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 33 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
193. Materials, taste, accompanying change and counting
Use the noun after a classifier and read a taste word in its sentence.
塑
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 朔-shaped upper section sits above 土. Keep the 土 at the bottom.
塑料
Show word reading and meaning
sùliào
plastic; a material
塑料 means plastic as a material, not a promise that an object is disposable or recyclable.
Read a sentence
这个盒子是塑料做的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge hé zi shì sù liào zuò de。
This box is made of plastic.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 塑
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.
酸
Learn the shape and a useful word
酉 is on the left; the right side has a small upper section over lower spreading strokes.
酸
Show word reading and meaning
suān
sour; acidic in taste
酸 can describe sour taste. Check the surrounding word or sentence for other uses.
Read a sentence
这个葡萄有点儿酸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge pú tao yǒu diǎnr suān。
This grape tastes a little sour.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 酸
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.
随
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 is at the left; the right contains 有 above movement-side 辶 strokes.
随着
Show word reading and meaning
suízhe
as; along with a developing situation
随着 introduces a change or circumstance accompanying another development. It is not the word 随便.
Read a sentence
随着练习增加，我说汉语更自然了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
suí zhe liàn xí zēng jiā， wǒ shuō hàn yǔ gèng zì rán le。
As I practise more, my Chinese sounds more natural.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 随
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.
孙
Learn the shape and a useful word
子 is beside 小. Compare the right side with 孔, which has a single lower hook instead.
孙子
Show word reading and meaning
sūnzi
grandson
孙子 has neutral zi. The family relation is grandson in the selected entry; do not flatten all generations into child.
Read a sentence
奶奶给孙子讲了一个故事。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǎi nai gěi sūn zi jiǎng le yí gè gù shi。
The grandmother told her grandson a story.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 孙
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.
台
Learn the shape and a useful word
厶 sits above 口. Compare 台 with 抬, which adds 扌 at the left.
台
Show word reading and meaning
tái
a classifier for machines or equipment
台 can be a classifier, for example for certain machines. The noun after it tells you what is counted.
Read a sentence
教室里有一台电脑。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jiào shì lǐ yǒu yī tái diàn nǎo。
There is a computer in the classroom.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 台
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 台 a general counter for every object, and does 酸 name a material like 塑料?
Check and learn
Words: 塑料 sùliào — plastic; a material; 酸 suān — sour; acidic in taste; 随着 suízhe — as; along with a developing situation; 孙子 sūnzi — grandson; 台 tái — a classifier for machines or equipment. No. 台 is used with suitable nouns such as certain machines; 酸 describes sour taste in this entry, while 塑料 names a material.
Try a new context
桌上有一台机器和两瓶酸奶。
What does 台 count, and what is counted by 瓶?
Compare your interpretation
台 counts the machine. 瓶 counts the bottles of yoghurt, so the classifiers do different jobs.
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.
194. Actions, attitude, soup and lying down
Contrast first- and third-tone words with different left-hand shapes.
抬
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 台. Compare the complete outline with 台 alone.
抬头
Show word reading and meaning
táitóu
raise one's head; look up
抬头 means raise one's head or look up; it is an action, not a different unit for counting machines.
Read a sentence
请抬头看黑板。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng tái tóu kàn hēi bǎn。
Please look up at the blackboard.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 抬
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.
态
Learn the shape and a useful word
太 is above 心. Keep the dot in 太 and the heart strokes below.
态度
Show word reading and meaning
tàidù
attitude; the way someone approaches a person or task
态度 concerns attitude or manner toward someone or something; it does not simply describe facial appearance.
Read a sentence
她对学习的态度很认真。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā duì xué xí de tài dù hěn rèn zhēn。
She takes a conscientious approach to studying.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 态
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.
谈
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside two stacked 火 shapes, 炎. Compare the two fire-like sections rather than writing only one.
谈
Show word reading and meaning
tán
talk about; discuss
谈 means talk or discuss. The sentence tells you the topic and whether agreement was reached.
Read a sentence
我们谈谈周末的计划吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men tán tán zhōu mò de jì huà ba。
Let us talk about our plans for the weekend.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 谈
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.
汤
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside the same turning right-hand strokes found in 扬. Compare 汤 with the hand-side 扬.
汤
Show word reading and meaning
tāng
soup; broth
汤 means soup. Its first-tone tāng is distinct from 躺 tǎng and 趟 tàng.
Read a sentence
这碗汤有点儿热。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wǎn tāng yǒu diǎnr rè。
This soup is a little hot.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 汤
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.
躺
Learn the shape and a useful word
身 is on the left and 尚 on the right. Compare with 趟, which begins with 走.
躺
Show word reading and meaning
tǎng
lie down; be lying on a surface
躺 tǎng means lie down or be lying. It is not the measure word 趟 tàng for a trip.
Read a sentence
小猫躺在沙发上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiǎo māo tǎng zài shā fā shàng。
The kitten is lying on the sofa.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 躺
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 汤 and 躺 differ in reading and meaning?
Check and learn
Words: 抬头 táitóu — raise one's head; look up; 态度 tàidù — attitude; the way someone approaches a person or task; 谈 tán — talk about; discuss; 汤 tāng — soup; broth; 躺 tǎng — lie down; be lying on a surface. 汤 tāng means soup; 躺 tǎng means lie down. Their sounds, tones and shapes must be kept together.
Try a new context
他抬头看了看，然后躺下来休息。
Which action comes first?
Compare your interpretation
He raises his head and looks first, then lies down to rest. The sequence is explicit.
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.
195. Trips, fruit, discussion, coats and a dining place
Distinguish a trip counter from an action and a place from its contents.
趟
Learn the shape and a useful word
走 stretches along the left and bottom of 尚. Compare the left side with 身 in 躺.
趟
Show word reading and meaning
tàng
a classifier for journeys or trips
趟 tàng counts a trip or a time going somewhere; do not use the third-tone 躺 reading.
Read a sentence
我下午要去一趟银行。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xià wǔ yào qù yī tàng yín háng。
I need to make a trip to the bank this afternoon.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 趟
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.
萄
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 is above a wrapped lower part containing 缶. Compare the lower interior with 葡.
葡萄
Show word reading and meaning
pútao
grape; grapes
葡萄 is pútao with neutral tao. This revisits the same fruit word to study its second target shape.
Read a sentence
这些葡萄很甜。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē pú tao hěn tián。
These grapes are very sweet.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 萄
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.
讨
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is on the left and 寸 on the right. Compare with 付, which has 亻 instead.
讨论
Show word reading and meaning
tǎolùn
discuss; exchange views on a topic
讨论 means discuss. A discussion need not end in agreement, so look for the stated outcome.
Read a sentence
我们分小组讨论这个问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men fēn xiǎo zǔ tǎo lùn zhè ge wèn tí。
We will discuss this question in small groups.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 讨
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.
套
Learn the shape and a useful word
大 is above a wide lower section with horizontal and vertical strokes. Keep that lower part rather than stopping at 大.
外套
Show word reading and meaning
wàitào
coat; jacket; outer clothing
外套 means an outer coat or jacket. Learn this selected clothing word before extending 套 to its other uses.
Read a sentence
外面很冷，请带上外套。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wài miàn hěn lěng， qǐng dài shàng wài tào。
It is cold outside; please take a coat.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 套
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.
堂
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 尚-like upper section sits above 土. Compare 堂 with 常, whose lower section is 巾.
食堂
Show word reading and meaning
shítáng
canteen; cafeteria serving a school or workplace
食堂 means a dining hall or canteen. It names a place, rather than every kind of food.
Read a sentence
我们中午在学校食堂吃饭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men zhōng wǔ zài xué xiào shí táng chī fàn。
We have lunch in the school canteen.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 堂
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 趟 and 躺 differ, and what does 食堂 name?
Check and learn
Words: 趟 tàng — a classifier for journeys or trips; 葡萄 pútao — grape; grapes; 讨论 tǎolùn — discuss; exchange views on a topic; 外套 wàitào — coat; jacket; outer clothing; 食堂 shítáng — canteen; cafeteria serving a school or workplace. 趟 tàng counts a trip; 躺 tǎng means lie down. 食堂 names a dining hall or canteen, not a particular dish.
Try a new context
我去了一趟食堂，回来才拿外套。
When did the speaker collect the coat relative to the trip?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker made a trip to the dining hall first and collected the coat only after returning.
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.
196. Forms, rooms, family and stopping
Contrast similar room words and distinguish stopping from cancellation.
填
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 is beside 真. Compare the earth-side 土 with the hand-side in a different character.
填写
Show word reading and meaning
tiánxiě
fill in; write information in a form
填写 means fill in written information. Filling a form does not by itself mean the information is correct or accepted.
Read a sentence
请填写姓名和地址。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng tián xiě xìng míng hé dì zhǐ。
Please fill in your name and address.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 填
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.
厅
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 surrounds 丁. Compare this open shelter-like shape with 庭, which has 广.
客厅
Show word reading and meaning
kètīng
living room; the room for sitting and receiving guests
客厅 means a living room; it is not the same room as 餐厅, a dining room or restaurant in context.
Read a sentence
大家都在客厅聊天。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dà jiā dōu zài kè tīng liáo tiān。
Everyone is chatting in the living room.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 厅
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.
庭
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 surrounds 廷, whose lower turning stroke runs along the bottom. Compare the outer 广 with 厂 in 厅.
家庭
Show word reading and meaning
jiātíng
family; household
家庭 means family or household. 家庭 and 客厅 share a sound sequence only partly; they are different words.
Read a sentence
每个家庭都有自己的生活方式。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi gè jiā tíng dōu yǒu zì jǐ de shēng huó fāng shì。
Every family has its own way of life.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 庭
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.
停
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 亭. Compare 亭 alone with the extra person-side strokes.
停止
Show word reading and meaning
tíngzhǐ
stop; bring an action to an end
停止 means stop or cease. The sentence determines what stops and whether the stopping is temporary.
Read a sentence
铃声响了，请停止答题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
líng shēng xiǎng le， qǐng tíng zhǐ dá tí。
The bell has rung; please stop answering questions.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 停
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.
通
Learn the shape and a useful word
甬 is inside movement-side 辶 strokes. Compare the same 甬 in 桶 and 痛.
交通
Show word reading and meaning
jiāotōng
transport; traffic
交通 concerns transport or traffic. The word does not describe one particular vehicle.
Read a sentence
这里的交通很方便。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ de jiāo tōng hěn fāng biàn。
Transport is very convenient here.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 通
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 are the different outer parts in 厅 and 庭?
Check and learn
Words: 填写 tiánxiě — fill in; write information in a form; 客厅 kètīng — living room; the room for sitting and receiving guests; 家庭 jiātíng — family; household; 停止 tíngzhǐ — stop; bring an action to an end; 交通 jiāotōng — transport; traffic. 厅 has 厂 around 丁; 庭 has 广 around 廷. 客厅 is a room, while 家庭 means family or household.
Try a new context
填写完地址以后，请在客厅等一会儿。
What must be completed before waiting, and where should the listener wait?
Compare your interpretation
The address should be filled in first. Then the listener should wait briefly in the living room.
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.
197. Childhood, containers, discomfort, soil and delay
Notice the shared 甬 while keeping a changed left side meaningful.
童
Learn the shape and a useful word
立 is above 里. Keep the inner horizontal strokes in the lower box.
童年
Show word reading and meaning
tóngnián
childhood
童年 means childhood, a period of life, rather than a statement about somebody's age now.
Read a sentence
这张照片让我想起童年。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng zhào piàn ràng wǒ xiǎng qǐ tóng nián。
This photograph reminds me of my childhood.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 童
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.
桶
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 is beside 甬. Contrast the 木 with 氵 or the illness-side 疒 in similar shapes.
桶
Show word reading and meaning
tǒng
bucket; a cylindrical container
桶 means a bucket or pail in the selected entry. The container and its contents are different ideas.
Read a sentence
请把水倒进桶里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ shuǐ dào jìn tǒng lǐ。
Please pour the water into the bucket.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 桶
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.
痛
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 surrounds 甬. Compare the outer strokes with 木 in 桶.
头痛
Show word reading and meaning
tóutòng
have a headache; a headache
头痛 means headache, with 头 identifying the head. It is not a general word for pain anywhere in the body.
Read a sentence
我今天有点儿头痛。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ jīn tiān yǒu diǎnr tóu tòng。
I have a slight headache today.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 痛
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.
土
Learn the shape and a useful word
A vertical crosses two horizontals; the lower horizontal is longer. Compare 士, whose upper horizontal is longer.
土
Show word reading and meaning
tǔ
soil; earth
土 means soil or earth here. Keep the length contrast with 士 rather than guessing from two crossed lines.
Read a sentence
这盆花的土有点儿干。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè pén huā de tǔ yǒu diǎnr gān。
The soil in this flowerpot is a little dry.
Learn the 3 strokes · write 土
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.
推
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 隹. Compare with 堆, which uses 土 at the left.
推迟
Show word reading and meaning
tuīchí
postpone; move an event to a later time
推迟 means postpone. A delay does not necessarily mean cancellation.
Read a sentence
因为下雨，比赛推迟到明天。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yīn wèi xià yǔ， bǐ sài tuī chí dào míng tiān。
The match has been postponed until tomorrow because of the rain.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 推
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 桶 and 痛 differ, and does 推迟 mean cancel?
Check and learn
Words: 童年 tóngnián — childhood; 桶 tǒng — bucket; a cylindrical container; 头痛 tóutòng — have a headache; a headache; 土 tǔ — soil; earth; 推迟 tuīchí — postpone; move an event to a later time. 桶 has 木 and names a bucket; 痛 has 疒 and concerns pain. 推迟 means postpone, which does not necessarily mean cancel.
Try a new context
活动只是推迟了，不是取消了。
Is the activity cancelled?
Compare your interpretation
No. It has only been postponed. The sentence explicitly denies cancellation.
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.
198. Clothing, hazards, a small degree and surroundings
Keep 衤 distinct from 礻 and use the complete context for a description.
脱
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 is on the left and 兑 on the right. Compare 兑 with the right side of 阅.
脱
Show word reading and meaning
tuō
take off clothing; remove something one is wearing
脱 can mean take off in a clothing context. The object and result still come from the sentence.
Read a sentence
进屋以后，我脱了外套。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jìn wū yǐ hòu， wǒ tuō le wài tào。
I took off my coat after going inside.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 脱
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.
袜
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤 is on the left and 末 on the right. Keep the extra clothing-side stroke that distinguishes 衤 from 礻.
袜子
Show word reading and meaning
wàzi
sock; socks
袜子 means socks and has neutral zi in this entry.
Read a sentence
我买了两双袜子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ mǎi le liǎng shuāng wà zi。
I bought two pairs of socks.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 袜
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.
危
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper turning strokes and curved lower hook. 脆 adds 月 to this entire 危 shape.
危险
Show word reading and meaning
wēixiǎn
dangerous; danger
危险 means dangerous or danger. The word alone does not specify which hazard is present.
Read a sentence
这条路很危险，我们换一条路吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo lù hěn wēi xiǎn， wǒ men huàn yī tiáo lù ba。
This road is dangerous; let us take another one.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 危
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.
微
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 is at the left and 攵 at the right; the middle includes a small 山-like top. Keep the three sections distinct.
稍微
Show word reading and meaning
shāowēi
a little; slightly, when describing a degree
稍微 means slightly. This is the second target shape in the same selected word as the earlier 稍 card.
Read a sentence
这件上衣稍微有点儿大。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn shàng yī shāo wēi yǒu diǎnr dà。
This top is slightly too big.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 微
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.
围
Learn the shape and a useful word
囗 encloses 韦. Keep the outer enclosure closed instead of leaving only 韦.
周围
Show word reading and meaning
zhōuwéi
around; the surrounding area or people
周围 means around or the surroundings. It does not necessarily identify one particular direction.
Read a sentence
学校周围有很多商店。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xiào zhōu wéi yǒu hěn duō shāng diàn。
There are many shops around the school.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 围
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 left-hand part appears in 袜, and what does 稍微 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 脱 tuō — take off clothing; remove something one is wearing; 袜子 wàzi — sock; socks; 危险 wēixiǎn — dangerous; danger; 稍微 shāowēi — a little; slightly, when describing a degree; 周围 zhōuwéi — around; the surrounding area or people. 袜 has the clothing-side 衤. 稍微 means slightly, rather than completely or always.
Try a new context
周围稍微有点冷，我又穿上了袜子。
What degree of cold is described, and what does the speaker do?
Compare your interpretation
It is a little cold around the speaker. They put socks on again; no exact temperature is given.
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.