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 37 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
217. Pointing out, lower bounds, magazines, quality and audiences
Distinguish a lower limit from an exact count and a quality noun from a positive evaluation.
指
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 旨, with 匕 above 日 on the right. Compare with 脂, which has 月 instead.
指出
Show word reading and meaning
zhǐchū
point out; draw attention to a fact or problem
指出 means point out. The statement that follows identifies what is being pointed out.
Read a sentence
老师指出了作文中的错误。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī zhǐ chū le zuò wén zhōng de cuò wù。
The teacher pointed out mistakes in the composition.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 指
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.
至
Learn the shape and a useful word
A top horizontal sits above 厶 and 土. Compare with 到, which adds 刂 on the right.
至少
Show word reading and meaning
zhìshǎo
at least; a minimum amount or requirement
至少 means at least. It gives a lower bound, not an exact amount.
Read a sentence
这个任务至少需要十分钟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge rèn wu zhì shǎo xū yào shí fēn zhōng。
This task takes at least ten minutes.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 至
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.
志
Learn the shape and a useful word
士 sits above 心. Compare the upper 士 with 土: the upper horizontal is longer.
杂志
Show word reading and meaning
zázhì
magazine; a periodical publication
杂志 is magazine. This card revisits the same word as the 杂 card and does not add another example count.
Read a sentence
这本杂志介绍了旅行的经验。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn zá zhì jiè shào le lǚ xíng de jīng yàn。
This magazine shares travel experiences.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 志
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.
质
Learn the shape and a useful word
Upper sloping strokes and a small cross sit above 贝. Keep the 贝 at the bottom when comparing similar top outlines.
质量
Show word reading and meaning
zhìliàng
quality; how well something is made or performs
质量 means quality in this selected word. 质量好 and 质量差 describe good and poor quality; learn the noun separately from the evaluation.
Read a sentence
这件上衣的质量很好。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn shàng yī de zhì liàng hěn hǎo。
This top is very well made.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 质
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.
众
Learn the shape and a useful word
Three 人 shapes form a triangle, one above two. Compare with 森, which repeats 木 instead.
观众
Show word reading and meaning
guānzhòng
audience; spectators
观众 means audience or spectators. It does not specify that every person agrees with the speaker.
Read a sentence
观众们正在鼓掌。
Show sentence reading and meaning
guān zhòng men zhèng zài gǔ zhǎng。
The audience is applauding.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 众
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. What does 至少 mean, and does 质量 automatically mean high quality?
Check and learn
Words: 指出 zhǐchū — point out; draw attention to a fact or problem; 至少 zhìshǎo — at least; a minimum amount or requirement; 杂志 zázhì — magazine; a periodical publication; 质量 zhìliàng — quality; how well something is made or performs; 观众 guānzhòng — audience; spectators. 至少 is at least, a lower bound. 质量 means quality; an adjective or evidence is needed to describe how good it is.
Try a new context
至少有十位观众提出了关于质量的问题。
Is the exact number of audience members who asked questions known?
Compare your interpretation
No. Ten is a lower bound; there may have been more. Their questions concerned quality.
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.
218. A region, celebration, fame, a field and turning
Keep a word reading distinct from a similarly pronounced but different character.
洲
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside 州. Compare 州 alone with the complete wider character.
亚洲
Show word reading and meaning
Yàzhōu
Asia; the continent
亚洲 is Yàzhōu, Asia. This card revisits the place name to learn its second shape.
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 9 strokes · write 洲
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.
祝
Learn the shape and a useful word
礻 stands beside 兄. Compare the left side with 衤 in clothing words.
庆祝
Show word reading and meaning
qìngzhù
celebrate an occasion or achievement
庆祝 means celebrate. This is the second target shape in the same selected word as the 庆 card.
Read a sentence
我们一起庆祝姐姐毕业。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yì qǐ qìng zhù jiě jie bì yè。
We are celebrating my older sister's graduation together.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 祝
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.
著
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 者. Compare 暑, whose upper section is 日 instead of grass-side strokes.
著名
Show word reading and meaning
zhùmíng
famous; well known
著名 is zhùmíng, famous, and can appear before 的 plus a person or place. It is not the particle 着 zhe.
Read a sentence
这是一位著名作家的作品。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè shì yī wèi zhù míng zuò jiā de zuò pǐn。
This is a work by a famous writer.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 著
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.
专
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper crossed strokes, lower folded section and final dot. 传 adds 亻 beside this whole shape.
专业
Show word reading and meaning
zhuānyè
major subject of study; a specialised field; also professional
专业 can mean a field of study or professional in context. The chosen word is not a promise of expert performance.
Read a sentence
你的专业是什么？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ de zhuān yè shì shén me？
What is your major?
Learn the 4 strokes · write 专
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.
转
Learn the shape and a useful word
车 stands beside 专. Compare with 传, whose left side is 亻.
转
Show word reading and meaning
zhuǎn
turn; change direction; pronounced zhuǎn
The selected word is zhuǎn, turn or change direction. Keep it distinct from zhuàn in other words and from 赚 zhuàn, earn.
Read a sentence
在前面的路口向左转。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zài qián miàn de lù kǒu xiàng zuǒ zhuǎn。
Turn left at the junction ahead.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 转
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 著名 read, and which reading is selected for 转?
Check and learn
Words: 亚洲 Yàzhōu — Asia; the continent; 庆祝 qìngzhù — celebrate an occasion or achievement; 著名 zhùmíng — famous; well known; 专业 zhuānyè — major subject of study; a specialised field; also professional; 转 zhuǎn — turn; change direction; pronounced zhuǎn. 著名 is zhùmíng. The selected standalone 转 entry is zhuǎn, turn or change direction, not 赚 zhuàn, earn.
Try a new context
那位著名的老师转过身，向大家表示感谢。
What movement and response does the teacher make?
Compare your interpretation
The teacher turns around and expresses thanks to everyone. The sentence does not describe earning money.
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.
219. Earning, packing, materials, a people and groups
Read which action is complete and which information is being used.
赚
Learn the shape and a useful word
贝 is beside 兼. Compare 谦, which has 讠 instead of 贝.
赚
Show word reading and meaning
zhuàn
earn money; make a profit
赚 zhuàn means earn money or make a profit in context. It is not the same character as 转.
Read a sentence
他通过周末打工赚了一些钱。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā tōng guò zhōu mò dǎ gōng zhuàn le yì xiē qián。
He earned some money by working at weekends.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 赚
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.
装
Learn the shape and a useful word
壮 is above 衣. Keep the lower clothing-style strokes rather than ending after 壮.
装
Show word reading and meaning
zhuāng
put into a container; load or pack
装 can mean pack, load or put into something in context. The object and construction determine the action.
Read a sentence
请把这些书装进箱子里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ zhè xiē shū zhuāng jìn xiāng zi lǐ。
Please put these books in the box.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 装
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.
资
Learn the shape and a useful word
次 sits above 贝. Compare 咨, whose lower part is 口 instead of 贝.
资料
Show word reading and meaning
zīliào
material; information or documents for a purpose
资料 means materials or information for use. 查资料 is to look up information, while 工资 is a different whole word meaning wages.
Read a sentence
请把学习资料放在一起。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ xué xí zī liào fàng zài yì qǐ。
Please keep the study materials together.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 资
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.
族
Learn the shape and a useful word
方 is at the left; the right has a short upper stroke pair above 矢.
民族
Show word reading and meaning
mínzú
ethnic group; a people sharing cultural traditions
民族 is a people or ethnic group. This card revisits the same word as the 民 card to learn the second shape.
Read a sentence
每个民族都有自己的文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi gè mín zú dōu yǒu zì jǐ de wén huà。
Every ethnic group has its own culture.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 族
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.
组
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 且. Compare the left side with 礻 in 祖.
小组
Show word reading and meaning
xiǎozǔ
small group; team working on a task
小组 is a small group or team. The word does not by itself specify the number of members.
Read a sentence
我们分成三个小组练习对话。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men fēn chéng sān gè xiǎo zǔ liàn xí duì huà。
We split into three groups to practise the dialogue.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 组
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 装 automatically mean putting on clothing, and what does 资料 name?
Check and learn
Words: 赚 zhuàn — earn money; make a profit; 装 zhuāng — put into a container; load or pack; 资料 zīliào — material; information or documents for a purpose; 民族 mínzú — ethnic group; a people sharing cultural traditions; 小组 xiǎozǔ — small group; team working on a task. 装 has several constructions; in this sequence use the object and context. 资料 names materials or information, not automatically wages.
Try a new context
我们先分成三组，再把装好资料的箱子搬走。
Who forms groups, and what is moved afterwards?
Compare your interpretation
The people first divide into three groups. Afterwards they move the boxes containing the packed materials. The sentence does not state any earnings.
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.
220. Respect, fixed objects, containers and classifiers
Learn which noun a classifier can accompany and keep the thin-word reading local.
尊
Learn the shape and a useful word
酋 sits above 寸. Keep the small lower-right dot in 寸.
尊重
Show word reading and meaning
zūnzhòng
respect; treat someone's wishes or feelings as important
尊重 can take what or whom you respect, as in 尊重别人的意见. Respecting an opinion does not necessarily mean agreeing with it.
Read a sentence
请尊重别人的意见。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zūn zhòng bié rén de yì jiàn。
Please respect other people's opinions.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 尊
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.
座
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 surrounds 坐, whose two 人-like upper sections sit above 土.
座
Show word reading and meaning
zuò
a classifier for buildings, mountains, bridges or cities
座 is a classifier for certain large fixed objects, including buildings and bridges. It is not the verb 坐, sit.
Read a sentence
河上有一座桥。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hé shàng yǒu yī zuò qiáo。
There is a bridge over the river.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 座
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.
盆
Learn the shape and a useful word
分 sits above 皿. Compare the lower container-like shape with the 土 under 塑.
盆
Show word reading and meaning
pén
basin; a container for water or plants
盆 is a basin or pot in the selected entry. Learn the named container rather than using it as a name for every container.
Read a sentence
她用一个盆洗衣服。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yòng yí gè pén xǐ yī fu。
She washes clothes in a basin.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 盆
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.
匹
Learn the shape and a useful word
An open-sided 匚 outline contains two short spreading strokes. Compare its open right side with a closed box.
匹
Show word reading and meaning
pǐ
a classifier for horses and similar animals
匹 is a classifier used with horses in the selected example. It is not a general replacement for 个.
Read a sentence
农场里有三匹马。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nóng chǎng lǐ yǒu sān pǐ mǎ。
There are three horses on the farm.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 匹
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.
薄
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above a lower section with 氵 on the left and 甫 over 寸 at the right.
薄
Show word reading and meaning
báo
thin; pronounced báo for physical thickness
The selected word is báo, thin. This is an HSK 5 target; other words can use different readings of 薄.
Read a sentence
这件外套太薄了，冬天穿不够暖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn wài tào tài báo le， dōng tiān chuān bú gòu nuǎn。
This jacket is too thin to keep you warm enough in winter.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 薄
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 座 and 坐 differ, and what does 匹 count in the selected context?
Check and learn
Words: 尊重 zūnzhòng — respect; treat someone's wishes or feelings as important; 座 zuò — a classifier for buildings, mountains, bridges or cities; 盆 pén — basin; a container for water or plants; 匹 pǐ — a classifier for horses and similar animals; 薄 báo — thin; pronounced báo for physical thickness. 座 has 广 around 坐 and can count large fixed objects; 坐 is sit. 匹 counts horses in the selected context. 薄 is báo in its selected word.
Try a new context
一匹马从那座桥上走过，旁边放着一个盆。
What is counted by 匹 and 座, and what is the separate container?
Compare your interpretation
匹 counts the horse, 座 the bridge, and 盆 is the separate basin or pot beside it.
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.
221. Reactions, light, late nights and versions
Keep each interjection tied to its purpose and selected reading.
哎
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 艾, with 艹 above crossed slanting strokes. Compare the right side with 唉.
哎
Show word reading and meaning
āi
hey; an exclamation to get someone's attention
The selected āi entry gets someone's attention. An interjection's purpose and intonation depend on the utterance.
Read a sentence
哎，你的书忘拿了！
Show sentence reading and meaning
āi， nǐ de shū wàng ná le！
Hey, you forgot to take your book!
Learn the 8 strokes · write 哎
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.
唉
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 is beside 矣. Compare the lower arrow-like strokes on the right with 艾 in 哎.
唉
Show word reading and meaning
ài
oh dear; an exclamation of disappointment
The selected official entry uses ài for disappointment. It is not a universal intonation rule for every sigh.
Read a sentence
唉，今天又下雨了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
ài， jīn tiān yòu xià yǔ le。
Oh dear, it is raining again today.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 唉
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.
暗
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 is on the left and 音 on the right. Keep the two vertical sections separate.
暗
Show word reading and meaning
àn
dark; having little light
暗 describes darkness or dimness in this entry. The sentence tells you what lacks light.
Read a sentence
房间太暗了，请开灯。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fáng jiān tài àn le， qǐng kāi dēng。
The room is too dark; please turn on the light.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 暗
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.
熬
Learn the shape and a useful word
An 敖-shaped upper section sits above 灬. Keep the four lower dots.
熬夜
Show word reading and meaning
áoyè
stay up late into the night
熬夜 means stay up late. 夜 supplies the nighttime context; learn the complete word áoyè.
Read a sentence
昨晚我熬夜看书，今天很困。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuó wǎn wǒ áo yè kàn shū， jīn tiān hěn kùn。
I stayed up late reading last night, so I am very sleepy today.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 熬
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.
版
Learn the shape and a useful word
片 is beside 反. Compare with 板, which has 木 at the left.
电子版
Show word reading and meaning
diànzǐbǎn
digital edition or version
电子版 means an electronic edition or version. A version label is separate from whether its content has changed.
Read a sentence
这本书有电子版，可以在手机上读。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū yǒu diàn zǐ bǎn， kě yǐ zài shǒu jī shàng dú。
This book has a digital edition that you can read on your phone.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 版
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 哎 and 唉 differ in these selected entries?
Check and learn
Words: 哎 āi — hey; an exclamation to get someone's attention; 唉 ài — oh dear; an exclamation of disappointment; 暗 àn — dark; having little light; 熬夜 áoyè — stay up late into the night; 电子版 diànzǐbǎn — digital edition or version. 哎 āi gets attention, while 唉 ài expresses disappointment here. Their right-hand parts and the complete utterance both matter.
Try a new context
唉，屋里太暗了，今晚别再熬夜看书了。
What is the reaction, and what does the speaker ask the other person not to do?
Compare your interpretation
The speaker expresses disappointment, says the room is too dark and asks the listener not to stay up late reading again tonight.
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.
222. Appearance, companions, wings, dusk and treasures
Contrast similar right-hand parts without confusing their words.
扮
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 分. Compare the hand-side strokes with 亻 in 份.
打扮
Show word reading and meaning
dǎban
dress or style oneself
打扮 is dǎban, dress up or attend to appearance. The second syllable is neutral in this entry.
Read a sentence
她今天打扮得很漂亮。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā jīn tiān dǎ ban de hěn piào liang。
She is beautifully dressed today.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 扮
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.
伴
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 半. Compare with 拌, which uses 扌 instead.
伙伴
Show word reading and meaning
huǒbàn
partner; companion
伙伴 means a partner or companion. The relationship is not necessarily a business partnership.
Read a sentence
她是我的学习伙伴。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì wǒ de xué xí huǒ bàn。
She is my study partner.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 伴
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.
膀
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 is beside 旁. Compare with 傍, whose left-hand part is 亻.
翅膀
Show word reading and meaning
chìbǎng
wing
翅膀 is chìbǎng, wings. The reading belongs to this whole word rather than every use of 膀.
Read a sentence
这只鸟的翅膀受伤了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhī niǎo de chì bǎng shòu shāng le。
This bird's wing is injured.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 膀
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.
傍
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 旁. Keep that person-side part distinct from 月 in 膀.
傍晚
Show word reading and meaning
bàngwǎn
early evening; the time around sunset
傍晚 means early evening or dusk. Keep bàng separate from bàn in 伙伴.
Read a sentence
我们傍晚去公园散步。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men bàng wǎn qù gōng yuán sàn bù。
We go for a walk in the park in the early evening.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 傍
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.
宝
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 forms a roof over 玉. Notice the dot that distinguishes 玉 from 王.
宝贝
Show word reading and meaning
bǎobèi
treasured possession; something precious
宝贝 is something treasured in the selected example. It need not be an expensive object or a precious stone.
Read a sentence
这张照片是奶奶的宝贝。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng zhào piàn shì nǎi nai de bǎo bèi。
This photo is one of Grandma's treasured possessions.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 宝
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 膀 and 傍 differ, and how is 打扮 read?
Check and learn
Words: 打扮 dǎban — dress or style oneself; 伙伴 huǒbàn — partner; companion; 翅膀 chìbǎng — wing; 傍晚 bàngwǎn — early evening; the time around sunset; 宝贝 bǎobèi — treasured possession; something precious. 膀 has 月, while 傍 has 亻. 打扮 is dǎban with a neutral second syllable.
Try a new context
傍晚，我和伙伴一起看那张珍贵的照片。
When is the activity, and who is with the speaker?
Compare your interpretation
It is in the early evening, and a companion is with the speaker. The photograph is described as precious, not necessarily expensive.
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.