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 41 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
241. Communication, parts, ancient times, fixed arrangements and champions
Use the left-hand part and whole word to separate similar forms.
沟
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 勾. Compare 构, whose left-hand part is 木.
沟通
Show word reading and meaning
gōutōng
communicate; exchange information or ideas
沟通 means communicate. It often involves exchanging information, rather than merely sending one message.
Read a sentence
遇到问题时，要及时沟通。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yù dào wèn tí shí， yào jí shí gōu tōng。
When problems arise, communicate promptly.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 沟
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.
构
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 勾. Keep its tree-side strokes distinct from 氵 in 沟.
构成
Show word reading and meaning
gòuchéng
constitute; form the parts of a whole
构成 means make up or constitute. The sentence identifies the parts and the whole they form.
Read a sentence
三个小组构成了这支队伍。
Show sentence reading and meaning
sān gè xiǎo zǔ gòu chéng le zhè zhī duì wu。
Three groups make up this team.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 构
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.
古
Learn the shape and a useful word
十 sits above 口. Compare 固, which encloses this whole 古 shape.
古代
Show word reading and meaning
gǔdài
ancient times
古代 means ancient times. It is a period expression, not the exact age of an object.
Read a sentence
我们在历史课上学习古代的生活。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men zài lì shǐ kè shàng xué xí gǔ dài de shēng huó。
We learn about life in ancient times in history class.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 古
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.
固
Learn the shape and a useful word
囗 encloses 古. Keep the outer enclosure complete instead of writing only 古.
固定
Show word reading and meaning
gùdìng
fixed; remaining in the same place or arrangement
固定 means fixed or stable in the selected word. The context tells you what remains in place or unchanged.
Read a sentence
我每天在固定的时间学习。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ měi tiān zài gù dìng de shí jiān xué xí。
I study at a fixed time every day.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 固
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.
冠
Learn the shape and a useful word
A roof-like 冖 sits over a 元-like section beside 寸. Keep the small dot of 寸.
冠军
Show word reading and meaning
guànjūn
champion; winner of a competition
冠军 is guànjūn, champion. 冠 has fourth-tone guàn in this selected word.
Read a sentence
她获得了这次比赛的冠军。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā huò dé le zhè cì bǐ sài de guàn jūn。
She won this competition.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 冠
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 沟 and 构 differ, and how is 冠军 read?
Check and learn
Words: 沟通 gōutōng — communicate; exchange information or ideas; 构成 gòuchéng — constitute; form the parts of a whole; 古代 gǔdài — ancient times; 固定 gùdìng — fixed; remaining in the same place or arrangement; 冠军 guànjūn — champion; winner of a competition. 沟 has 氵 and 构 has 木 beside the same 勾. 冠军 is guànjūn, with fourth-tone guàn.
Try a new context
我们先沟通时间，再决定是否把见面时间固定下来。
Has a fixed meeting time already been established?
Compare your interpretation
No. The people will discuss the time first and then decide whether to fix it. Communication precedes the decision.
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.
242. Flowers, cupboards, rolling, cooking pots and parcels
Keep similar sounds and different objects tied to their selected words.
瑰
Learn the shape and a useful word
王 stands beside 鬼. Compare the complete right-hand shape with the simpler 攵 in 玫.
玫瑰
Show word reading and meaning
méigui
rose; the flower
玫瑰 is méigui with neutral gui. Learn the flower name as a whole word.
Read a sentence
她在花园里种了几株玫瑰。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài huā yuán lǐ zhòng le jǐ zhū méi gui。
She planted a few rose bushes in the garden.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 瑰
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.
柜
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 巨. Compare its tree-side strokes with the hand-side of 拒.
柜子
Show word reading and meaning
guìzi
cupboard; cabinet
柜子 is guìzi, a cabinet or cupboard, with neutral zi.
Read a sentence
请把杯子放进柜子里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ bēi zi fàng jìn guì zi lǐ。
Please put the cups in the cupboard.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 柜
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.
滚
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 is beside a tall right-hand outline with an upper cap and lower 衣-like strokes.
滚
Show word reading and meaning
gǔn
roll; move by turning over and over
滚 means roll in the selected example, as a ball moving by turning. Other expressions need their own context.
Read a sentence
球从桌子上滚下来了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qiú cóng zhuō zi shàng gǔn xià lái le。
The ball rolled off the table.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 滚
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.
锅
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 呙, with an upper 口 and a lower enclosed section.
锅
Show word reading and meaning
guō
cooking pot or pan
锅 names a cooking pot. 火锅 is a longer word for hotpot; do not expand every 锅 into that dish.
Read a sentence
我用这个锅煮汤。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ yòng zhè ge guō zhǔ tāng。
I use this pot to make soup.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 锅
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.
裹
Learn the shape and a useful word
果 is enclosed between the upper and lower parts of an 衣-like outline.
包裹
Show word reading and meaning
bāoguǒ
parcel; package sent or delivered
包裹 is a parcel in the selected entry. 裹 is guǒ in this word, not the guō of 锅.
Read a sentence
你的包裹今天到了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ de bāo guǒ jīn tiān dào le。
Your parcel arrived today.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 裹
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 are 玫瑰, 柜子 and 包裹 read?
Check and learn
Words: 玫瑰 méigui — rose; the flower; 柜子 guìzi — cupboard; cabinet; 滚 gǔn — roll; move by turning over and over; 锅 guō — cooking pot or pan; 包裹 bāoguǒ — parcel; package sent or delivered. 玫瑰 is méigui with neutral gui; 柜子 is guìzi with neutral zi; 包裹 is bāoguǒ. 锅 guō and 裹 guǒ differ in tone and shape.
Try a new context
包裹放在柜子旁边，里面不是那口锅。
Where is the parcel, and does it contain the pot?
Compare your interpretation
It is beside the cabinet. The sentence explicitly says that the pot is not inside 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.
243. Reactions, ingredients, regret, balance and an animal
Distinguish an ingredient statement from a quantity or an emotional response.
哈
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 合. Compare the mouth-side with 扌 in 拾.
哈
Show word reading and meaning
hā
ha; an exclamation or sound of laughter
哈 hā represents laughter or a pleased exclamation in this selected entry. Read the whole utterance for its purpose.
Read a sentence
哈，我终于猜对了！
Show sentence reading and meaning
hā， wǒ zhōng yú cāi duì le！
Ha, I finally guessed correctly!
Learn the 9 strokes · write 哈
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.
含
Learn the shape and a useful word
今 sits above 口. Compare the upper 今 with the different upper part of 合.
含
Show word reading and meaning
hán
contain; have something as an ingredient or component
含 means contain here, as in a drink containing sugar. It does not state how much of the ingredient is present.
Read a sentence
这种饮料含糖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhǒng yǐn liào hán táng。
This drink contains sugar.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 含
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.
憾
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 感. Keep the separate left-hand heart-side strokes and the 心 inside 感.
遗憾
Show word reading and meaning
yíhàn
regret; feel sorry that something did not happen
遗憾 means regret or a regrettable situation. It can express a feeling without assigning blame.
Read a sentence
很遗憾，这次没能和你见面。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hěn yí hàn， zhè cì méi néng hé nǐ jiàn miàn。
I am sorry we did not get to meet this time.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 憾
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.
衡
Learn the shape and a useful word
The outer left and right strokes resemble the separated sides of 行, with a wider central section between them.
平衡
Show word reading and meaning
pínghéng
balance; a stable relationship between different things
平衡 means balance. The sentence supplies what is being balanced rather than assuming all quantities are equal.
Read a sentence
我们需要保持工作和生活的平衡。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men xū yào bǎo chí gōng zuò hé shēng huó de píng héng。
We need to maintain a balance between work and life.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 衡
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.
猴
Learn the shape and a useful word
犭 stands beside 侯. Compare the animal-side with the person-side in 候, a different character.
猴子
Show word reading and meaning
hóuzi
monkey
猴子 is hóuzi, monkey, with neutral zi. Do not confuse the animal name with 等候, wait.
Read a sentence
猴子在树枝之间跳来跳去。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hóu zi zài shù zhī zhī jiān tiào lái tiào qù。
The monkey jumps from branch to branch.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 猴
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 含 say about an ingredient, and does 遗憾 assign blame?
Check and learn
Words: 哈 hā — ha; an exclamation or sound of laughter; 含 hán — contain; have something as an ingredient or component; 遗憾 yíhàn — regret; feel sorry that something did not happen; 平衡 pínghéng — balance; a stable relationship between different things; 猴子 hóuzi — monkey. 含 says something is contained; it does not give a quantity by itself. 遗憾 expresses regret without necessarily blaming anyone.
Try a new context
我很遗憾没看到猴子，但并不怪带路的人。
Is the guide blamed for the missed sighting?
Compare your interpretation
No. The speaker regrets not seeing the monkey but explicitly says they do not blame the person leading the way.
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.
244. Alleyways, lakes, butterflies and indistinct images
Notice the different left sides around 胡.
胡
Learn the shape and a useful word
古 is beside 月. Compare the same whole 胡 with the extra left parts in 湖 and 蝴.
胡同
Show word reading and meaning
hútòng
alley; a narrow lane, especially in older northern Chinese neighborhoods
胡同 is hútòng in this official entry, an alley or narrow lane. Other spoken varieties can reduce the second syllable; native aural review remains separate.
Read a sentence
我们沿着一条胡同走到市场。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yán zhe yī tiáo hú tòng zǒu dào shì chǎng。
We walked along an alley to the market.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 胡
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.
湖
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 胡. Compare the three water-side strokes with 米 in 糊.
湖
Show word reading and meaning
hú
lake
湖 means lake. Read any name or description in the sentence rather than assigning a size from the character alone.
Read a sentence
这个湖的水很清。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge hú de shuǐ hěn qīng。
The water in this lake is clear.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 湖
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.
蝴
Learn the shape and a useful word
虫 stands beside 胡. Compare the insect-side strokes with the water-side of 湖.
蝴蝶
Show word reading and meaning
húdié
butterfly
蝴蝶 is húdié, butterfly. The first syllable is hú in this selected word.
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 蝴
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.
糊
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands beside 胡. Compare its grain-side strokes with the other left sides around 胡.
模糊
Show word reading and meaning
móhu
blurry or unclear
模糊 is móhu with neutral hu. It describes something indistinct, rather than the food-related sense of 糊 in other words.
Read a sentence
照片有点儿模糊，看不清人的脸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhào piàn yǒu diǎnr mó hu， kàn bù qīng rén de liǎn。
The photo is a little blurry, so you cannot see the person's face clearly.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 糊
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.
华
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 化-like upper section sits above 十. Keep the small lower cross.
中华
Show word reading and meaning
Zhōnghuá
China; Chinese (a formal or cultural name)
中华 is Zhōnghuá. Preserve the selected place/cultural-name reading rather than treating 华 as an English adjective by itself.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了中华文化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le zhōng huá wén huà。
This book introduces Chinese culture.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 华
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 left sides distinguish 湖, 蝴 and 糊, and how is 模糊 read?
Check and learn
Words: 胡同 hútòng — alley; a narrow lane, especially in older northern Chinese neighborhoods; 湖 hú — lake; 蝴蝶 húdié — butterfly; 模糊 móhu — blurry or unclear; 中华 Zhōnghuá — China; Chinese (a formal or cultural name). 湖 has 氵, 蝴 has 虫 and 糊 has 米. 模糊 is móhu with neutral hu.
Try a new context
我对那条胡同的记忆已经模糊了，只记得附近有一个湖。
Does the speaker remember the whole route through the alley clearly?
Compare your interpretation
No. The memory of the alley has become indistinct. The remembered detail is a lake nearby; the sentence does not give a complete route.
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.
245. Sliding, slow movement, grey colour, waving and recovery
Distinguish a pace description from a colour and a return to an earlier state.
滑
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 骨. Compare the complete right section with the simpler 古 inside 湖.
滑
Show word reading and meaning
huá
slippery; easy to slip on
滑 can describe a slippery surface or a sliding action in context. Read which thing or person is described.
Read a sentence
地板很滑，走路要小心。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dì bǎn hěn huá， zǒu lù yào xiǎo xīn。
The floor is slippery; walk carefully.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 滑
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.
缓
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 爰. Compare 暖, whose left part is 日.
缓慢
Show word reading and meaning
huǎnmàn
slow; moving or developing at a low speed
缓慢 means slow or slowly. It describes pace, not necessarily the quality of a result.
Read a sentence
因为路面有积雪，车辆行驶缓慢。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yīn wèi lù miàn yǒu jī xuě， chē liàng xíng shǐ huǎn màn。
Vehicles are moving slowly because there is snow on the road.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 缓
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.
灰
Learn the shape and a useful word
The upper crossing strokes sit above 火. 恢 adds 忄 beside this whole 灰 form.
灰色
Show word reading and meaning
huīsè
gray
灰色 means grey. It is a colour description in the selected word.
Read a sentence
我买了一件灰色的外套。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ mǎi le yī jiàn huī sè de wài tào。
I bought a gray jacket.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 灰
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.
挥
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 军. Compare 军 alone with the extra hand-side strokes.
挥
Show word reading and meaning
huī
wave or swing one's hand or an object
挥 means wave or swing in this entry, as with a hand. The object identifies what moves.
Read a sentence
她向我们挥了挥手。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā xiàng wǒ men huī le huī shǒu。
She waved to us.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 挥
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.
恢
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 灰. Keep the separate heart-side strokes rather than writing 灰 alone.
恢复
Show word reading and meaning
huīfù
recover or return to a previous state
恢复 means recover or restore. The following words identify what returns to a former state.
Read a sentence
休息几天后，他恢复了体力。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiū xi jǐ tiān hòu， tā huī fù le tǐ lì。
After resting for a few days, he regained his strength.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 恢
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 缓 and 暖 differ, and what does 恢复 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 滑 huá — slippery; easy to slip on; 缓慢 huǎnmàn — slow; moving or developing at a low speed; 灰色 huīsè — gray; 挥 huī — wave or swing one's hand or an object; 恢复 huīfù — recover or return to a previous state. 缓 has 纟 and 暖 has 日 beside the same right section. 恢复 describes returning or restoring something toward a former state.
Try a new context
路面很滑，他缓慢地走过去，然后挥手示意我们等一等。
Does the person ask the others to move immediately?
Compare your interpretation
No. He crosses slowly on the slippery surface and then signals for the others to wait.
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.
246. Vocabulary, offers, wisdom, accidents and muscles
Use the full word rather than assigning a whole meaning from a component.
汇
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside an open-sided 匚 outline. Compare the open right edge with a closed 囗.
词汇
Show word reading and meaning
cíhuì
vocabulary
词汇 means vocabulary. It is not the exchange-rate word 汇率, although both share 汇.
Read a sentence
阅读能帮助你积累词汇。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yuè dú néng bāng zhù nǐ jī lěi cí huì。
Reading can help you build your vocabulary.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 汇
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.
惠
Learn the shape and a useful word
A crossed, box-like upper section sits above 心. Keep the lower heart strokes.
优惠
Show word reading and meaning
yōuhuì
discount; favorable price or terms
优惠 means a favourable offer or discount in context. Its exact terms are additional information, not contained in the word alone.
Read a sentence
学生买票可以享受优惠。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué shēng mǎi piào kě yǐ xiǎng shòu yōu huì。
Students can get a discount on tickets.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 惠
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.
慧
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 丰-like upper sections sit above 彐 and 心. Keep both upper parts.
智慧
Show word reading and meaning
zhìhuì
wisdom; the ability to use knowledge and experience well
智慧 means wisdom or intelligence. The word is an evaluation, not the name of one specific test score.
Read a sentence
她用自己的智慧解决了这个难题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yòng zì jǐ de zhì huì jiě jué le zhè ge nán tí。
She used her wisdom to solve this difficult problem.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 慧
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.
祸
Learn the shape and a useful word
礻 stands beside 呙. Compare the right side with 锅 and its different left-hand part.
车祸
Show word reading and meaning
chēhuò
traffic accident
车祸 means a traffic accident. The word itself does not identify a cause or a person at fault.
Read a sentence
路口发生了一起车祸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lù kǒu fā shēng le yì qǐ chē huò。
A traffic accident happened at the intersection.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 祸
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.
肌
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 几. Compare the curved right-hand outline with the wider 巴 in 肥.
肌肉
Show word reading and meaning
jīròu
muscle
肌肉 means muscle or muscular tissue. The selected word identifies body tissue, not a movement by itself.
Read a sentence
运动后，我腿上的肌肉有点儿酸。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yùn dòng hòu， wǒ tuǐ shàng de jī ròu yǒu diǎnr suān。
The muscles in my legs feel a little sore after exercise.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 肌
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 祸 and 锅 differ, and what does 词汇 name?
Check and learn
Words: 词汇 cíhuì — vocabulary; 优惠 yōuhuì — discount; favorable price or terms; 智慧 zhìhuì — wisdom; the ability to use knowledge and experience well; 车祸 chēhuò — traffic accident; 肌肉 jīròu — muscle. 祸 has 礻 and 锅 has 钅 beside the same right section. 词汇 means vocabulary; it is not the word 汇率.
Try a new context
这次优惠只到周五，说明里并没有写每天都有效。
Does the offer necessarily apply every day?
Compare your interpretation
No. The stated offer lasts only until Friday, and the description does not say it applies every day.
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.