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 39 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
229. Teeth, wings, rinsing, adding and insects
Separate a selected verb sense from a related-looking word.
齿
Learn the shape and a useful word
止 sits above a lower enclosure containing a 人-like pair of strokes. Compare the upper part with 止 alone.
牙齿
Show word reading and meaning
yáchǐ
tooth; teeth
牙齿 means teeth. A number or classifier in the sentence supplies how many are meant.
Read a sentence
每天认真刷牙，可以保护牙齿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi tiān rèn zhēn shuā yá， kě yǐ bǎo hù yá chǐ。
Brushing carefully every day helps protect your teeth.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 齿
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.
翅
Learn the shape and a useful word
支 stands beside 羽. Keep both feather-like halves on the right.
翅膀
Show word reading and meaning
chìbǎng
wing
翅膀 is chìbǎng. This is the first target shape in the same selected word as the earlier 膀 card.
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 10 strokes · write 翅
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.
冲
Learn the shape and a useful word
冫 is on the left and 中 on the right. Compare the two cold-side strokes with 氵.
冲
Show word reading and meaning
chōng
rinse; wash with flowing water, pronounced chōng
The selected chōng example means rinse with water. Do not replace it with the fourth-tone reading from another word or context.
Read a sentence
把杯子用水冲一下。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bǎ bēi zi yòng shuǐ chōng yí xià。
Give the cup a rinse with water.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 冲
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.
充
Learn the shape and a useful word
The small upper cap and central shape sit above two lower spreading strokes. Compare 充 with 允, whose top lacks the cap.
补充
Show word reading and meaning
bǔchōng
supplement; add what is missing or useful
补充 means supplement or add. This card learns another target shape in the same selected word as 补.
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 6 strokes · write 充
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.
虫
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the central box, upright extending downward and lower dot. Compare 虫 with 中, which lacks the lower base and dot.
虫子
Show word reading and meaning
chóngzi
bug; insect or similar small creature
虫子 means an insect or bug in this selected entry, with neutral zi.
Read a sentence
叶子上有一只小虫子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yè zi shàng yǒu yī zhī xiǎo chóng zi。
There is a small bug on the leaf.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 虫
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 冲 read in the rinsing example, and what does 补充 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 牙齿 yáchǐ — tooth; teeth; 翅膀 chìbǎng — wing; 冲 chōng — rinse; wash with flowing water, pronounced chōng; 补充 bǔchōng — supplement; add what is missing or useful; 虫子 chóngzi — bug; insect or similar small creature. 冲 is chōng in that entry. 补充 means supplement or add to what is already present.
Try a new context
请用水冲一下杯子，再往里面倒一点果汁。
What is to be rinsed, and what is added afterwards?
Compare your interpretation
The cup should be rinsed with water. A little juice is poured into it afterwards; the sentence does not describe somebody rushing anywhere.
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.
230. Pets, drawing things out, appearance, smell and contact
Keep the selected action separate from a different whole-word combination.
宠
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 forms a roof over 龙. Compare the complete character with 龙 alone.
宠物
Show word reading and meaning
chǒngwù
pet
宠物 is a pet. The word identifies the animal's relationship with people rather than its species.
Read a sentence
养宠物之前，要考虑自己有没有时间照顾它。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yǎng chǒng wù zhī qián， yào kǎo lǜ zì jǐ yǒu méi yǒu shí jiān zhào gù tā。
Before getting a pet, consider whether you have time to care for it.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 宠
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.
抽
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 由. Compare the right side with 申: the upright in 由 extends above the box only.
抽
Show word reading and meaning
chōu
pull or draw something out
抽 chōu means draw or pull something out in the selected example. Other combinations, such as 抽烟, have a different whole-word use.
Read a sentence
他从盒子里抽出了一张卡片。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā cóng hé zi lǐ chōu chū le yī zhāng kǎ piàn。
He drew a card out of the box.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 抽
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.
丑
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper turn, middle upright and two horizontal strokes. Compare 丑 with the lower part of 羞.
丑
Show word reading and meaning
chǒu
ugly; unattractive in appearance
丑 describes an unattractive appearance in the selected entry. It is not a general word for bad behaviour.
Read a sentence
他觉得这双旧鞋有点儿丑。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā jué de zhè shuāng jiù xié yǒu diǎnr chǒu。
He thinks these old shoes look a little ugly.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 丑
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.
臭
Learn the shape and a useful word
自 sits above 犬. Keep both the small top stroke in 自 and the dot in 犬.
臭
Show word reading and meaning
chòu
smelly; having an unpleasant smell
臭 chòu means smelly or having a bad smell here. The selected reading is tied to that sense.
Read a sentence
这些袜子太臭了，应该洗一洗。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē wà zi tài chòu le， yīng gāi xǐ yī xǐ。
These socks smell terrible and should be washed.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 臭
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.
触
Learn the shape and a useful word
角 stands beside 虫. Compare the two complete parts with their standalone forms.
接触
Show word reading and meaning
jiēchù
come into contact with; encounter
接触 means come into contact with. The contact may involve people, ideas or objects in context, rather than only touching by hand.
Read a sentence
旅行让我接触到不同的文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǚ xíng ràng wǒ jiē chù dào bù tóng de wén huà。
Travel brings me into contact with different cultures.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 触
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 抽 mean in its selected example, and how is 臭 read?
Check and learn
Words: 宠物 chǒngwù — pet; 抽 chōu — pull or draw something out; 丑 chǒu — ugly; unattractive in appearance; 臭 chòu — smelly; having an unpleasant smell; 接触 jiēchù — come into contact with; encounter. 抽 chōu is draw or pull something out here. 臭 chòu describes a bad smell in its selected entry.
Try a new context
他从盒子里抽出一张卡片，上面画着自己的宠物。
What is drawn out, and what is shown on it?
Compare your interpretation
A card is drawn from the box. It has a picture of the person's pet; the pet itself is not taken out of the box.
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.
231. Passing on, innovation, leaving a job and encouraging development
Distinguish the direction and purpose of an action.
传
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 专. Compare 转, which has 车 at the left.
传
Show word reading and meaning
chuán
pass on; send something from one person to another
The selected word is chuán, pass on. Keep it separate from zhuǎn in 转 and from other readings of 传.
Read a sentence
请把这张纸传给后面的同学。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ zhè zhāng zhǐ chuán gěi hòu miàn de tóng xué。
Please pass this sheet of paper to the student behind you.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 传
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.
创
Learn the shape and a useful word
仓 is beside 刂. Compare 仓 alone with the added narrow knife-side strokes.
创新
Show word reading and meaning
chuàngxīn
innovation; introducing new ideas or methods
创新 concerns making or introducing something new. The word names innovation rather than the cost or success of an idea.
Read a sentence
这家公司鼓励员工创新。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā gōng sī gǔ lì yuán gōng chuàng xīn。
This company encourages its staff to innovate.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 创
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.
辞
Learn the shape and a useful word
舌 stands beside 辛. Compare the complete wider shape with the two parts on their own.
辞职
Show word reading and meaning
cízhí
resign; leave a job voluntarily
辞职 means resign from a job. It is an action by the person leaving, rather than the employer recruiting somebody.
Read a sentence
他辞职后，开始学习新的技能。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā cí zhí hòu， kāi shǐ xué xí xīn de jì néng。
After resigning, he began learning new skills.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 辞
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.
刺
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 木-like upper-left section contains a central enclosure; 刂 stands separately at the right. Compare 刺 with 枣, whose lower part differs.
刺激
Show word reading and meaning
cìjī
irritate; cause an unpleasant physical reaction
刺激 can mean stimulate or a stimulus in context. The selected whole word is cìjī.
Read a sentence
这种气味会刺激鼻子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhǒng qì wèi huì cì jī bí zi。
This smell can irritate your nose.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 刺
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.
促
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 足. Compare the foot-shaped lower strokes with the simpler right side of 作.
促进
Show word reading and meaning
cùjìn
promote or help something develop
促进 means promote or help something develop. Its object names the process being encouraged.
Read a sentence
经常交流可以促进理解。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīng cháng jiāo liú kě yǐ cù jìn lǐ jiě。
Regular communication can help improve understanding.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 促
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 传 and 转 differ in their selected words?
Check and learn
Words: 传 chuán — pass on; send something from one person to another; 创新 chuàngxīn — innovation; introducing new ideas or methods; 辞职 cízhí — resign; leave a job voluntarily; 刺激 cìjī — irritate; cause an unpleasant physical reaction; 促进 cùjìn — promote or help something develop. 传 chuán means pass on and has 亻; 转 zhuǎn means turn and has 车. They are different characters with different readings.
Try a new context
请把这个新想法传给大家，看看能否促进讨论。
What is to be passed on, and is the hoped-for effect already certain?
Compare your interpretation
The new idea should be passed on to everyone. Encouraging discussion is the hoped-for effect, not an established result.
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.
232. Urging, measures, representation, timidity and conditions
Distinguish a condition from a date and an action from its result.
催
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 is beside 崔, which has 山 above 隹. Compare the whole right section with 推, whose right side is only 隹.
催
Show word reading and meaning
cuī
urge or hurry someone to act
催 means urge someone to act or hurry. The sentence identifies the person and action being urged.
Read a sentence
妈妈催我快点儿起床。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mā ma cuī wǒ kuài diǎnr qǐ chuáng。
Mum urged me to get up quickly.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 催
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.
措
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 昔. Compare 惜, which has 忄 instead.
措施
Show word reading and meaning
cuòshī
measure; an action taken to achieve a purpose
措施 means measures or actions taken to deal with a situation. It is not the same word as 测试, testing.
Read a sentence
我们需要采取措施减少用水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men xū yào cǎi qǔ cuò shī jiǎn shǎo yòng shuǐ。
We need to take measures to reduce water use.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 措
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.
代
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 弋. Keep the small upper-right dot in 弋.
代表
Show word reading and meaning
dàibiǎo
represent; act or speak for others
代表 means represent or a representative in context. A representative can speak for a group without being every member of that group.
Read a sentence
她代表全班向老师表示感谢。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā dài biǎo quán bān xiàng lǎo shī biǎo shì gǎn xiè。
She thanked the teacher on behalf of the whole class.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 代
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.
胆
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 旦, with 日 over a long lower horizontal. Compare 胆 with the simpler 旦.
胆小
Show word reading and meaning
dǎnxiǎo
timid; easily frightened
胆小 means timid or easily frightened. 小 describes the disposition in the whole word, not a measurement of an organ.
Read a sentence
这个孩子有点儿胆小，不敢一个人睡。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge hái zi yǒu diǎnr dǎn xiǎo， bù gǎn yí gè rén shuì。
This child is a little timid and is afraid to sleep alone.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 胆
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.
旦
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above a horizontal line. Compare 旦 with 日 alone and with the right side of 胆.
一旦
Show word reading and meaning
yídàn
once; if something happens, then a consequence follows
一旦 is yídàn, once or as soon as a condition holds. It introduces a condition rather than giving an exact date.
Read a sentence
一旦决定了，就认真去做吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yí dàn jué dìng le， jiù rèn zhēn qù zuò ba。
Once you have decided, put your heart into doing it.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 旦
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 一旦 introduce, and does 催 mean that someone has finished?
Check and learn
Words: 催 cuī — urge or hurry someone to act; 措施 cuòshī — measure; an action taken to achieve a purpose; 代表 dàibiǎo — represent; act or speak for others; 胆小 dǎnxiǎo — timid; easily frightened; 一旦 yídàn — once; if something happens, then a consequence follows. 一旦 yídàn introduces a condition. 催 is urge or hurry someone; it does not mean the action is complete.
Try a new context
一旦收到通知，请代表小组回复，不要催别人马上决定。
What triggers the reply, and should other people be rushed into deciding?
Compare your interpretation
Receiving the notice triggers a reply on behalf of the group. The instruction says not to urge others to decide immediately.
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.
233. Mild taste, blocking, product grade, dancing and opponents
Contrast left sides and tones in two similar-looking characters.
淡
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside two stacked 火 shapes, 炎. Compare 谈, which uses 讠.
淡
Show word reading and meaning
dàn
mild in flavor; not strongly seasoned
淡 can describe a light or mild taste in this entry. The context identifies the kind of lightness being described.
Read a sentence
这碗汤有点儿淡，可以加一点儿盐。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wǎn tāng yǒu diǎnr dàn， kě yǐ jiā yī diǎnr yán。
This soup tastes a little bland; you can add a little salt.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 淡
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.
挡
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 当. Compare directly with 档, whose left side is 木.
挡
Show word reading and meaning
dǎng
block; stand in the way of
挡 is dǎng, block or get in the way. Do not copy the fourth tone of 档 in 高档.
Read a sentence
这棵树挡住了窗外的阳光。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè kē shù dǎng zhù le chuāng wài de yáng guāng。
This tree blocks the sunlight outside the window.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 挡
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.
档
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 当. Compare its 木 with the 扌 in 挡.
高档
Show word reading and meaning
gāodàng
high-end; of a high quality or price range
高档 is gāodàng, high-end or high-grade. It is not the third-tone action 挡 dǎng.
Read a sentence
这家商店主要出售高档家具。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā shāng diàn zhǔ yào chū shòu gāo dàng jiā jù。
This shop mainly sells high-end furniture.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 档
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.
蹈
Learn the shape and a useful word
足 is beside a right-hand section with a claw-like top over 臼. Compare the two full sides rather than omitting 足.
舞蹈
Show word reading and meaning
wǔdǎo
dance; dancing as an art
舞蹈 means dance or dancing. The two characters form one selected word, wǔdǎo.
Read a sentence
她从小就喜欢舞蹈。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā cóng xiǎo jiù xǐ huan wǔ dǎo。
She has loved dance since she was little.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 蹈
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.
敌
Learn the shape and a useful word
舌 is on the left and 攵 on the right. Compare the right side with 辛 in 辞.
敌人
Show word reading and meaning
dírén
enemy
敌人 means enemy or opponent in context. The word identifies a relationship in the account rather than a person's name.
Read a sentence
故事里的两个人从敌人变成了朋友。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gù shi lǐ de liǎng gè rén cóng dí rén biàn chéng le péng you。
The two people in the story went from enemies to friends.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 敌
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 挡 dǎng and 档 in 高档 gāodàng differ?
Check and learn
Words: 淡 dàn — mild in flavor; not strongly seasoned; 挡 dǎng — block; stand in the way of; 高档 gāodàng — high-end; of a high quality or price range; 舞蹈 wǔdǎo — dance; dancing as an art; 敌人 dírén — enemy. 挡 has 扌 and means block. 档 has 木 and is fourth tone in 高档, high-end or high-grade.
Try a new context
这道菜味道比较淡，用的材料却很高档。
Are the ingredients described as low-grade or high-grade, and what is the taste like?
Compare your interpretation
The ingredients are described as high-grade, while the taste is rather mild. The two descriptions concern different properties.
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.
234. Butterflies, freezing, openings, striving and food
Read whether a word names an object, a change or an effort.
蝶
Learn the shape and a useful word
虫 stands beside 枼, with 世 above 木. Compare the insect-side strokes with the full 虫.
蝴蝶
Show word reading and meaning
húdié
butterfly
蝴蝶 means butterfly. Learn the full húdié reading instead of guessing from the component 世.
Read a sentence
一只蝴蝶停在花上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yī zhī hú dié tíng zài huā shàng。
A butterfly landed on a flower.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 蝶
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.
冻
Learn the shape and a useful word
冫 stands beside 东. Compare the two cold-side strokes with the three strokes of 氵.
冻
Show word reading and meaning
dòng
freeze; become frozen
冻 means freeze or be frozen in the selected entry. Read whether the sentence describes a change or an existing state.
Read a sentence
昨晚太冷，湖面都冻住了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuó wǎn tài lěng， hú miàn dōu dòng zhù le。
It was so cold last night that the surface of the lake froze.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 冻
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.
洞
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 同. Compare its left-hand strokes with 冫 in 冻.
洞
Show word reading and meaning
dòng
hole; an opening in something
洞 means a hole or cave in context. The surrounding noun or description identifies the kind of opening.
Read a sentence
我的袜子上有一个洞。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de wà zi shàng yǒu yí gè dòng。
There is a hole in my sock.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 洞
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.
斗
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two short dots sit above a crossed horizontal and upright. Compare 斗 with the extra upper strokes of 头.
奋斗
Show word reading and meaning
fèndòu
strive; work hard toward a goal
奋斗 is fèndòu, strive or struggle toward a goal. The selected word is not a measuring vessel.
Read a sentence
她一直为自己的梦想奋斗。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yì zhí wèi zì jǐ de mèng xiǎng fèn dòu。
She has always worked hard to pursue her dream.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 斗
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.
豆
Learn the shape and a useful word
A horizontal and 口 sit above lower spreading strokes and a final horizontal. Compare 豆 with 登's lower part.
豆腐
Show word reading and meaning
dòufu
tofu; bean curd
豆腐 is dòufu with neutral fu. Learn the food name as one word.
Read a sentence
这道菜是用豆腐做的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè dào cài shì yòng dòu fu zuò de。
This dish is made with tofu.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 豆
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 豆腐 read, and does 奋斗 guarantee that a goal is achieved?
Check and learn
Words: 蝴蝶 húdié — butterfly; 冻 dòng — freeze; become frozen; 洞 dòng — hole; an opening in something; 奋斗 fèndòu — strive; work hard toward a goal; 豆腐 dòufu — tofu; bean curd. 豆腐 is dòufu with neutral fu. 奋斗 describes striving; achieving the goal needs separate information.
Try a new context
洞口有一只蝴蝶，孩子们站在远处看。
Where is the butterfly, and where do the children observe it from?
Compare your interpretation
The butterfly is at the opening of the cave or hole. The children watch from farther away rather than standing at the opening itself.
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.