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 43 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
253. Leaning, round-object classifiers, control, discounts and garages
Separate similarly pronounced classifiers and identify the object of an action.
靠
Learn the shape and a useful word
告 sits above 非. Keep the two parallel upright sections in the lower part.
靠
Show word reading and meaning
kào
lean on or against something
The selected 靠 means lean against, as in 靠着墙. Other constructions can express relying on someone or something.
Read a sentence
他靠着墙休息了一会儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā kào zhe qiáng xiū xi le yí huìr。
He leaned against the wall and rested for a while.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 靠
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.
颗
Learn the shape and a useful word
果 stands beside 页. Compare 棵, which has 木 beside 果 instead.
颗
Show word reading and meaning
kē
a classifier for small round things, including teeth and stars
颗 kē counts certain small round things, including teeth. 棵 kē is a different classifier used with plants.
Read a sentence
孩子掉了一颗牙。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hái zi diào le yī kē yá。
The child lost a tooth.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 颗
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.
控
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 空. Compare the extra hand-side strokes with 空 alone.
控制
Show word reading and meaning
kòngzhì
control; manage or limit something
控制 means control. The surrounding phrase identifies what is controlled and whether control was achieved.
Read a sentence
做饭时，需要控制火的大小。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuò fàn shí， xū yào kòng zhì huǒ de dà xiǎo。
When cooking, you need to control the heat.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 控
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.
扣
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 口. Compare the simple right side with the taller right side of 拍.
折扣
Show word reading and meaning
zhékòu
discount; reduction from the usual price
折扣 is zhékòu, discount. Its second syllable is fourth tone; the word does not state the discount amount by itself.
Read a sentence
买两件可以享受九折的折扣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mǎi liǎng jiàn kě yǐ xiǎng shòu jiǔ zhé de zhé kòu。
If you buy two items, you can get a ten-percent discount.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 扣
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.
库
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 surrounds 车. Compare the open shelter-like part with a closed enclosure.
车库
Show word reading and meaning
chēkù
garage
车库 is a garage. It names a place for vehicles rather than the vehicles themselves.
Read a sentence
他把车停在车库里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā bǎ chē tíng zài chē kù lǐ。
He parked his car in the garage.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 库
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 selected meaning of 靠, and how do 颗 and 棵 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 靠 kào — lean on or against something; 颗 kē — a classifier for small round things, including teeth and stars; 控制 kòngzhì — control; manage or limit something; 折扣 zhékòu — discount; reduction from the usual price; 车库 chēkù — garage. 靠 means lean against in its selected example. 颗 kē counts suitable small round things, while 棵 kē is used with plants.
Try a new context
他不敢把梯子靠在那面墙上，先请人检查墙是否牢固。
Has the ladder already been placed against the wall?
Compare your interpretation
No. He is not prepared to lean the ladder there and first asks for the wall to be checked. The contemplated action is not described as completed.
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.
254. Width, deposits, intense activity, losses and insects
Distinguish money received or saved from a separate loss statement.
宽
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 sits above grass-style strokes and 见. Keep the lower curved stroke of 见.
宽度
Show word reading and meaning
kuāndù
width
宽度 means width, a dimension. It is not the same dimension as length or height.
Read a sentence
请测量这扇门的宽度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng cè liáng zhè shàn mén de kuān dù。
Please measure the width of this door.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 宽
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.
款
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 士-like top over 示 stands beside 欠. Keep the right-hand 欠 separate.
存款
Show word reading and meaning
cúnkuǎn
bank savings; money held in a bank account
存款 refers to depositing money or to a deposit in context. The word does not itself state an interest rate.
Read a sentence
这些存款是我准备上学用的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē cún kuǎn shì wǒ zhǔn bèi shàng xué yòng de。
I have saved this money in the bank for my studies.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 款
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.
狂
Learn the shape and a useful word
犭 stands beside 王. Compare the animal-side strokes with 王 alone.
疯狂
Show word reading and meaning
fēngkuáng
wild; intense and beyond the usual limits
疯狂 describes wildly intense or unrestrained activity in the selected word. The full sentence identifies the behaviour.
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 7 strokes · write 狂
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.
亏
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two upper horizontal strokes sit above a turning lower hook. Compare 亏 with the added 氵 in 污.
亏
Show word reading and meaning
kuī
lose money; make a loss
The selected 亏 means make a financial loss. The amount and time period come from the sentence.
Read a sentence
这家店去年亏了不少钱。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn qù nián kuī le bù shǎo qián。
This shop lost quite a lot of money last year.
Learn the 3 strokes · write 亏
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.
昆
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above 比. Compare 昆 with 混, which adds 氵.
昆虫
Show word reading and meaning
kūnchóng
insect
昆虫 means insect or insects in context. It does not give a count without further words.
Read a sentence
蚂蚁是一种昆虫。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mǎ yǐ shì yī zhǒng kūn chóng。
An ant is a kind of insect.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 昆
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 宽度 measure, and what is the selected meaning of 亏?
Check and learn
Words: 宽度 kuāndù — width; 存款 cúnkuǎn — bank savings; money held in a bank account; 疯狂 fēngkuáng — wild; intense and beyond the usual limits; 亏 kuī — lose money; make a loss; 昆虫 kūnchóng — insect. 宽度 is width. 亏 describes making a financial loss in its selected entry; it does not state the amount without more information.
Try a new context
这个盒子宽度不够，放不下那只昆虫标本。
What prevents the specimen from fitting?
Compare your interpretation
The box is not wide enough. The sentence identifies width rather than necessarily height or length as 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.
255. Expansion, inclusion, browsing, a wedding role and work
Distinguish a quick look from detailed reading and a partial list from a complete one.
扩
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 广. Compare the extra hand-side with 广 alone.
扩大
Show word reading and meaning
kuòdà
expand; make something larger
扩大 means enlarge or expand. The object tells you whether the change concerns area, scale or another scope.
Read a sentence
公司计划扩大生产规模。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng sī jì huà kuò dà shēng chǎn guī mó。
The company plans to expand the scale of production.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 扩
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.
括
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 舌. Compare the right side with 舌 alone.
包括
Show word reading and meaning
bāokuò
include; used to name members of a group
包括 means include. A list following it may identify members without necessarily being exhaustive.
Read a sentence
参加的人包括老师和学生。
Show sentence reading and meaning
cān jiā de rén bāo kuò lǎo shī hé xué shēng。
The people taking part include teachers and students.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 括
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.
览
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the divided upper strokes above 见. Compare 监, which has 皿 at the bottom instead.
浏览
Show word reading and meaning
liúlǎn
browse; look through something without reading every detail
浏览 means browse or look through. It does not necessarily mean reading every detail closely.
Read a sentence
我每天早上浏览新闻。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ měi tiān zǎo shang liú lǎn xīn wén。
I browse the news every morning.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 览
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.
郎
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 良-like left part stands beside 阝. Compare the position of 阝 with characters where it appears on the left.
新郎
Show word reading and meaning
xīnláng
bridegroom; groom
新郎 is xīnláng, the bridegroom. It is not the name of every male guest at a wedding.
Read a sentence
新郎在门口迎接客人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xīn láng zài mén kǒu yíng jiē kè rén。
The groom greeted the guests at the entrance.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 郎
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.
劳
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 and a roof-like cap sit above 力. Compare 荣, whose lower part is 木.
劳动
Show word reading and meaning
láodòng
work; effort used to produce or achieve something
劳动 means labour or work as an activity. The word is not the amount paid for the work.
Read a sentence
我们应该尊重每个人的劳动。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men yīng gāi zūn zhòng měi gè rén de láo dòng。
We should respect everyone's work.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 劳
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Does 浏览 mean reading every detail, and must 包括 introduce an exhaustive list?
Check and learn
Words: 扩大 kuòdà — expand; make something larger; 包括 bāokuò — include; used to name members of a group; 浏览 liúlǎn — browse; look through something without reading every detail; 新郎 xīnláng — bridegroom; groom; 劳动 láodòng — work; effort used to produce or achieve something. No. 浏览 means browse or look through. 包括 identifies included items but does not always make the list complete.
Try a new context
我只是浏览了介绍，还没有仔细阅读劳动安排。
Has the speaker studied the work arrangements in detail?
Compare your interpretation
No. They have only browsed the introduction and have not yet read the arrangements carefully.
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.
256. Family, tears, categories, length units and fruit
Keep a family word's reading and a measurement unit tied to their uses.
姥
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 老. Compare the extra woman-side strokes with 老 alone.
姥姥
Show word reading and meaning
lǎolao
maternal grandmother; mother's mother, common in northern usage
姥姥 is lǎolao in this selected entry, maternal grandmother. Its second syllable is neutral.
Read a sentence
我周末去姥姥家吃饭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zhōu mò qù lǎo lao jiā chī fàn。
I go to my maternal grandmother's home for a meal at the weekend.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 姥
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.
泪
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 目. Compare the water-side with 目 alone.
泪水
Show word reading and meaning
lèishuǐ
tears
泪水 means tears. The context identifies whose tears and why; the noun alone does not name a feeling.
Read a sentence
她擦掉了脸上的泪水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā cā diào le liǎn shàng de lèi shuǐ。
She wiped the tears from her face.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 泪
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.
类
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 sits above 大. Compare with the different lower 木 in a character such as 某.
分类
Show word reading and meaning
fēnlèi
classify; put into groups by type
分类 means classify or sort into categories. The categories depend on the purpose of the task.
Read a sentence
请把这些书按主题分类。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ zhè xiē shū àn zhǔ tí fēn lèi。
Please sort these books by topic.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 类
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.
厘
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 surrounds 里. Compare the enclosed 里 with its standalone shape.
厘米
Show word reading and meaning
límǐ
centimeter; one hundredth of a meter
厘米 is límǐ, centimetre. It is a length unit, not an area or mass unit.
Read a sentence
这本书的宽度是十五厘米。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū de kuān dù shì shí wǔ lí mǐ。
This book is fifteen centimeters wide.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 厘
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.
梨
Learn the shape and a useful word
利 sits above 木. Keep the lower 木 rather than stopping after the grain-and-knife upper part.
梨
Show word reading and meaning
lí
pear
梨 means pear. The noun does not have an English-style plural ending.
Read a sentence
这个梨又大又甜。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge lí yòu dà yòu tián。
This pear is large and sweet.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 梨
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 姥姥 read, and what does 厘米 measure?
Check and learn
Words: 姥姥 lǎolao — maternal grandmother; mother's mother, common in northern usage; 泪水 lèishuǐ — tears; 分类 fēnlèi — classify; put into groups by type; 厘米 límǐ — centimeter; one hundredth of a meter; 梨 lí — pear. 姥姥 is lǎolao with a neutral second syllable. 厘米 límǐ measures length, not mass or area.
Try a new context
姥姥把梨分成两类，让我们先挑熟的。
What is sorted, and which items should be selected first?
Compare your interpretation
The pears are sorted into two categories. The instruction is to choose ripe ones first; no exact number of pears is given.
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.
257. Glass, independence, relationships, evaluations and grain
Use the complete word rather than a character's isolated meaning.
璃
Learn the shape and a useful word
王 stands beside 离. Compare the left side with 氵 in a different character containing 离.
玻璃
Show word reading and meaning
bōli
glass; the material
玻璃 is bōli, glass, with neutral li. This learns the second shape in the same material name as 玻.
Read a sentence
这个杯子是玻璃做的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge bēi zi shì bō li zuò de。
This cup is made of glass.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 璃
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.
立
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot and horizontal sit above two spreading strokes and a final horizontal. Compare 立 with 位, which adds 亻.
独立
Show word reading and meaning
dúlì
independent; able to act without relying on others
独立 means independent or independently in context. It is not the selected word for standing in one place.
Read a sentence
她已经能够独立生活了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yǐ jīng néng gòu dú lì shēng huó le。
She can live independently now.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 立
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.
恋
Learn the shape and a useful word
亦 sits above 心. Compare the same upper section in 迹, which has 辶 instead of 心 below.
恋爱
Show word reading and meaning
liàn’ài
be in a romantic relationship; romantic love
恋爱 is liàn’ài, romantic love or dating. The apostrophe separates its two syllables.
Read a sentence
他们大学时开始恋爱。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men dà xué shí kāi shǐ liàn ài。
They began dating at university.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 恋
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.
良
Learn the shape and a useful word
A dot sits above a folded 艮-like outline. Compare the top with 艮 alone.
良好
Show word reading and meaning
liánghǎo
good; favorable or in a satisfactory state
良好 means good or favourable. What is being evaluated is supplied by the sentence.
Read a sentence
保持良好的学习习惯很重要。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bǎo chí liáng hǎo de xué xí xí guàn hěn zhòng yào。
It is important to maintain good study habits.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 良
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.
粮
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands beside 良. Keep the extra grain-side strokes rather than writing only 良.
粮食
Show word reading and meaning
liángshi
grain used for food; staple food supplies
粮食 is liángshi, staple food or grain, with neutral shi in this entry.
Read a sentence
我们不应该浪费粮食。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men bù yīng gāi làng fèi liáng shi。
We should not waste food.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 粮
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 恋爱 and 粮食 read, and what does 独立 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 玻璃 bōli — glass; the material; 独立 dúlì — independent; able to act without relying on others; 恋爱 liàn’ài — be in a romantic relationship; romantic love; 良好 liánghǎo — good; favorable or in a satisfactory state; 粮食 liángshi — grain used for food; staple food supplies. 恋爱 is liàn’ài; 粮食 is liángshi with neutral shi. 独立 describes independence in context rather than simply standing upright.
Try a new context
她已经能独立安排日常生活，不需要我一直帮忙。
Is continual help still said to be necessary?
Compare your interpretation
No. She can organize her daily life independently and does not need the speaker's constant help.
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.
258. Care, intensity, temporary arrangements, flexibility and bells
Distinguish a temporary arrangement from a permanent rule.
疗
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 surrounds 了. Compare the illness-side strokes with the simpler 了 alone.
医疗
Show word reading and meaning
yīliáo
medical care; medical treatment
医疗 concerns medical care as a vocabulary item. It is different from a particular treatment action expressed by 治疗.
Read a sentence
这个地区需要更多医疗服务。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge dì qū xū yào gèng duō yī liáo fú wù。
This region needs more medical services.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 疗
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.
烈
Learn the shape and a useful word
列 sits above 灬. Keep all four lower dots.
强烈
Show word reading and meaning
qiángliè
strong or intense in feeling or effect
强烈 means strong or intense in degree. It need not describe a physical force; the following noun supplies the topic.
Read a sentence
她对学习语言有强烈的兴趣。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā duì xué xí yǔ yán yǒu qiáng liè de xìng qù。
She has a strong interest in learning languages.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 烈
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.
临
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two upright strokes stand at the left of a wider right-hand part with upper slanting strokes and a lower box.
临时
Show word reading and meaning
línshí
temporary; arranged for a short time or at short notice
临时 means temporary or arranged for the time being. It does not specify exactly how long the arrangement lasts.
Read a sentence
我找了一份临时工作。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ zhǎo le yī fèn lín shí gōng zuò。
I found a temporary job.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 临
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.
灵
Learn the shape and a useful word
彐 sits above 火. Compare the lower spreading fire strokes with the lower part of 寻.
灵活
Show word reading and meaning
línghuó
flexible; able to adapt or move easily
灵活 means flexible or agile in context. It can describe a way of working rather than a physical object bending.
Read a sentence
这个计划比较灵活，可以根据情况调整。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge jì huà bǐ jiào líng huó， kě yǐ gēn jù qíng kuàng tiáo zhěng。
This plan is fairly flexible and can be adjusted to suit the situation.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 灵
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.
铃
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 令. Compare the metal-side strokes with the person-side in 伶.
铃
Show word reading and meaning
líng
bell; a device that makes a ringing sound
铃 names a bell. The sentence describes whether it rings; the written noun itself is not a sound recording.
Read a sentence
上课的铃响了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shàng kè de líng xiǎng le。
The bell for class has rung.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 铃
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 临时 say about duration, and what does 强烈 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 医疗 yīliáo — medical care; medical treatment; 强烈 qiángliè — strong or intense in feeling or effect; 临时 línshí — temporary; arranged for a short time or at short notice; 灵活 línghuó — flexible; able to adapt or move easily; 铃 líng — bell; a device that makes a ringing sound. 临时 means temporary without an exact duration. 强烈 describes intensity of the following feeling, effect or other topic.
Try a new context
这个临时安排很灵活，可以根据大家的时间调整。
Is the arrangement presented as permanent and unchangeable?
Compare your interpretation
No. It is temporary and flexible, with changes possible according to people's availability.
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.