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 38 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
223. Rain, treasures, each other, currency and closing
Use a complete word to interpret a relationship or an action.
暴
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits over a wide middle section and lower spreading water-like strokes. 爆 adds 火 beside this whole form.
暴雨
Show word reading and meaning
bàoyǔ
heavy rain; a rainstorm
暴雨 means heavy or torrential rain. It describes the rainfall rather than naming a rainy season.
Read a sentence
昨晚的暴雨让几条路积了水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuó wǎn de bào yǔ ràng jǐ tiáo lù jī le shuǐ。
Last night's heavy rain left several roads flooded.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 暴
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.
贝
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper upright and folded outer stroke above two lower spreading strokes. Compare the lower-right dot with the curved lower-right leg of 见.
宝贝
Show word reading and meaning
bǎobèi
treasured possession; something precious
宝贝 is bǎobèi. This revisits the selected word to learn its second target shape, not another independent example.
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 4 strokes · write 贝
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.
彼
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 stands beside 皮. Compare with 披, which has 扌 instead of 彳.
彼此
Show word reading and meaning
bǐcǐ
each other
彼此 means each other or one another. It connects the participants rather than naming a third person.
Read a sentence
我们虽然住得很远，但经常给彼此打电话。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men suī rán zhù de hěn yuǎn， dàn jīng cháng gěi bǐ cǐ dǎ diàn huà。
Although we live far apart, we often call each other.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 彼
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.
币
Learn the shape and a useful word
A falling stroke sits above 巾. Compare 币 directly with 巾 alone.
人民币
Show word reading and meaning
rénmínbì
renminbi; the currency of China
人民币 is the name of a currency. The word itself does not give an exchange rate or an amount.
Read a sentence
这件衬衫要一百元人民币。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn chèn shān yào yì bǎi yuán rén mín bì。
This shirt costs one hundred yuan in Chinese currency.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 币
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.
闭
Learn the shape and a useful word
门 encloses 才. Compare with 问, whose inside is 口.
关闭
Show word reading and meaning
guānbì
close; shut down something
关闭 means close or shut. Its object may be a door, a device or another thing in context.
Read a sentence
商店晚上十点关闭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shāng diàn wǎn shang shí diǎn guān bì。
The shop closes at ten in the evening.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 闭
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 彼此 name a third participant, and what does 关闭 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 暴雨 bàoyǔ — heavy rain; a rainstorm; 宝贝 bǎobèi — treasured possession; something precious; 彼此 bǐcǐ — each other; 人民币 rénmínbì — renminbi; the currency of China; 关闭 guānbì — close; shut down something. 彼此 means each other, linking the participants. 关闭 means close or shut an object specified by the sentence.
Try a new context
暴雨来了，大家彼此提醒要把窗户关闭。
What do the people remind one another to do, and why?
Compare your interpretation
They remind one another to close the windows because heavy rain has arrived. 彼此 does not add another person to the scene.
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.
224. Avoiding, calling, glass, supplements and publication
Distinguish similar left sides and identify the object of an action.
避
Learn the shape and a useful word
辟 sits inside movement-side 辶 strokes. Compare the left side of 辟 with the full outer path.
避免
Show word reading and meaning
bìmiǎn
avoid or prevent something unwanted
避免 means avoid or prevent a situation. The phrase that follows names what is to be avoided.
Read a sentence
提前出门，可以避免迟到。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tí qián chū mén， kě yǐ bì miǎn chí dào。
Leaving early can help you avoid being late.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 避
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.
拨
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 发. Compare with 泼, whose left-hand part is 氵.
拨打
Show word reading and meaning
bōdǎ
dial or call a telephone number
拨打 means dial or call a number, as in 拨打电话. It does not by itself say that someone answered.
Read a sentence
有问题可以拨打这个号码。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yǒu wèn tí kě yǐ bō dǎ zhè ge hào mǎ。
You can call this number if you have any questions.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 拨
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.
玻
Learn the shape and a useful word
王 is beside 皮. Compare the same right-hand part in 波, which uses 氵.
玻璃
Show word reading and meaning
bōli
glass; the material
玻璃 is bōli with neutral li. Learn the material name as one word.
Read a sentence
这个杯子是玻璃做的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge bēi zi shì bō li zuò de。
This cup is made of glass.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 玻
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.
补
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤 is on the left and 卜 on the right. Keep the extra clothing-side stroke rather than writing 礻.
补充
Show word reading and meaning
bǔchōng
supplement; add what is missing or useful
补充 means add or supplement what is already there. The object tells you what is being added.
Read a sentence
我想补充一点儿信息。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng bǔ chōng yī diǎnr xìn xī。
I would like to add a little more information.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 补
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.
布
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper crossing strokes sit above 巾. Compare 布 with 币, whose top is only one falling stroke.
发布
Show word reading and meaning
fābù
release or announce information publicly
发布 means issue, release or publish information. It is not the fabric sense of 布.
Read a sentence
学校发布了新的课程安排。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xiào fā bù le xīn de kè chéng ān pái。
The school released the new course schedule.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 布
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 拨 and 泼 differ, and how is 玻璃 read?
Check and learn
Words: 避免 bìmiǎn — avoid or prevent something unwanted; 拨打 bōdǎ — dial or call a telephone number; 玻璃 bōli — glass; the material; 补充 bǔchōng — supplement; add what is missing or useful; 发布 fābù — release or announce information publicly. 拨 has 扌, while 泼 has 氵. 玻璃 is bōli with a neutral second syllable.
Try a new context
通知已经发布，但还需要补充一个电话号码。
Is the notice complete in every detail merely because it has been issued?
Compare your interpretation
No. It has been issued, but a telephone number still needs to be added.
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.
225. Referees, interviews, hidden objects, albums and tests
Keep the object of hiding separate from a person hiding.
裁
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper cross and sloping 戈-style outline enclose 衣-like lower strokes. Compare with 衣 alone.
裁判
Show word reading and meaning
cáipàn
referee; official who applies the rules in a match
裁判 means a referee or judge in a competition. The word does not identify which decision was made.
Read a sentence
裁判吹响了哨子，比赛开始了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
cái pàn chuī xiǎng le shào zi， bǐ sài kāi shǐ le。
The referee blew the whistle, and the match began.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 裁
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.
采
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper claw-like strokes sit above 木. Compare 采 with 米, whose upper strokes are different.
采访
Show word reading and meaning
cǎifǎng
interview someone to gather information or news
采访 means interview or gather information through interviews. It is not automatically the same as making a speech.
Read a sentence
记者采访了几位当地居民。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jì zhě cǎi fǎng le jǐ wèi dāng dì jū mín。
The reporter interviewed several local residents.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 采
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.
藏
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above a broad, complex lower section with an enclosed 臣-like part and a long sloping stroke.
藏
Show word reading and meaning
cáng
hide; keep something out of sight
The selected word is cáng, hide or keep out of sight. It does not use the Zàng reading in a place name.
Read a sentence
孩子把礼物藏在床下面了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hái zi bǎ lǐ wù cáng zài chuáng xià miàn le。
The child hid the present under the bed.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 藏
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.
册
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the parallel upright box-like sections crossed by a long horizontal. Compare 册 with a single 目.
相册
Show word reading and meaning
xiàngcè
photo album
相册 is xiàngcè, a photo album. 册 does not count the number of photographs within it.
Read a sentence
我们一起翻看旧相册。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yì qǐ fān kàn jiù xiàng cè。
We looked through an old photo album together.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 册
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.
测
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 则, which has 贝 beside 刂. Keep the three sections distinct.
测试
Show word reading and meaning
cèshì
test; check how well something works
测试 means test or testing. A completed test and a successful result are different pieces of information.
Read a sentence
工程师正在测试新设备。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng chéng shī zhèng zài cè shì xīn shè bèi。
The engineer is testing the new equipment.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 测
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 hidden in a 藏 construction, and what does 相册 name?
Check and learn
Words: 裁判 cáipàn — referee; official who applies the rules in a match; 采访 cǎifǎng — interview someone to gather information or news; 藏 cáng — hide; keep something out of sight; 相册 xiàngcè — photo album; 测试 cèshì — test; check how well something works. 藏 cáng can take an object kept out of sight. 相册 xiàngcè is a photo album, not a count of the photos inside.
Try a new context
他把相册藏起来，想等采访结束再拿出来。
What is hidden, and when does the person intend to bring it out?
Compare your interpretation
The photo album is hidden. He intends to bring it out after the interview ends; the sentence describes a plan rather than saying the interview has finished.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each selected word. Recheck a confused shape or word reading, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to change.
226. Past experience, utensils, insertion and taking apart
Separate the extra dot in a shape and the time reference of a word.
曾
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper pair of spreading strokes sits above stacked box-like sections. Compare 曾 with 增, which adds 土.
曾经
Show word reading and meaning
céngjīng
once; at some time in the past
曾经 is céngjīng and marks a past experience. It does not mean that the situation must still continue now.
Read a sentence
这里曾经是一家书店。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ céng jīng shì yī jiā shū diàn。
This used to be a bookshop.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 曾
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.
叉
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot sits inside the crossed 又-like strokes. Keep the dot when comparing 叉 with 又.
叉子
Show word reading and meaning
chāzi
fork
叉子 means fork and has neutral zi. The full word names the utensil.
Read a sentence
吃面条时，你想用筷子还是叉子？
Show sentence reading and meaning
chī miàn tiáo shí， nǐ xiǎng yòng kuài zi hái shi chā zi？
Would you like chopsticks or a fork for your noodles?
Learn the 3 strokes · write 叉
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.
插
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside a right-hand section with an upper cross and a lower 臼-like enclosure.
插
Show word reading and meaning
chā
insert; put something into an opening
插 means insert or plug in in the selected entry. The object and destination identify what is inserted where.
Read a sentence
请把钥匙插进锁里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ yào shi chā jìn suǒ lǐ。
Please insert the key into the lock.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 插
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.
拆
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is beside 斥. Compare 折: 拆 has the extra dot on its right-hand part.
拆
Show word reading and meaning
chāi
take apart or dismantle
拆 means take apart or dismantle. It is not the discount word 打折 dǎzhé.
Read a sentence
修理之前，他先把机器拆开了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiū lǐ zhī qián， tā xiān bǎ jī qì chāi kāi le。
He took the machine apart before repairing it.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 拆
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.
倡
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is beside 昌, with one box-like section above another. Compare the extra person-side strokes with 昌 alone.
提倡
Show word reading and meaning
tíchàng
advocate; encourage a practice
提倡 means advocate or encourage a practice. It expresses support rather than stating that everyone already follows it.
Read a sentence
学校提倡学生每天运动。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xiào tí chàng xué shēng měi tiān yùn dòng。
The school encourages students to exercise every day.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 倡
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 拆 and 折 differ, and what does 曾经 tell you?
Check and learn
Words: 曾经 céngjīng — once; at some time in the past; 叉子 chāzi — fork; 插 chā — insert; put something into an opening; 拆 chāi — take apart or dismantle; 提倡 tíchàng — advocate; encourage a practice. 拆 has an extra dot on its right-hand part. 曾经 refers to past experience and does not by itself say the situation continues now.
Try a new context
我曾经拆过这个盒子，知道怎样重新装好。
Does the sentence say the box is being taken apart now?
Compare your interpretation
No. It describes past experience of taking the box apart, which supports knowing how to put it together again.
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.
227. Direction, noise, cooking, degree and silence
Keep a selected direction reading distinct from other readings.
朝
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the stacked central strokes with 日 and 十, with 月 at the right.
朝
Show word reading and meaning
cháo
toward; facing or moving in a direction, pronounced cháo
The selected standalone 朝 is cháo, toward. It is not the zhāo reading used in some morning-related words.
Read a sentence
请朝左边看。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng cháo zuǒ bian kàn。
Please look to the left.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 朝
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.
吵
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 少. Compare 炒, which uses 火 on the left.
吵
Show word reading and meaning
chǎo
noisy; making an unwelcome amount of noise
吵 means noisy or to quarrel in context. Read the participants and sentence pattern to identify which use is intended.
Read a sentence
外面太吵了，我没办法集中注意力。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wài miàn tài chǎo le， wǒ méi bàn fǎ jí zhōng zhù yì lì。
It is too noisy outside for me to concentrate.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 吵
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.
炒
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 stands beside 少. Compare directly with the mouth-side 口 in 吵.
炒
Show word reading and meaning
chǎo
stir-fry
炒 means stir-fry in the selected entry. The following food identifies what is cooked.
Read a sentence
我先炒鸡蛋，再放西红柿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiān chǎo jī dàn， zài fàng xī hóng shì。
I stir-fry the eggs first, then add the tomatoes.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 炒
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.
彻
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 is beside 切. Compare the movement-side strokes with the full 切 character alone.
彻底
Show word reading and meaning
chèdǐ
thoroughly; completely
彻底 means thorough or completely. It describes the extent of a change or action, not a time of day.
Read a sentence
搬家前，我们彻底打扫了房间。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bān jiā qián， wǒ men chè dǐ dǎ sǎo le fáng jiān。
We cleaned the room thoroughly before moving.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 彻
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.
沉
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside a small upper cap and lower spreading strokes, including a curved hook. Keep the water-side strokes separate from that right-hand outline.
沉默
Show word reading and meaning
chénmò
silent; not speaking
沉默 means silent or silence. It does not necessarily reveal whether a person agrees, disagrees or is simply thinking.
Read a sentence
听到这个问题后，他沉默了很久。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè ge wèn tí hòu， tā chén mò le hěn jiǔ。
He stayed silent for a long time after hearing this question.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 沉
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 朝 cháo mean here, and how do 吵 and 炒 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 朝 cháo — toward; facing or moving in a direction, pronounced cháo; 吵 chǎo — noisy; making an unwelcome amount of noise; 炒 chǎo — stir-fry; 彻底 chèdǐ — thoroughly; completely; 沉默 chénmò — silent; not speaking. 朝 cháo means toward. 吵 has 口 and concerns noise or quarrelling; 炒 has 火 and is stir-fry in its selected entry.
Try a new context
厨房里很吵，他朝门口看了一眼，却没有说话。
Where does he look, and does he speak?
Compare your interpretation
He looks toward the doorway and does not speak. The noise does not establish what he thinks about 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.
228. Weighing, undertaking, fruit, batteries and rulers
Use the selected sense of a word rather than a different entry sharing its sound.
称
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 is beside 尔. Compare the grain-side 禾 with 扌 in a different weighing-related action.
称
Show word reading and meaning
chēng
weigh; find out how heavy something is
The selected chēng entry means weigh, as in 称一下苹果. A different entry can use the same spelling for calling someone by a name.
Read a sentence
请帮我称一下这些苹果。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bāng wǒ chēng yí xià zhè xiē píng guǒ。
Please weigh these apples for me.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 称
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.
承
Learn the shape and a useful word
A hooked central stroke and curved outer strokes contain short inner horizontal strokes. Compare the full shape with 水.
承担
Show word reading and meaning
chéngdān
take on responsibility or a cost
承担 means undertake or take responsibility for something, as in 承担任务. It does not mean the task is finished.
Read a sentence
这项工作的费用由公司承担。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiàng gōng zuò de fèi yong yóu gōng sī chéng dān。
The company will cover the costs of this work.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 承
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.
橙
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 登. Keep the wider right-hand part and the 木 rather than writing only 登.
橙子
Show word reading and meaning
chéngzi
orange; the fruit
橙子 means orange as a fruit and has neutral zi. A colour description is a different use.
Read a sentence
我买了几个橙子做果汁。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ mǎi le jǐ gè chéng zi zuò guǒ zhī。
I bought a few oranges to make juice.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 橙
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.
池
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside 也. Compare the left side with 地, which uses 土.
电池
Show word reading and meaning
diànchí
battery
电池 means a battery. The selected word is not a pool of water despite the visible 氵.
Read a sentence
遥控器的电池没电了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yáo kòng qì de diàn chí méi diàn le。
The remote control's batteries have run out.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 池
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.
尺
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper folded shape has a long falling stroke and a separate lower-right stroke. Compare 尺 with 户.
尺子
Show word reading and meaning
chǐzi
ruler; a tool for measuring length
尺子 is chǐzi, a ruler. The second syllable is neutral in this word.
Read a sentence
用尺子画一条直线。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yòng chǐ zi huà yī tiáo zhí xiàn。
Use a ruler to draw a straight line.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 尺
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 称 doing in its selected example, and how is 橙子 read?
Check and learn
Words: 称 chēng — weigh; find out how heavy something is; 承担 chéngdān — take on responsibility or a cost; 橙子 chéngzi — orange; the fruit; 电池 diànchí — battery; 尺子 chǐzi — ruler; a tool for measuring length. 称 chēng means weigh here. 橙子 is chéngzi with a neutral second syllable; it names the fruit.
Try a new context
请先称一下这些橙子，再把它们装进袋子。
What should happen before the oranges are put in a bag?
Compare your interpretation
They should be weighed first. The sentence does not ask someone to give the oranges a new name.
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.