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 42 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
247. Illness, gathering, logic, crowding and extraordinary events
Track the action and distinguish a plan from completion.
疾
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 surrounds 矢. Keep the illness-side outside the full arrow-like right section.
疾病
Show word reading and meaning
jíbìng
disease; illness
疾病 means illness or disease. This is a vocabulary item; the sentence supplies the condition being discussed.
Read a sentence
良好的生活习惯有助于预防疾病。
Show sentence reading and meaning
liáng hǎo de shēng huó xí guàn yǒu zhù yú yù fáng jí bìng。
Good lifestyle habits help prevent illness.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 疾
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.
集
Learn the shape and a useful word
隹 sits above 木. Compare the stacked form with 推, which places 扌 beside 隹.
集合
Show word reading and meaning
jíhé
gather; assemble in one place
集合 means gather or assemble. It can describe people coming together rather than a calculation of a mathematical set.
Read a sentence
明天八点在学校门口集合。
Show sentence reading and meaning
míng tiān bā diǎn zài xué xiào mén kǒu jí hé。
Meet at the school entrance at eight tomorrow.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 集
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.
辑
Learn the shape and a useful word
车 stands beside 口 above 耳. Compare the right side with the larger parts in 辑 as a whole.
逻辑
Show word reading and meaning
luójí
logic; how ideas or reasoning fit together
逻辑 means logic. It concerns how reasoning fits together, not simply how detailed an account is.
Read a sentence
这篇文章的逻辑很清楚。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè piān wén zhāng de luó jí hěn qīng chu。
The reasoning in this article is clear.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 辑
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.
挤
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 齐. Compare the extra hand-side strokes with 齐 alone.
挤
Show word reading and meaning
jǐ
crowded; with little space between people or things
挤 can mean squeeze or be crowded in context. The participants and construction determine who or what is crowded.
Read a sentence
公交车上很挤，我找不到座位。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng jiāo chē shàng hěn jǐ， wǒ zhǎo bú dào zuò wèi。
The bus is crowded, and I cannot find a seat.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 挤
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.
迹
Learn the shape and a useful word
亦 sits inside movement-side 辶. Compare 亦 alone with the added lower path.
奇迹
Show word reading and meaning
qíjì
miracle; an extraordinary result
奇迹 means a miracle or an extraordinary occurrence. It describes the event in the speaker's account rather than explaining its mechanism.
Read a sentence
他在最后一刻完成了任务，大家都说这是个奇迹。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài zuì hòu yí kè wán chéng le rèn wu， dà jiā dōu shuō zhè shì gè qí jì。
He completed the task at the very last moment, and everyone called it a miracle.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 迹
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 集合 describe, and does 挤 always name the same action?
Check and learn
Words: 疾病 jíbìng — disease; illness; 集合 jíhé — gather; assemble in one place; 逻辑 luójí — logic; how ideas or reasoning fit together; 挤 jǐ — crowded; with little space between people or things; 奇迹 qíjì — miracle; an extraordinary result. 集合 means assemble or gather. 挤 can concern squeezing or crowding; the sentence identifies who does what.
Try a new context
大家先在门口集合，再分批进去，避免挤在一起。
What is the sequence, and why enter in batches?
Compare your interpretation
They gather at the entrance first and then enter in batches to avoid crowding together.
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.
248. Best choices, guests, labels, driving and shelves
Keep a selected label and a person's event role separate.
佳
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 圭, two stacked 土-like parts. Compare its right side with a single 土.
最佳
Show word reading and meaning
zuìjiā
best; most suitable or successful
最佳 means best within the comparison being made. Check what is being compared rather than assuming every context has the same best choice.
Read a sentence
你觉得什么时候出发是最佳选择？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ jué de shén me shí hòu chū fā shì zuì jiā xuǎn zé？
When do you think would be the best time to leave?
Learn the 8 strokes · write 佳
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.
嘉
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the broad stacked upper section with a small 口, and a lower 加-like section.
嘉宾
Show word reading and meaning
jiābīn
honored or invited guest
嘉宾 is a guest, often an invited or featured guest at an event. The word names a role, not necessarily the host.
Read a sentence
今天的嘉宾是一位作家。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān de jiā bīn shì yī wèi zuò jiā。
Today's guest is an author.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 嘉
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.
甲
Learn the shape and a useful word
A vertical extends below the box but not above it. Compare 由 and 申, whose extensions differ.
甲
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎ
Party A; the first of two labeled parties or people
The selected 甲 labels Party A, as in 甲方. It is not the fingernail sense of another word.
Read a sentence
合同里，甲方提供设备，乙方负责安装。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hé tóng lǐ， jiǎ fāng tí gōng shè bèi， yǐ fāng fù zé ān zhuāng。
In the contract, Party A provides the equipment, and Party B installs it.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 甲
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.
驾
Learn the shape and a useful word
加 sits above 马. Compare 架, which has 木 below the same upper section.
驾驶
Show word reading and meaning
jiàshǐ
drive or operate a vehicle
驾驶 means drive or operate a vehicle. The object and context identify the vehicle.
Read a sentence
她能够独立驾驶这辆车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā néng gòu dú lì jià shǐ zhè liàng chē。
She can drive this car on her own.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 驾
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.
架
Learn the shape and a useful word
加 sits above 木. Compare its lower 木 with 马 in 驾.
书架
Show word reading and meaning
shūjià
bookshelf
书架 means a bookshelf or bookcase. It is not the classifier use of 架 for an aircraft.
Read a sentence
请把书放回书架上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ shū fàng huí shū jià shàng。
Please put the books back on the bookshelf.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 架
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 甲 label in this selected entry, and how do 驾 and 架 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 最佳 zuìjiā — best; most suitable or successful; 嘉宾 jiābīn — honored or invited guest; 甲 jiǎ — Party A; the first of two labeled parties or people; 驾驶 jiàshǐ — drive or operate a vehicle; 书架 shūjià — bookshelf. 甲 labels Party A. 驾 has 马 below 加, while 架 has 木 below it; 书架 is a bookshelf.
Try a new context
甲方准备设备，嘉宾只负责介绍自己的作品。
Who prepares the equipment, and what is the guest responsible for?
Compare your interpretation
Party A prepares the equipment. The guest's stated responsibility is only to introduce their own work.
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.
249. Difficult conditions, picking up, scissors, recommendations and gradual change
Distinguish a gradual development from a single completed act.
艰
Learn the shape and a useful word
又 stands beside 艮. Compare 良, which has an extra dot at the top of a related outline.
艰苦
Show word reading and meaning
jiānkǔ
hard; involving difficult conditions
艰苦 describes arduous or difficult conditions or work. It is different from the simpler statement that an object is hard to the touch.
Read a sentence
他们在艰苦的条件下完成了工作。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men zài jiān kǔ de tiáo jiàn xià wán chéng le gōng zuò。
They completed the work under difficult conditions.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 艰
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.
捡
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 佥. Compare 检, whose left side is 木.
捡
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎn
pick up something from the ground
捡 means pick up something in the selected entry. The sentence identifies what is picked up.
Read a sentence
我在路上捡到了一串钥匙。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zài lù shang jiǎn dào le yī chuàn yào shi。
I found a set of keys on the road and picked them up.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 捡
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.
剪
Learn the shape and a useful word
前 sits above 刀. Keep the lower knife-shaped part rather than stopping after 前.
剪刀
Show word reading and meaning
jiǎndāo
scissors
剪刀 means scissors. The selected noun is not a statement that cutting has already happened.
Read a sentence
用完剪刀后，请放回原处。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yòng wán jiǎn dāo hòu， qǐng fàng huí yuán chù。
Please put the scissors back after using them.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 剪
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.
荐
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 存. Keep the 子-shaped lower part inside 存.
推荐
Show word reading and meaning
tuījiàn
recommend
推荐 means recommend. The sentence should identify what or whom is recommended and, when given, the reason.
Read a sentence
你能推荐一本适合初学者的书吗？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ néng tuī jiàn yī běn shì hé chū xué zhě de shū ma？
Can you recommend a book suitable for beginners?
Learn the 9 strokes · write 荐
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.
渐
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 斩, which contains 车 and 斤. Compare the left side with 暂, where 日 sits below 斩.
渐渐
Show word reading and meaning
jiànjiàn
gradually; little by little
渐渐 means gradually. It describes a developing change rather than one instantaneous event.
Read a sentence
天渐渐亮了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tiān jiàn jiàn liàng le。
The sky gradually grew light.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 渐
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 捡 and 检 differ, and what does 渐渐 indicate?
Check and learn
Words: 艰苦 jiānkǔ — hard; involving difficult conditions; 捡 jiǎn — pick up something from the ground; 剪刀 jiǎndāo — scissors; 推荐 tuījiàn — recommend; 渐渐 jiànjiàn — gradually; little by little. 捡 has 扌 and 检 has 木. 渐渐 describes change happening gradually rather than all at once.
Try a new context
经过多次实践，他渐渐学会了安全地使用剪刀。
Was the skill learned instantly?
Compare your interpretation
No. Repeated practice preceded the gradual development of the skill. The sentence does not identify one instant when all learning occurred.
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.
250. Practice, a drink, watering, steps and successive events
Separate an action from merely knowing its name.
践
Learn the shape and a useful word
足 stands beside 戋. Compare 浅, whose left side is 氵.
实践
Show word reading and meaning
shíjiàn
practice; apply ideas in real activity
实践 means practice or putting an idea into action. It differs from merely reading about a method.
Read a sentence
学习之后，要通过实践加深理解。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xué xí zhī hòu， yào tōng guò shí jiàn jiā shēn lǐ jiě。
After studying, deepen your understanding through practice.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 践
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.
浆
Learn the shape and a useful word
A divided upper section sits above 水. Compare 奖, which has 大 below a similar upper outline.
豆浆
Show word reading and meaning
dòujiāng
soy milk
豆浆 is dòujiāng, a soy drink. It is not the same word or food as 豆腐 dòufu.
Read a sentence
早餐我喝了一杯豆浆。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zǎo cān wǒ hē le yī bēi dòu jiāng。
I had a cup of soy milk for breakfast.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 浆
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.
浇
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 尧. Compare the same right side in 绕, which uses 纟.
浇
Show word reading and meaning
jiāo
water a plant; pour water onto something
浇 means water or pour onto something in the selected entry. The object identifies what receives the water.
Read a sentence
我每天早上给花浇水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ měi tiān zǎo shang gěi huā jiāo shuǐ。
I water the flowers every morning.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 浇
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.
阶
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside 介. Compare its right side with the simpler 方 in 防.
台阶
Show word reading and meaning
táijiē
steps; stairs
台阶 means a step or steps. It is a place to move up or down in the selected entry, not every stage of a project.
Read a sentence
门口有三个台阶，小心一点。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mén kǒu yǒu sān gè tái jiē， xiǎo xīn yì diǎn。
There are three steps at the entrance. Be careful.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 阶
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.
届
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 surrounds 由. Compare the enclosed 由 with its standalone form.
届
Show word reading and meaning
jiè
a classifier for successive events or graduating classes
届 counts successive events or graduating classes. It does not count every object in the same way as 个.
Read a sentence
下一届比赛将在这里举行。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xià yī jiè bǐ sài jiāng zài zhè lǐ jǔ xíng。
The next edition of the competition will be held here.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 届
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 豆浆 and 豆腐 differ, and what can 届 count?
Check and learn
Words: 实践 shíjiàn — practice; apply ideas in real activity; 豆浆 dòujiāng — soy milk; 浇 jiāo — water a plant; pour water onto something; 台阶 táijiē — steps; stairs; 届 jiè — a classifier for successive events or graduating classes. 豆浆 dòujiāng is a soy drink, while 豆腐 dòufu is tofu. 届 counts successive events or graduating classes in suitable contexts.
Try a new context
下一届活动会增加实践环节，不只是坐着听介绍。
What change is planned for the next event?
Compare your interpretation
It will add practical participation rather than consisting only of listening to an introduction. This is a future plan.
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.
251. Caution, respect, rescue, a post office and fruit
Keep similar fruit names and a person's action distinct.
谨
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 堇. Notice the closely stacked horizontal strokes in the right-hand part.
谨慎
Show word reading and meaning
jǐnshèn
cautious; careful about possible problems
谨慎 means cautious or careful about a decision or action. The sentence tells you what requires care.
Read a sentence
做重要决定时，要谨慎。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuò zhòng yào jué dìng shí， yào jǐn shèn。
Be careful when making important decisions.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 谨
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.
敬
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 苟-like left section stands beside 攵. Compare the right-hand strokes with the separate left section.
尊敬
Show word reading and meaning
zūnjìng
respect; hold someone in high regard
尊敬 means respect. It often concerns how someone regards or treats a person, rather than simply recognizing their name.
Read a sentence
我很尊敬这位认真负责的老师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ hěn zūn jìng zhè wèi rèn zhēn fù zé de lǎo shī。
I greatly respect this conscientious teacher.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 敬
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.
救
Learn the shape and a useful word
求 stands beside 攵. Compare 求 alone with the added right-hand strokes.
救
Show word reading and meaning
jiù
rescue; save someone from danger
救 means save or rescue in the selected entry. The object tells you who or what is helped.
Read a sentence
消防员救出了被困的人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiāo fáng yuán jiù chū le bèi kùn de rén。
The firefighters rescued the people who were trapped.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 救
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.
局
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 covers a turning hook and a small inner 口. Compare 局 with 届, which encloses 由 instead.
邮局
Show word reading and meaning
yóujú
post office
邮局 means post office. It is a place or institution, not the letter being sent.
Read a sentence
邮局就在银行旁边。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yóu jú jiù zài yín háng páng biān。
The post office is right next to the bank.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 局
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.
橘
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside a wide right section with a 矛-like top and lower enclosure.
橘子
Show word reading and meaning
júzi
mandarin orange; tangerine
橘子 is júzi, a mandarin or tangerine, with neutral zi. Keep it distinct from 橙子 chéngzi.
Read a sentence
这个橘子很甜。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge jú zi hěn tián。
This mandarin orange is very sweet.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 橘
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 橘子 read, and how does it differ from 橙子?
Check and learn
Words: 谨慎 jǐnshèn — cautious; careful about possible problems; 尊敬 zūnjìng — respect; hold someone in high regard; 救 jiù — rescue; save someone from danger; 邮局 yóujú — post office; 橘子 júzi — mandarin orange; tangerine. 橘子 is júzi; 橙子 is chéngzi. They are separate selected fruit names, both with a neutral final zi.
Try a new context
他在邮局旁等朋友，没有直接去买橘子。
Where is he waiting, and has he gone straight to buy fruit?
Compare your interpretation
He is waiting beside the post office. The sentence says he did not go straight to buy mandarins.
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.
252. Size, donations, papers, champions and averages
Distinguish an average from a statement about every individual.
巨
Learn the shape and a useful word
A large open-sided outline contains an inward horizontal fold. Compare 巨 with 臣, which has more inner strokes.
巨大
Show word reading and meaning
jùdà
huge; very large
巨大 means huge. The word is a relative description rather than an exact measurement.
Read a sentence
这项技术带来了巨大的变化。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiàng jì shù dài lái le jù dà de biàn huà。
This technology has brought enormous changes.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 巨
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.
捐
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 口 over a 月-shaped section. Compare the hand-side with the central right part.
捐
Show word reading and meaning
juān
donate; give money or goods to help others
捐 means donate. The sentence identifies what is given and to whom, rather than automatically making it a money donation.
Read a sentence
她给学校捐了一些书。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā gěi xué xiào juān le yì xiē shū。
She donated some books to the school.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 捐
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.
卷
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper spreading section sits above curved lower strokes. Compare 券, which has 刀 at the bottom instead.
试卷
Show word reading and meaning
shìjuàn
exam paper
试卷 is shìjuàn, an exam paper. 卷 uses fourth-tone juàn here, not a reading selected from another word.
Read a sentence
考试结束后，请交上试卷。
Show sentence reading and meaning
kǎo shì jié shù hòu， qǐng jiāo shàng shì juàn。
Please hand in the exam paper after the exam.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 卷
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.
军
Learn the shape and a useful word
冖 forms a roof over 车. Compare the full 军 with 车 alone.
冠军
Show word reading and meaning
guànjūn
champion; winner of a competition
冠军 is guànjūn. This revisits the selected champion word to learn its second target shape.
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 6 strokes · write 军
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.
均
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 stands beside 匀. Compare the outer wrapping stroke on the right with the open left-hand 土.
平均
Show word reading and meaning
píngjūn
average; the amount per person or item when shared equally
平均 means average or equal distribution in context. Check whether the sentence describes a calculation or how things are shared.
Read a sentence
这次考试的平均分是八十分。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì kǎo shì de píng jūn fēn shì bā shí fēn。
The average score on this exam is eighty.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 均
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 试卷 read, and does 平均 identify every single value?
Check and learn
Words: 巨大 jùdà — huge; very large; 捐 juān — donate; give money or goods to help others; 试卷 shìjuàn — exam paper; 冠军 guànjūn — champion; winner of a competition; 平均 píngjūn — average; the amount per person or item when shared equally. 试卷 is shìjuàn. An average summarizes values; it does not say that each individual value is identical.
Try a new context
这些箱子平均重十公斤，但每个箱子并不一样重。
Must each box weigh ten kilograms?
Compare your interpretation
No. Ten kilograms is the average, while the sentence explicitly says the boxes have different masses.
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.