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 34 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
199. Flavour, temperature, pollution and inability
Keep a temperature description separate from taste and explain an inability from context.
味
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 is on the left and 未 on the right. Compare 未 with 末 in 袜: their horizontal lengths differ.
味道
Show word reading and meaning
wèidào
taste; flavour; smell, depending on context
味道 means taste or flavour in the selected entry; the sentence tells you which taste is described.
Read a sentence
这个菜的味道很好。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge cài de wèi dào hěn hǎo。
This dish tastes very good.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 味
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.
温
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside a 日-shaped section above 皿. Compare the lower 皿 with the lower strokes of 湿.
高温
Show word reading and meaning
gāowēn
high temperature
高温 means high temperature. It is a relative description, not a temperature unit or a fixed numerical threshold.
Read a sentence
高温天气里，我们尽量待在室内。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gāo wēn tiān qì lǐ， wǒ men jǐn liàng dāi zài shì nèi。
In very hot weather, we try to stay indoors.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 温
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.
污
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is on the left and 亏 on the right. Compare its right side with the more complex 染 in 污染.
污染
Show word reading and meaning
wūrǎn
pollute; pollution
污染 is the same selected word as on the 染 card. Learning another target shape does not create a second independent vocabulary example.
Read a sentence
我们应该减少空气污染。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yīng gāi jiǎn shǎo kōng qì wū rǎn。
We should reduce air pollution.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 污
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.
无
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper horizontal strokes and the curved lower-right leg. Compare the whole outline with 天.
无法
Show word reading and meaning
wúfǎ
be unable to; have no way to do something
无法 means have no way or be unable to do something. The following phrase identifies the action.
Read a sentence
电脑坏了，我无法打开文件。
Show sentence reading and meaning
diàn nǎo huài le， wǒ wú fǎ dǎ kāi wén jiàn。
The computer is broken, so I cannot open the file.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 无
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.
误
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is beside 吴, with 口 over 天. Compare 吴 alone with the whole character.
误会
Show word reading and meaning
wùhuì
misunderstand; a misunderstanding
误会 can be a noun, a misunderstanding, or a verb, misunderstand. Compare 一个误会 with 误会了某人; the sentence shows which job it is doing.
Read a sentence
对不起，我误会你的意思了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
duì bu qǐ， wǒ wù huì nǐ de yì si le。
I am sorry; I misunderstood what you meant.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 误
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 高温 describe salty taste, and what does 无法 introduce?
Check and learn
Words: 味道 wèidào — taste; flavour; smell, depending on context; 高温 gāowēn — high temperature; 污染 wūrǎn — pollute; pollution; 无法 wúfǎ — be unable to; have no way to do something; 误会 wùhuì — misunderstand; a misunderstanding. 高温 concerns high temperature. 无法 introduces being unable to do the following action.
Try a new context
这里味道不好，但并不是因为高温。
Is high temperature given as the reason for the unpleasant smell or flavour?
Compare your interpretation
No. The sentence explicitly says it is not because of high temperature. The exact meaning of 味道 depends on the setting.
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.
200. Attraction, familiarity, regret and carefulness
Keep neutral syllables and distinguish an evaluation from an accusation.
吸
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 及. Compare the final sloping stroke with the simpler 又.
吸引
Show word reading and meaning
xīyǐn
attract; draw someone's attention or interest
吸引 means attract. It can concern attention or interest and is not restricted to drawing in air.
Read a sentence
这本书的图片很吸引我。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū de tú piàn hěn xī yǐn wǒ。
The pictures in this book really attract my attention.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 吸
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.
悉
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper section has a falling top stroke over a 米-like group; 心 sits below.
熟悉
Show word reading and meaning
shúxi
be familiar with; know something well
熟悉 is shúxi with neutral xi. Do not copy the full-tone xī reading of a different word into this selected entry.
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 11 strokes · write 悉
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.
惜
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 is on the left and 昔 on the right. Compare the right side with 借, whose left side is 亻.
可惜
Show word reading and meaning
kěxī
be a pity; unfortunate
可惜 expresses that something is a pity or regrettable. It does not itself say that an event was anyone's fault.
Read a sentence
你不能来，真可惜。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ bù néng lái， zhēn kě xī。
It is a real pity that you cannot come.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 惜
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.
细
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 is beside 田. Compare the thread-side 纟 with 忄 and with the bare box 田.
细心
Show word reading and meaning
xìxīn
careful; attentive to details
细心 means careful or attentive to detail. It is not a claim that somebody never makes a mistake.
Read a sentence
她很细心，发现了一个小错误。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hěn xì xīn， fā xiàn le yí gè xiǎo cuò wù。
She is very attentive and spotted a small mistake.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 细
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.
咸
Learn the shape and a useful word
A sloping outer outline surrounds 口. Compare 戚, whose lower interior has 小-like strokes.
咸
Show word reading and meaning
xián
salty
咸 means salty in the selected word. Keep second-tone xián distinct from first-tone 鲜.
Read a sentence
这碗汤有点儿咸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wǎn tāng yǒu diǎnr xián。
This soup is a little salty.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 咸
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 is 熟悉 read, and does 可惜 itself assign blame?
Check and learn
Words: 吸引 xīyǐn — attract; draw someone's attention or interest; 熟悉 shúxi — be familiar with; know something well; 可惜 kěxī — be a pity; unfortunate; 细心 xìxīn — careful; attentive to details; 咸 xián — salty. 熟悉 is shúxi. 可惜 says something is a pity; it does not by itself identify a person at fault.
Try a new context
可惜我还不熟悉这条路，只能仔细看地图。
What is regretted, and what action follows?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker regrets not being familiar with the route and therefore needs to study the map carefully.
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.
201. Risk, online activity, admiration and home
Use the full word to distinguish a physical setting from an online one.
险
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 is on the left and 佥 on the right. Compare 佥 with the lower section of 签.
危险
Show word reading and meaning
wēixiǎn
dangerous; danger
危险 is wēixiǎn. This card learns the second shape in the existing danger word, not a new safety judgement.
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 9 strokes · write 险
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.
线
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 is beside 戋. Keep both the sloping stroke and small upper-right dot of the right side.
线上
Show word reading and meaning
xiànshàng
online; taking place over the internet
线上 means online in this entry; it is not a literal statement about standing on a physical line.
Read a sentence
这门课程可以在线上学习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè mén kè chéng kě yǐ zài xiàn shàng xué xí。
You can take this course online.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 线
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.
羡
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 羊-like upper section sits above 次. Compare the top with 美 and keep the distinct lower part.
羡慕
Show word reading and meaning
xiànmù
admire and wish one had what someone else has
羡慕 is admire or envy. The whole word must be interpreted in its social context.
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 12 strokes · write 羡
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.
乡
Learn the shape and a useful word
Trace the short folded strokes and the final long falling stroke. Compare the open outline with 幺.
家乡
Show word reading and meaning
jiāxiāng
hometown; the place one comes from
家乡 means hometown or home region; it does not imply that the place must be a village.
Read a sentence
你能给我介绍一下你的家乡吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ néng gěi wǒ jiè shào yí xià nǐ de jiā xiāng ma？
Could you tell me a little about your hometown?
Learn the 3 strokes · write 乡
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.
详
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is beside 羊. Compare its speech-side strokes with 氵 in 洋.
详细
Show word reading and meaning
xiángxì
detailed; in detail
详细 can describe an account or how it is given. Compare 详细的介绍, a detailed introduction, with 详细地介绍, introduce in detail.
Read a sentence
请详细介绍一下你的计划。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng xiáng xì jiè shào yí xià nǐ de jì huà。
Please explain your plan in detail.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 详
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 线上 literally mean that someone is standing on a line, and what does 详细 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 危险 wēixiǎn — dangerous; danger; 线上 xiànshàng — online; taking place over the internet; 羡慕 xiànmù — admire and wish one had what someone else has; 家乡 jiāxiāng — hometown; the place one comes from; 详细 xiángxì — detailed; in detail. 线上 means online in the selected word. 详细 describes having detail; it does not guarantee that an account is correct.
Try a new context
他在线上详细介绍了自己的家乡。
Where is the introduction given, and what is its topic?
Compare your interpretation
It is given online and describes the speaker's hometown or home region in detail.
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.
202. Items, impressions, cancellation, effects and effort
Distinguish a first impression from measured results.
项
Learn the shape and a useful word
工 is on the left and 页 on the right. Compare 硕, which has 石 instead of 工.
项
Show word reading and meaning
xiàng
a classifier for tasks, projects or listed items
项 is a classifier for certain items, projects or matters. The noun in the sentence supplies what is counted.
Read a sentence
这项任务我已经完成了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiàng rèn wu wǒ yǐ jīng wán chéng le。
I have already completed this task.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 项
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.
象
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the small upper head, box-like middle and several lower sloping strokes. 像 adds 亻 to the whole 象 form.
印象
Show word reading and meaning
yìnxiàng
impression; what one remembers or feels about someone or something
印象 means impression. It need not be a complete or verified account of a person or event.
Read a sentence
这座城市给我留下了很好的印象。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zuò chéng shì gěi wǒ liú xia le hěn hǎo de yìn xiàng。
This city left me with a very good impression.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 象
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.
消
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 肖. Compare the same 肖 with the 禾 in 稍.
取消
Show word reading and meaning
qǔxiāo
cancel
取消 means cancel. Keep it distinct from 推迟, which means postpone.
Read a sentence
因为下雨，今天的比赛取消了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yīn wèi xià yǔ， jīn tiān de bǐ sài qǔ xiāo le。
Today's match was cancelled because of the rain.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 消
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.
效
Learn the shape and a useful word
交 is beside 攵. Compare 交 alone with the added right-hand action-side strokes.
效果
Show word reading and meaning
xiàoguǒ
effect; result achieved by a method or action
效果 means effect or result. Compare 效果很好, the result is good, with 没有效果, it has no effect; the noun alone is not a positive evaluation.
Read a sentence
这个学习方法的效果很好。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xué xí fāng fǎ de xiào guǒ hěn hǎo。
This study method works very well.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 效
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.
辛
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the dot at the top and the crossed lower upright. Compare 辛 with 幸, whose upper section begins like 土.
辛苦
Show word reading and meaning
xīnkǔ
hard work; tiring; an expression acknowledging someone's effort
辛苦 describes hard work or effort and the difficulty involved; it can also acknowledge someone's effort politely.
Read a sentence
谢谢你帮忙，辛苦了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiè xie nǐ bāng máng， xīn kǔ le。
Thank you for helping; I appreciate your hard work.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 辛
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. Can a good 印象 by itself establish an activity's 效果?
Check and learn
Words: 项 xiàng — a classifier for tasks, projects or listed items; 印象 yìnxiàng — impression; what one remembers or feels about someone or something; 取消 qǔxiāo — cancel; 效果 xiàoguǒ — effect; result achieved by a method or action; 辛苦 xīnkǔ — hard work; tiring; an expression acknowledging someone's effort. No. An impression is not the same as evidence about an effect or result. Look for what actually happened.
Try a new context
虽然第一印象很好，我们还要看看实际效果。
Has a good first impression settled the evaluation?
Compare your interpretation
No. The speaker still wants to examine the actual effect despite a good first impression.
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.
203. Awareness, happiness, people and repair
Keep the complete selected word distinct from a different word sharing its sound.
醒
Learn the shape and a useful word
酉 is beside 星. Compare the lower 生 inside 星 with the whole right section.
醒
Show word reading and meaning
xǐng
wake up; be awake
醒 can mean wake up or be awake. The sentence tells you whether a change or a state is intended.
Read a sentence
我今天六点就醒了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ jīn tiān liù diǎn jiù xǐng le。
I woke up at six today.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 醒
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.
幸
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 土-like top sits above lower crossed horizontal and vertical strokes. Compare the top with the dot-led 辛.
幸福
Show word reading and meaning
xìngfú
happy; happiness with one's life or relationships
幸福 means happiness or being happy in life. It does not automatically mean a lucky result on one occasion.
Read a sentence
和家人在一起，我感到很幸福。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hé jiā rén zài yì qǐ， wǒ gǎn dào hěn xìng fú。
I feel very happy when I am with my family.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 幸
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.
性
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 生. Compare the right side directly with 生 alone.
男性
Show word reading and meaning
nánxìng
male; men as a group, usually in a formal context
男性 means male or men in context. The target appears in other words with different meanings; do not infer every use from this one.
Read a sentence
参加这次调查的男性有二十人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
cān jiā zhè cì diào chá de nán xìng yǒu èr shí rén。
Twenty men took part in this survey.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 性
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.
兄
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 sits above two lower spreading strokes. Compare with 只, whose lower outline is different.
兄弟
Show word reading and meaning
xiōngdì
brothers; male siblings
兄弟 means brothers. Context may specify older or younger, but the word here does not name just one particular sibling.
Read a sentence
他们是兄弟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men shì xiōng dì。
They are brothers.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 兄
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
修
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is at the left with another upright beside it; the lower right has three slanting strokes 彡.
修理
Show word reading and meaning
xiūlǐ
repair; put something broken back into working order
修理 means repair. Repairing an item does not necessarily mean replacing it with a new one.
Read a sentence
师傅正在修理自行车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shī fu zhèng zài xiū lǐ zì xíng chē。
The repair worker is fixing the bicycle.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 修
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Does 幸福 simply mean that an item has been repaired successfully?
Check and learn
Words: 醒 xǐng — wake up; be awake; 幸福 xìngfú — happy; happiness with one's life or relationships; 男性 nánxìng — male; men as a group, usually in a formal context; 兄弟 xiōngdì — brothers; male siblings; 修理 xiūlǐ — repair; put something broken back into working order. No. 幸福 concerns happiness or well-being in life; 修理 means repair. The words do not become equivalent because both can occur in positive situations.
Try a new context
哥哥醒来以后，才开始修理那把椅子。
What happens before the repair begins?
Compare your interpretation
The older brother wakes up first and only then begins repairing the chair. Completion of the repair is not stated.
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.
204. Shyness, excellence, quantity, order and continuation
Distinguish a personal feeling, an evaluation and a quantity expression.
羞
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 羊-like upper section extends above 丑. Keep the low horizontal strokes of 丑.
害羞
Show word reading and meaning
hàixiū
shy; feel embarrassed in front of others
害羞 means shy or embarrassed in context. It is not a description of physical harm despite the first character.
Read a sentence
第一次见面时，她有点儿害羞。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dì yī cì jiàn miàn shí， tā yǒu diǎnr hài xiū。
She was a little shy when we first met.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 羞
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
秀
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 sits above 乃. Compare the upper 禾 with the upper section of 季.
优秀
Show word reading and meaning
yōuxiù
excellent; outstanding in ability or quality
优秀 means excellent or outstanding. It is an evaluation, not the name of a specific qualification.
Read a sentence
她是一名优秀的教师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì yī míng yōu xiù de jiào shī。
She is an excellent teacher.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 秀
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
许
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 午. Compare the right-hand 午 with 牛 rather than swapping their stroke positions.
许多
Show word reading and meaning
xǔduō
many; a lot of
许多 means many or a lot and comes before a noun, as in 许多朋友. It does not supply an exact count.
Read a sentence
图书馆里有许多书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tú shū guǎn lǐ yǒu xǔ duō shū。
There are many books in the library.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 许
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
序
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 surrounds 予. Compare with 预, which has 页 beside 予 instead.
顺序
Show word reading and meaning
shùnxù
order; sequence
顺序 is order or sequence. This card studies its second target shape in the same existing word.
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 7 strokes · write 序
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.
续
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 卖. Compare the thread-side strokes with the other left sides around 卖.
继续
Show word reading and meaning
jìxù
continue; carry on
继续 means continue. It does not tell you whether an interruption happened unless the sentence says so.
Read a sentence
休息十分钟以后，我们继续学习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiū xi shí fēn zhōng yǐ hòu， wǒ men jì xù xué xí。
We will continue studying after a ten-minute break.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 续
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 许多 give an exact number, and what does 继续 ask or describe?
Check and learn
Words: 害羞 hàixiū — shy; feel embarrassed in front of others; 优秀 yōuxiù — excellent; outstanding in ability or quality; 许多 xǔduō — many; a lot of; 顺序 shùnxù — order; sequence; 继续 jìxù — continue; carry on. 许多 means many without an exact count. 继续 means continue; the action being continued comes from context.
Try a new context
她虽然害羞，还是继续介绍自己的作品。
Does shyness stop the introduction?
Compare your interpretation
No. Despite feeling shy, she continues introducing her work. The sentence does not claim the shyness has disappeared.
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.