare 师, which has an extra upper horizontal.
帅
Show word reading and meaning
shuài
handsome; attractive in appearance
帅 describes handsome appearance or a smart look here. Keep it distinct from 师 in 老师.
Read a sentence
他穿这件上衣很帅。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā chuān zhè jiàn shàng yī hěn shuài。
He looks handsome in this top.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 帅
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.
顺
Learn the shape and a useful word
川 is on the left and 页 on the right. Compare 川 alone with the wider complete character.
顺序
Show word reading and meaning
shùnxù
order; sequence
顺序 means order or sequence. It is not itself a command that everything must happen immediately.
Read a sentence
请按照顺序回答问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng àn zhào shùn xù huí dá wèn tí。
Please answer the questions in order.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 顺
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 are 熟悉 and 暑假 read in their selected entries?
Check and learn
Words: 熟悉 shúxi — be familiar with; know something well; 暑假 shǔjià — summer school holiday; 技术 jìshù — technology; a practical technique or skill; 帅 shuài — handsome; attractive in appearance; 顺序 shùnxù — order; sequence. 熟悉 is shúxi with neutral xi; 暑假 is shǔjià. The selected holiday word uses jià for 假.
Try a new context
暑假里，我想按顺序复习这些内容。
What period and study plan does the speaker describe?
Compare your interpretation
During the summer vacation, the speaker wants to review this material in sequence. It is a plan, not evidence that review is finished.
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.
192. Qualifications, relaxing, coughing and speed
Distinguish a qualification, a life-related word and an action.
硕
Learn the shape and a useful word
石 is beside 页. Compare with 项, which has 工 at the left.
硕士
Show word reading and meaning
shuòshì
master's degree; a person with or studying for that degree
硕士 names a master's degree or a person with that qualification in context, not a school pupil of every level.
Read a sentence
她正在读硕士。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhèng zài dú shuò shì。
She is studying for a master's degree.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 硕
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.
死
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 歹-like left section stands beside 匕. Compare the small inner strokes with the full 死 outline.
死
Show word reading and meaning
sǐ
die; dead; no longer alive
死 means die or dead in the selected entry. Do not substitute a figurative reading for an explicit statement about life.
Read a sentence
这棵树已经死了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè kē shù yǐ jīng sǐ le。
This tree has died.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 死
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.
松
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is on the left and 公 on the right. Compare the right side with 公 alone.
放松
Show word reading and meaning
fàngsōng
relax; loosen tension
放松 means relax or loosen. It is not the tree-name sense of 松.
Read a sentence
下课以后，听听音乐，放松一下吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xià kè yǐ hòu， tīng tīng yīn yuè， fàng sōng yí xià ba。
Listen to some music and relax after class.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 松
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.
嗽
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 is beside a wide right section containing 束 and 欠. Compare 嗽 with the simpler 咳 in the same word.
咳嗽
Show word reading and meaning
késou
cough; have a cough
咳嗽 is késou with neutral sou. These two targets form one word for coughing.
Read a sentence
她今天有点儿咳嗽。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā jīn tiān yǒu diǎnr ké sou。
She has a slight cough today.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 嗽
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.
速
Learn the shape and a useful word
束 sits inside the movement-side 辶 strokes. Compare 束 alone with the complete outline.
快速
Show word reading and meaning
kuàisù
fast; rapid; quickly
快速 means rapid or quickly. It describes speed rather than automatically saying a result is good.
Read a sentence
请快速阅读这段课文。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng kuài sù yuè dú zhè duàn kè wén。
Please read this passage quickly.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 速
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 快速 automatically mean a result is good, and how is 咳嗽 read?
Check and learn
Words: 硕士 shuòshì — master's degree; a person with or studying for that degree; 死 sǐ — die; dead; no longer alive; 放松 fàngsōng — relax; loosen tension; 咳嗽 késou — cough; have a cough; 快速 kuàisù — fast; rapid; quickly. No. 快速 describes speed, not quality. 咳嗽 is késou with a neutral second syllable.
Try a new context
他想先放松一下，不想急着做完所有事。
Does the sentence say that all the work has been finished?
Compare your interpretation
No. He wants to relax first and does not want to rush through everything. This expresses a preference rather than completed work.
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.