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 35 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
205. A selected reading, pressure, a region and strictness
Bind readings to their entries rather than replacing them from memory.
血
Learn the shape and a useful word
A short falling stroke sits above 皿. Compare 血 with 皿 alone.
血
Show word reading and meaning
xiě
blood; xiě is a conversational reading, with xuè used in many compounds
The selected official standalone entry records xiě. This is not a universal pronunciation rule for every compound containing 血.
Read a sentence
他的手上有一点儿血。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de shǒu shàng yǒu yī diǎnr xiě。
There is a little blood on his hand.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 血
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.
压
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 covers 土 with an extra dot near the lower right. Keep the dot instead of writing only 厂 and 土.
压力
Show word reading and meaning
yālì
pressure; a burden that makes someone feel stressed
压力 means pressure. The sentence tells you whether it concerns a physical force or a person's experience.
Read a sentence
考试前，我感到有点儿压力。
Show sentence reading and meaning
kǎo shì qián， wǒ gǎn dào yǒu diǎnr yā lì。
I feel a little pressure before the exam.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 压
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.
亚
Learn the shape and a useful word
Long top and bottom horizontals frame two upright strokes and smaller inner strokes. Compare 亚 with 业, which lacks its top bar.
亚洲
Show word reading and meaning
Yàzhōu
Asia; the continent
亚洲 is Asia. Preserve the capital Y in the selected place-name reading Yàzhōu.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了亚洲的几个城市。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le yà zhōu de jǐ gè chéng shì。
This book introduces several cities in Asia.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 亚
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.
烟
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 is on the left and 因 on the right. Keep 大 enclosed inside 囗 on the right.
烟
Show word reading and meaning
yān
smoke; also tobacco or a cigarette in other uses
烟 can mean smoke or a cigarette in context. Use the surrounding action and any classifier to distinguish the senses.
Read a sentence
厨房里有一点儿烟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chú fáng lǐ yǒu yī diǎnr yān。
There is a little smoke in the kitchen.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 烟
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.
严
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the broad upper row and the long falling stroke below it. Compare the lower outline with 亚 rather than stopping at its upper shape.
严格
Show word reading and meaning
yángé
strict; exacting about rules or standards
严格 means strict. It does not automatically mean that a rule is unfair.
Read a sentence
这位老师对作业要求很严格。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wèi lǎo shī duì zuò yè yāo qiú hěn yán gé。
This teacher has strict requirements for homework.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 严
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 selected readings belong to 血 and 亚洲?
Check and learn
Words: 血 xiě — blood; xiě is a conversational reading, with xuè used in many compounds; 压力 yālì — pressure; a burden that makes someone feel stressed; 亚洲 Yàzhōu — Asia; the continent; 烟 yān — smoke; also tobacco or a cigarette in other uses; 严格 yángé — strict; exacting about rules or standards. The standalone entry for 血 records xiě, while 亚洲 is the place name Yàzhōu. These do not establish every compound reading of either character.
Try a new context
老师要求很严格，但没有给我们增加太多压力。
Does strictness here necessarily mean excessive added pressure?
Compare your interpretation
No. The sentence says the teacher is strict but did not add too much pressure.
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.
206. Research, salt, dislike, experience and praise
Separate evidence, a material and a person's response.
研
Learn the shape and a useful word
石 stands beside 开. Compare the right-hand 开 with the same shape used alone.
研究
Show word reading and meaning
yánjiū
study; research; examine something closely
研究 can mean research as a noun or research an issue as a verb. In 研究这个问题, the following words give what is being studied.
Read a sentence
他正在研究这个问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhèng zài yán jiū zhè ge wèn tí。
He is studying this problem.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 研
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.
盐
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 and a short 卜-like section sit above 皿. Keep the broad lower container-like shape.
盐
Show word reading and meaning
yán
salt
盐 means salt, while 咸 describes salty taste. A noun and a taste adjective do different jobs.
Read a sentence
请给汤加一点儿盐。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng gěi tāng jiā yī diǎnr yán。
Please add a little salt to the soup.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 盐
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.
厌
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 surrounds 犬. Notice the dot that makes the lower part different from 大 in 庆.
讨厌
Show word reading and meaning
tǎoyàn
dislike; find something annoying
讨厌 can mean dislike or describe something annoying. Read the sentence to determine who feels what.
Read a sentence
我讨厌浪费时间。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ tǎo yàn làng fèi shí jiān。
I dislike wasting time.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 厌
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.
验
Learn the shape and a useful word
马 stands beside 佥. Compare the right section with the same shape in 检 and 险.
经验
Show word reading and meaning
jīngyàn
experience gained through practice; practical knowledge
经验 means experience. The noun does not necessarily mean a controlled experiment.
Read a sentence
她有很多教学经验。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yǒu hěn duō jiào xué jīng yàn。
She has a lot of teaching experience.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 验
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.
扬
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is beside the same turning right-hand strokes found in 汤. Keep the hand-side strokes distinct from 氵.
表扬
Show word reading and meaning
biǎoyáng
praise
表扬 means praise, rather than simply lifting an object upward.
Read a sentence
老师表扬了认真学习的同学。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī biǎo yáng le rèn zhēn xué xí de tóng xué。
The teacher praised the students who studied conscientiously.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 扬
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 盐 and 咸 differ, and does 经验 mean the same thing as every experiment?
Check and learn
Words: 研究 yánjiū — study; research; examine something closely; 盐 yán — salt; 讨厌 tǎoyàn — dislike; find something annoying; 经验 jīngyàn — experience gained through practice; practical knowledge; 表扬 biǎoyáng — praise. 盐 names salt, while 咸 describes salty taste. 经验 is experience; an experiment is a different word.
Try a new context
他有经验，却不喜欢别人总是表扬他。
Does experience mean that the person welcomes constant praise?
Compare your interpretation
No. He has experience but dislikes being praised constantly. 却 marks that contrast.
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.
207. Ocean, invitation, keys, leaves and night
Keep the place of a target in a complete word and notice whether an invitation is accepted.
洋
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside 羊. Compare the left side with 详, which begins with 讠.
海洋
Show word reading and meaning
hǎiyáng
ocean; the world's seas collectively
海洋 means ocean. Do not infer the meaning of every word containing 洋 from this one example.
Read a sentence
我喜欢看介绍海洋的书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xǐ huan kàn jiè shào hǎi yáng de shū。
I like reading books about the ocean.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 洋
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.
邀
Learn the shape and a useful word
Movement-side 辶 runs below a wide right section containing 白, 方 and 攵.
邀请
Show word reading and meaning
yāoqǐng
invite; an invitation to do something
邀请 can link an invited person with an activity, as in 邀请朋友参加活动. The invitation and the other person's acceptance are separate actions.
Read a sentence
我想邀请你来参加聚会。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng yāo qǐng nǐ lái cān jiā jù huì。
I would like to invite you to the gathering.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 邀
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.
钥
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 is on the left and 月 on the right. Compare the metal-side strokes with the 月 alone.
钥匙
Show word reading and meaning
yàoshi
key; an object that opens a lock
钥匙 is yàoshi, key, with neutral shi. The yào reading belongs to this selected word.
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 9 strokes · write 钥
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.
叶
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 十. Compare its left-hand 口 with 氵 in 汁; both have 十 at the right.
叶子
Show word reading and meaning
yèzi
leaf; leaves
叶子 means leaf or leaves in context and has neutral zi. Chinese does not add an English plural ending to this noun.
Read a sentence
秋天，这些叶子会变黄。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qiū tiān， zhè xiē yè zi huì biàn huáng。
These leaves turn yellow in autumn.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 叶
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.
夜
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot and horizontal are at the top; the lower outline has a long left slant, a right-hand turn and an inner dot. 液 adds 氵 to 夜.
夜晚
Show word reading and meaning
yèwǎn
night-time; the evening or night period
夜晚 refers to night or nighttime, rather than a particular clock time.
Read a sentence
这里的夜晚很安静。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ de yè wǎn hěn ān jìng。
It is very quiet here at night.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 夜
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 is the reading of 钥匙, and does 邀请 establish acceptance?
Check and learn
Words: 海洋 hǎiyáng — ocean; the world's seas collectively; 邀请 yāoqǐng — invite; an invitation to do something; 钥匙 yàoshi — key; an object that opens a lock; 叶子 yèzi — leaf; leaves; 夜晚 yèwǎn — night-time; the evening or night period. 钥匙 is yàoshi. 邀请 means invite; acceptance needs separate information.
Try a new context
我邀请她晚上一起去看海洋展览，她还没有答复。
Has the invited person accepted?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker invited her to visit the ocean exhibition together in the evening, but has not received a reply. Acceptance is not established.
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.
208. Doubt, art, memory, translation and friendship
Distinguish an account or recollection from proof.
疑
Learn the shape and a useful word
Compare the whole form with 凝, which adds 冫 at the left. Keep both the broad upper parts and the descending lower strokes.
怀疑
Show word reading and meaning
huáiyí
doubt; suspect; be unsure whether something is true
怀疑 means doubt or suspect. Suspicion is not the same as proof.
Read a sentence
我怀疑这个答案不对。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ huái yí zhè ge dá àn bú duì。
I suspect that this answer is wrong.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 疑
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.
艺
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above the single turning 乙 form. Compare with 忆, which has 忄 beside 乙.
艺术
Show word reading and meaning
yìshù
art; artistic activities or works
艺术 means art. The selected full word gives the sense, rather than the isolated shape 乙.
Read a sentence
她对艺术很感兴趣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā duì yì shù hěn gǎn xìng qù。
She is very interested in art.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 艺
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.
忆
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 乙. Compare its left-side heart strokes with the grass top of 艺.
回忆
Show word reading and meaning
huíyì
recall; memories of past events
回忆 means recall or memories in context. A memory may still be incomplete or mistaken.
Read a sentence
这张照片让我回忆起那次旅行。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng zhào piàn ràng wǒ huí yì qǐ nà cì lǚ xíng。
This photograph reminds me of that trip.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 忆
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.
译
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 is on the left; the right has a 又-like top above horizontal and vertical strokes. Compare 泽, which has 氵.
翻译
Show word reading and meaning
fānyì
translate; translation; also an interpreter or translator
翻译 means translate or translation. Translating does not necessarily mean replacing every source word with one target word.
Read a sentence
请把这句话翻译成英语。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ zhè jù huà fān yì chéng yīng yǔ。
Please translate this sentence into English.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 译
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.
谊
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 宜. Notice the 宀 roof over 且 inside the right side.
友谊
Show word reading and meaning
yǒuyì
friendship; a bond between friends
友谊 means friendship. It describes a relationship rather than one person's name.
Read a sentence
这次旅行让我们的友谊更深了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì lǚ xíng ràng wǒ men de yǒu yì gēng shēn le。
This trip deepened our friendship.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 谊
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 怀疑 prove a claim, and does 回忆 guarantee an exact record?
Check and learn
Words: 怀疑 huáiyí — doubt; suspect; be unsure whether something is true; 艺术 yìshù — art; artistic activities or works; 回忆 huíyì — recall; memories of past events; 翻译 fānyì — translate; translation; also an interpreter or translator; 友谊 yǒuyì — friendship; a bond between friends. No. 怀疑 is doubt or suspicion; 回忆 is recollection. Neither word by itself establishes that an account is accurate.
Try a new context
这篇翻译保留了原文里关于友谊的回忆。
What does the translation preserve?
Compare your interpretation
It preserves the original text's recollections about friendship. The sentence does not say that every recollection is independently verified.
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.
209. Cause, copies, winning and courage
Identify the subject and result instead of assuming that an encouraging word guarantees success.
引
Learn the shape and a useful word
弓 stands beside a straight upright. Compare the simple right-hand line with the wider right side of 强.
引起
Show word reading and meaning
yǐnqǐ
cause; bring about a response or event
引起 means cause or bring about a result. The result is supplied by the following words.
Read a sentence
这个故事引起了我的兴趣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge gù shi yǐn qǐ le wǒ de xìng qù。
This story aroused my interest.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 引
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.
印
Learn the shape and a useful word
Keep the short sloping and horizontal strokes on the left separate from the 卩 shape on the right.
复印
Show word reading and meaning
fùyìn
photocopy; make a copy of a document
复印 means photocopy. It is not the same process as writing a fresh original by hand.
Read a sentence
请帮我复印这份材料。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bāng wǒ fù yìn zhè fèn cái liào。
Please help me photocopy this document.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 印
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.
赢
Learn the shape and a useful word
亡, 口 and a wide lower section containing 月, 贝 and a right-hand 凡-like part are stacked. Keep the middle 口.
赢
Show word reading and meaning
yíng
win a match, competition or other contest
赢 means win. It contrasts with 输 in a competition; identify who won rather than assuming the speaker did.
Read a sentence
我们队赢了这场比赛。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men duì yíng le zhè chǎng bǐ sài。
Our team won this match.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 赢
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.
永
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot sits above a hooked central stroke and spreading side strokes. 泳 adds 氵 to this 永 outline.
永远
Show word reading and meaning
yǒngyuǎn
forever; always, across time
永远 means forever or always in the statement being made. It is a word to interpret, not an automatic guarantee that a prediction is true.
Read a sentence
我会永远记住这次旅行。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ huì yǒng yuǎn jì zhù zhè cì lǚ xíng。
I will always remember this trip.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 永
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.
勇
Learn the shape and a useful word
甬 sits above 力. Compare the same upper shape with 通, which adds movement-side 辶.
勇敢
Show word reading and meaning
yǒnggǎn
brave; willing to face something frightening or difficult
勇敢 means brave. It describes facing difficulty or fear rather than having no possible risks.
Read a sentence
他勇敢地提出了自己的看法。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yǒng gǎn de tí chū le zì jǐ de kàn fǎ。
He bravely expressed his own opinion.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 勇
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 勇敢 mean that someone must 赢?
Check and learn
Words: 引起 yǐnqǐ — cause; bring about a response or event; 复印 fùyìn — photocopy; make a copy of a document; 赢 yíng — win a match, competition or other contest; 永远 yǒngyuǎn — forever; always, across time; 勇敢 yǒnggǎn — brave; willing to face something frightening or difficult. No. 勇敢 describes bravery, while 赢 states a winning result. A brave person can still lose.
Try a new context
他很勇敢，但这次没有赢。
Was the person brave, and did they win this time?
Compare your interpretation
He was brave, but he did not win on this occasion. The two statements are compatible.
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.
210. Advantages, humour, emphasis, cause and oil
Use the whole word rather than the meaning of a component.
优
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 尤. Compare the person-side strokes with 扌 in 扰.
优点
Show word reading and meaning
yōudiǎn
advantage; a good quality or strong point
优点 means a strength or advantage. Having one advantage does not mean having no 缺点.
Read a sentence
这个方法有什么优点？
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge fāng fǎ yǒu shén me yōu diǎn？
What are the advantages of this method?
Learn the 6 strokes · write 优
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.
幽
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 山-like outer shape contains two small 幺-shaped twists. Keep both inner sections.
幽默
Show word reading and meaning
yōumò
humorous; a sense of humour
幽默 means humour or humorous. The word does not imply that every listener finds the same thing funny.
Read a sentence
我们的老师很幽默。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men de lǎo shī hěn yōu mò。
Our teacher is very humorous.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 幽
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.
尤
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 尢-like form has an extra upper-right dot. Compare with 尤 inside 优 and 扰.
尤其
Show word reading and meaning
yóuqí
especially; particularly
尤其 means especially or particularly. It highlights an instance instead of excluding every other one.
Read a sentence
我喜欢运动，尤其喜欢网球。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xǐ huan yùn dòng， yóu qí xǐ huan wǎng qiú。
I like sports, especially tennis.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 尤
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.
由
Learn the shape and a useful word
A vertical extends above the box but not below it. Compare with 申, whose vertical extends through both ends.
由于
Show word reading and meaning
yóuyú
because of; owing to, introducing a cause
由于 introduces a reason or cause. It does not simply mean that two events happened together.
Read a sentence
由于天气不好，活动取消了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yóu yú tiān qì bù hǎo， huó dòng qǔ xiāo le。
The event was cancelled because of the bad weather.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 由
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.
油
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 由. Keep the water-side strokes and the upright extending above 由.
油
Show word reading and meaning
yóu
oil; a liquid used in cooking or other processes
油 means oil in the selected entry. 加油 can have a different whole-word use, so do not substitute it for every occurrence.
Read a sentence
请在锅里放一点儿油。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài guō lǐ fàng yī diǎnr yóu。
Please put a little oil in the pan.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 油
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 由 and 申 differ, and does 尤其 exclude all other cases?
Check and learn
Words: 优点 yōudiǎn — advantage; a good quality or strong point; 幽默 yōumò — humorous; a sense of humour; 尤其 yóuqí — especially; particularly; 由于 yóuyú — because of; owing to, introducing a cause; 油 yóu — oil; a liquid used in cooking or other processes. 由 has an upright extending above the box only; 申 extends through both ends. 尤其 means especially, not exclusively.
Try a new context
由于下雨，我们尤其担心路上会堵车。
What is the stated cause of concern, and what particular problem is emphasized?
Compare your interpretation
Rain is the stated cause. Possible traffic congestion is especially concerning, without excluding other concerns.
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.