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 40 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
235. Being alone, piles, mass, conflict and hiding
Distinguish hiding oneself from hiding an object, and keep a unit separate from a count.
独
Learn the shape and a useful word
犭 is on the left and 虫 on the right. Keep the animal-side strokes rather than writing just 虫.
单独
Show word reading and meaning
dāndú
alone; separately
单独 means alone or separately. It does not necessarily mean feeling lonely.
Read a sentence
我想和你单独谈谈。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ dān dú tán tán。
I would like to speak to you alone.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 独
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.
堆
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 stands beside 隹. Compare 推, which uses 扌 at the left.
堆
Show word reading and meaning
duī
pile; heap things together
堆 names a pile or describes piling things up in context. It is different from 推, push.
Read a sentence
请不要把书堆在门口。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bú yào bǎ shū duī zài mén kǒu。
Please do not pile books by the door.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 堆
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.
吨
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 is beside 屯. Compare with 顿, which has 页 beside 屯.
吨
Show word reading and meaning
dūn
tonne; a metric unit equal to 1,000 kilograms
吨 dūn is a mass unit, a tonne. It is not the fourth-tone 顿 used in counting meals or pauses.
Read a sentence
这辆卡车能装两吨货物。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè liàng kǎ chē néng zhuāng liǎng dūn huò wù。
This truck can carry two tonnes of goods.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 吨
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.
盾
Learn the shape and a useful word
Upper sloping strokes and a cross stand above 目. Compare the enclosed lower 目 with 贝 in a different character.
矛盾
Show word reading and meaning
máodùn
conflict or contradiction
矛盾 means contradiction or conflict in context. It is not a reference to a physical shield in this selected word.
Read a sentence
这两个说法有矛盾。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè liǎng gè shuō fǎ yǒu máo dùn。
These two statements contradict each other.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 盾
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.
躲
Learn the shape and a useful word
身 stands beside 朵, with 几 above 木 on the right. Compare 躺, which has 尚 instead of 朵.
躲
Show word reading and meaning
duǒ
hide; move out of sight or out of the way
躲 often describes a person hiding or avoiding something. Compare 躲在门后 with 藏, hiding an object out of sight.
Read a sentence
听到敲门声，小猫躲到床下面了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào qiāo mén shēng， xiǎo māo duǒ dào chuáng xià miàn le。
Hearing a knock at the door, the kitten hid under the bed.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 躲
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 躲 and 藏 differ in the selected contexts, and what does 吨 measure?
Check and learn
Words: 单独 dāndú — alone; separately; 堆 duī — pile; heap things together; 吨 dūn — tonne; a metric unit equal to 1,000 kilograms; 矛盾 máodùn — conflict or contradiction; 躲 duǒ — hide; move out of sight or out of the way. 躲 can describe someone hiding, while 藏 can hide an object. 吨 dūn is a mass unit, not a count of individual objects.
Try a new context
他单独躲在门后，等大家把那堆东西搬走。
Who is hidden, and what are other people moving?
Compare your interpretation
He hides alone behind the door. The others are moving a pile of things, not hiding that pile behind the door.
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.
236. Lack, fines, tomatoes, prosperity and returning
Distinguish a missing resource from a consequence and an action.
乏
Learn the shape and a useful word
A short falling stroke sits above a 之-like lower outline. Compare 乏 with 之 alone.
缺乏
Show word reading and meaning
quēfá
lack; have too little of something needed
缺乏 means lack or be deficient in. The following noun identifies the resource or quality that is lacking.
Read a sentence
这个计划缺乏具体的安排。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge jì huà quē fá jù tǐ de ān pái。
This plan lacks specific arrangements.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 乏
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.
罚
Learn the shape and a useful word
罒 sits above 讠 and 刂. Keep both lower sections distinct.
罚款
Show word reading and meaning
fákuǎn
fine; money imposed as a penalty
罚款 means fine or impose a monetary fine. The word does not state a fixed amount without context.
Read a sentence
他因为违章停车被罚款了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yīn wèi wéi zhāng tíng chē bèi fá kuǎn le。
He was fined for parking illegally.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 罚
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.
番
Learn the shape and a useful word
A top falling stroke and 米-like strokes sit above 田. Compare 番 with 悉, which has 心 below.
番茄
Show word reading and meaning
fānqié
tomato; also called 西红柿
番茄 is fānqié, tomato. It names the same fruit as 西红柿, whose reading is different.
Read a sentence
我用番茄和鸡蛋做了一碗汤。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ yòng fān qié hé jī dàn zuò le yī wǎn tāng。
I made a bowl of soup with tomatoes and eggs.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 番
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.
繁
Learn the shape and a useful word
敏 sits above 糸. Keep the lower thread-like strokes instead of ending after 敏.
繁荣
Show word reading and meaning
fánróng
prosperous; thriving
繁荣 describes prosperity or flourishing. The sentence identifies what is prospering rather than giving an exact measure.
Read a sentence
旅游业的发展让这座城市更加繁荣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǚ yóu yè de fā zhǎn ràng zhè zuò chéng shì gèng jiā fán róng。
The growth of tourism has made this city more prosperous.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 繁
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.
返
Learn the shape and a useful word
反 sits inside movement-side 辶. Compare 反 alone with the added path strokes.
返回
Show word reading and meaning
fǎnhuí
return to a place
返回 means return or go back to a place or state. The destination is supplied by context.
Read a sentence
天黑之前，我们返回了营地。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tiān hēi zhī qián， wǒ men fǎn huí le yíng dì。
We returned to the campsite before dark.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 返
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Which other selected word names the same food as 番茄, and what does 返回 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 缺乏 quēfá — lack; have too little of something needed; 罚款 fákuǎn — fine; money imposed as a penalty; 番茄 fānqié — tomato; also called 西红柿; 繁荣 fánróng — prosperous; thriving; 返回 fǎnhuí — return to a place. 番茄 is tomato, also called 西红柿. 返回 means return to a place or state specified in context.
Try a new context
我们缺乏经验，所以先返回学校请教老师。
What is lacking, and what do the people do about it?
Compare your interpretation
They lack experience and return to school to ask the teacher for advice. The sentence does not say the advice has already solved the problem.
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.
237. Breadth, scope, prevention, impressions and interviews
Compare three left sides around 方 and keep an impression distinct from a fact.
泛
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 乏. Compare 乏 alone with the full wider form.
广泛
Show word reading and meaning
guǎngfàn
widespread; covering a broad range
广泛 means wide-ranging or extensive. It concerns breadth rather than necessarily great depth or agreement by everyone.
Read a sentence
这个问题引起了广泛的讨论。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge wèn tí yǐn qǐ le guǎng fàn de tǎo lùn。
This issue prompted widespread discussion.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 泛
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.
范
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 氵 and a curved lower-right form. Compare the top grass strokes with the simpler 犯.
范围
Show word reading and meaning
fànwéi
range; the limits of an area or subject
范围 is range or scope. Its boundaries need the surrounding description.
Read a sentence
这个问题不在今天讨论的范围内。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge wèn tí bù zài jīn tiān tǎo lùn de fàn wéi nèi。
This issue is outside the scope of today's discussion.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 范
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.
防
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside 方. Compare 访, whose left side is 讠.
防止
Show word reading and meaning
fángzhǐ
prevent; stop something from happening
防止 means prevent something from happening. It is not a statement that prevention has already succeeded.
Read a sentence
盖好盖子，可以防止灰尘进入。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gài hǎo gài zi， kě yǐ fáng zhǐ huī chén jìn rù。
Closing the lid properly can prevent dust from getting in.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 防
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.
仿
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 方. Compare the same right side with the different left side of 防.
仿佛
Show word reading and meaning
fǎngfú
as if; it seems that
仿佛 is fǎngfú, as if or it seems. It can mark an impression rather than a literal fact.
Read a sentence
听到这首歌，我仿佛回到了小时候。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè shǒu gē， wǒ fǎng fú huí dào le xiǎo shí hou。
Hearing this song makes me feel as if I am a child again.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 仿
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.
访
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 方. Compare 仿, with 亻, and 防, with 阝.
采访
Show word reading and meaning
cǎifǎng
interview someone to gather information or news
采访 is an interview or interviewing. This card revisits the word used for 采 to learn its second shape.
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 6 strokes · write 访
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 防, 仿 and 访 differ in shape and word use?
Check and learn
Words: 广泛 guǎngfàn — widespread; covering a broad range; 范围 fànwéi — range; the limits of an area or subject; 防止 fángzhǐ — prevent; stop something from happening; 仿佛 fǎngfú — as if; it seems that; 采访 cǎifǎng — interview someone to gather information or news. 防 has 阝, 仿 has 亻 and 访 has 讠. 防止 prevents, 仿佛 introduces a seeming comparison, and 采访 concerns interviewing.
Try a new context
这次采访的范围很广，但没有详细讨论每个问题。
Does a broad interview scope mean every issue is discussed in depth?
Compare your interpretation
No. The scope is broad, but the sentence says the interview did not discuss every issue in detail.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, close the help and recall each selected word. Recheck a confused shape or word reading, then interpret the new sentence again. If practising handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to change.
238. Whole-word meanings and helping actions
Keep a selected reading tied to its word and distinguish helping from merely watching.
肥
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 巴. Compare 把, which has 扌 beside the same 巴 shape.
减肥
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎnféi
lose weight; take steps to reduce body weight
减肥 means lose weight in this selected word. 减肥计划 names a plan; it does not state that a change in weight has already happened.
Read a sentence
他为了减肥，开始每天散步。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā wèi le jiǎn féi， kāi shǐ měi tiān sàn bù。
He started walking every day to lose weight.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 肥
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.
纷
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 分. Compare 扮, whose left side is 扌.
纷纷
Show word reading and meaning
fēnfēn
one after another; many people acting in succession
纷纷 describes multiple people or things acting one after another or in succession. It is not the numeral for an exact count.
Read a sentence
下课后，同学们纷纷走出教室。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xià kè hòu， tóng xué men fēn fēn zǒu chū jiào shì。
After class, the students left the classroom one after another.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 纷
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.
疯
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 surrounds 风. Keep the outer strokes instead of writing only 风.
疯狂
Show word reading and meaning
fēngkuáng
wild; intense and beyond the usual limits
疯狂 can describe intense or unrestrained activity, as in 疯狂地欢呼, cheer wildly. The context identifies what kind of activity is being described.
Read a sentence
最后一分钟进球后，球迷们疯狂地欢呼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuì hòu yì fēn zhōng jìn qiú hòu， qiú mí men fēng kuáng de huān hū。
The fans cheered wildly after the goal in the last minute.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 疯
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.
扶
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 夫. Compare the simple right-hand 夫 with 失, which has an additional upper stroke.
扶
Show word reading and meaning
fú
support or help someone with your hands
扶 means support or steady, as in helping someone stand or walk. The sentence supplies whom or what is supported.
Read a sentence
她扶着爷爷慢慢走下楼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā fú zhe yé ye màn màn zǒu xià lóu。
She helped her grandfather walk slowly downstairs.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 扶
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.
佛
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 弗. Compare the right-hand strokes with the 方 in 仿.
仿佛
Show word reading and meaning
fǎngfú
as if; it seems that
佛 is fú in 仿佛 fǎngfú. It is not the fó reading used in a different religious word.
Read a sentence
听到这首歌，我仿佛回到了小时候。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè shǒu gē， wǒ fǎng fú huí dào le xiǎo shí hou。
Hearing this song makes me feel as if I am a child again.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 佛
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. What is the reading of 佛 in 仿佛, and what does 扶 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 减肥 jiǎnféi — lose weight; take steps to reduce body weight; 纷纷 fēnfēn — one after another; many people acting in succession; 疯狂 fēngkuáng — wild; intense and beyond the usual limits; 扶 fú — support or help someone with your hands; 仿佛 fǎngfú — as if; it seems that. 佛 is fú in fǎngfú. 扶 describes supporting or steadying someone or something, rather than simply looking on.
Try a new context
听到这个消息，大家纷纷上前扶住那位老人。
Do the people merely watch, or do they act?
Compare your interpretation
They come forward in succession to support the older person. 纷纷 describes multiple people's actions without giving an exact count.
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.
239. Institutions, food, married people, roles and covers
Keep the full-tone and neutral syllables tied to different words.
府
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 surrounds 付, with 亻 and 寸 inside. Compare the complete form with 付 alone.
政府
Show word reading and meaning
zhèngfǔ
government
政府 is zhèngfǔ, government. 府 is third tone in this selected word.
Read a sentence
当地政府改善了公共交通。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dāng dì zhèng fǔ gǎi shàn le gōng gòng jiāo tōng。
The local government improved public transport.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 府
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.
腐
Learn the shape and a useful word
府 sits above 肉. Keep the lower enclosing meat-style part rather than ending after 府.
豆腐
Show word reading and meaning
dòufu
tofu; bean curd
豆腐 is dòufu with neutral fu. Do not copy the full third tone of 府 in 政府 into this 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 14 strokes · write 腐
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
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妇
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside a 彐-shaped section. Compare the left side with 归, whose left strokes differ.
夫妇
Show word reading and meaning
fūfù
married couple; husband and wife
夫妇 means husband and wife or a married couple. It is not a count of every person in an extended family.
Read a sentence
这对夫妇已经结婚三十年了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè duì fū fù yǐ jīng jié hūn sān shí nián le。
This couple has been married for thirty years.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 妇
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
副
Learn the shape and a useful word
The 一, 口 and 田 section stands at the left of 刂. 福 puts 礻 before that same larger section instead.
副
Show word reading and meaning
fù
deputy; secondary in rank or role
The selected 副 means deputy or secondary in role, as in 副校长. It is not the classifier sense used in a different entry.
Read a sentence
她是这所学校的副校长。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì zhè suǒ xué xiào de fù xiào zhǎng。
She is the deputy head of this school.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 副
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
盖
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 羊-like upper section sits above 皿. Compare the lower 皿 with the lower strokes of 美.
盖
Show word reading and meaning
gài
cover; put something over another thing
盖 means cover or put a cover over something in the selected entry. The object and construction identify what is covered.
Read a sentence
请把锅盖好，汤还要煮一会儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ guō gài hǎo， tāng hái yào zhǔ yí huìr。
Please cover the pot; the soup needs to cook a little longer.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 盖
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 府 in 政府 and 腐 in 豆腐 differ in reading?
Check and learn
Words: 政府 zhèngfǔ — government; 豆腐 dòufu — tofu; bean curd; 夫妇 fūfù — married couple; husband and wife; 副 fù — deputy; secondary in rank or role; 盖 gài — cover; put something over another thing. 政府 is zhèngfǔ with full third-tone fǔ; 豆腐 is dòufu with neutral fu. The selected 副 is the deputy-role sense, not a classifier.
Try a new context
副校长和那对夫妇一起参加了活动。
Who attends, and is the school role the head or a deputy?
Compare your interpretation
The deputy principal and the married couple attend. The selected 副 indicates a deputy role; the sentence does not name the principal as an attendee.
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.
240. Broad actions, reform, separation and congratulations
Use the surrounding phrase to interpret a broad verb and distinguish a contribution from a greeting.
搞
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 is beside 高. Compare 敲, which has 攴 beside 高 rather than 扌 before it.
搞
Show word reading and meaning
gǎo
do or organize something; an informal verb
搞 is a broad action word. Use its object or result phrase to understand what is done rather than substituting one English verb everywhere.
Read a sentence
我们打算周末搞一次小聚会。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men dǎ suàn zhōu mò gǎo yī cì xiǎo jù huì。
We are planning to have a small party this weekend.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 搞
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
革
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the boxed middle, crossed upright and wide lower horizontal. Compare 革 with the narrower 辛.
改革
Show word reading and meaning
gǎigé
reform; make changes to a system
改革 means reform or change a system or practice. The object identifies what is being reformed.
Read a sentence
学校正在改革考试制度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xiào zhèng zài gǎi gé kǎo shì zhì dù。
The school is reforming its exam system.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 革
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
隔
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside 鬲. Notice the boxed upper part and the divided lower section on the right.
隔
Show word reading and meaning
gé
separate; be at a distance or interval
隔 can express separation by space or time. The words that follow identify the distance, interval or barrier.
Read a sentence
我家和学校只隔一条街。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ jiā hé xué xiào zhǐ gé yī tiáo jiē。
My home and the school are only one street apart.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 隔
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
恭
Learn the shape and a useful word
共 sits above a lower heart-style set of dots and strokes. Compare the lower part with the bottom of 慕.
恭喜
Show word reading and meaning
gōngxǐ
congratulate; congratulations
恭喜 is a congratulation, as in 恭喜你通过考试. It is a response to good news, not an invitation.
Read a sentence
恭喜你通过考试！
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng xǐ nǐ tōng guò kǎo shì！
Congratulations on passing the exam!
Learn the 10 strokes · write 恭
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
贡
Learn the shape and a useful word
工 sits above 贝. Compare 贡 with 项, which places 工 beside 页 instead.
贡献
Show word reading and meaning
gòngxiàn
contribution; something given to help achieve a result
贡献 means a contribution. 做出贡献 describes contributing to a result; the sentence identifies what was given or achieved.
Read a sentence
每位成员都为项目做出了贡献。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi wèi chéng yuán dōu wèi xiàng mù zuò chū le gòng xiàn。
Every member contributed to the project.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 贡
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 搞 and 敲 differ in shape, and what does 恭喜 do?
Check and learn
Words: 搞 gǎo — do or organize something; an informal verb; 改革 gǎigé — reform; make changes to a system; 隔 gé — separate; be at a distance or interval; 恭喜 gōngxǐ — congratulate; congratulations; 贡献 gòngxiàn — contribution; something given to help achieve a result. 搞 has 扌 beside 高; 敲 has 攴 on the right of 高. 恭喜 congratulates, while 贡献 names a contribution to a result.
Try a new context
大家恭喜她完成项目，也感谢她做出的贡献。
What two responses does she receive?
Compare your interpretation
She is congratulated on completing the project and thanked for her contribution. Congratulations and the contribution are different parts of the account.
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.