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 48 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
283. Three similar readings with different left sides
Distinguish 唯, 维 and 伟 by their complete shapes and selected words.
威
Learn the shape and a useful word
Sloping outer strokes enclose a horizontal stroke and 女. Look for the inner 女 before comparing with 成.
威胁
Show word reading and meaning
wēixié
threaten; pose a threat to
威胁 means threaten or pose a threat to. It does not say that the threatened harm has already happened.
Read a sentence
水污染威胁着河里鱼类的生存。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shuǐ wū rǎn wēi xié zhe hé lǐ yú lèi de shēng cún。
Water pollution threatens the survival of the fish in the river.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 威
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.
违
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 stands to the left and below 韦. Compare 伟, which has 亻 beside 韦.
违反
Show word reading and meaning
wéifǎn
violate; break a rule or agreement
违反 means break a rule or agreement. It differs from changing a rule through an agreed procedure.
Read a sentence
上课时使用手机违反了学校的规定。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shàng kè shí shǐ yòng shǒu jī wéi fǎn le xué xiào de guī dìng。
Using a phone in class violates the school rules.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 违
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.
唯
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 隹. Compare the left side with 维 and its 纟.
唯一
Show word reading and meaning
wéiyī
only; sole
唯一 means only or sole. The sentence identifies what there is only one of.
Read a sentence
她是我们班唯一会说法语的人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā shì wǒ men bān wéi yī huì shuō fǎ yǔ de rén。
She is the only person in our class who can speak French.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 唯
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.
维
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 隹. Compare 唯, whose left side is 口.
维修
Show word reading and meaning
wéixiū
repair; maintain equipment or buildings
维修 means repair or maintain equipment or a building. It is not automatically replacement with a new object.
Read a sentence
电梯正在维修，请走楼梯。
Show sentence reading and meaning
diàn tī zhèng zài wéi xiū， qǐng zǒu lóu tī。
The elevator is being repaired. Please use the stairs.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 维
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.
伟
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 韦. Compare the same right-hand shape inside 违.
伟大
Show word reading and meaning
wěidà
great; admirable for major achievements or contributions
伟大 praises major achievements or contributions. It is stronger than saying something is physically large.
Read a sentence
这位科学家为人类作出了伟大的贡献。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè wèi kē xué jiā wèi rén lèi zuò chū le wěi dà de gòng xiàn。
This scientist made a great contribution to humanity.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 伟
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. Compare the left sides of 唯, 维 and 伟. Which selected word means only, and which concerns repairs?
Check and learn
Words: 威胁 wēixié — threaten; pose a threat to; 违反 wéifǎn — violate; break a rule or agreement; 唯一 wéiyī — only; sole; 维修 wéixiū — repair; maintain equipment or buildings; 伟大 wěidà — great; admirable for major achievements or contributions. 唯 has 口 and appears in 唯一, only. 维 has 纟 and appears in 维修, repair or maintain. 伟 has 亻 and appears in 伟大, great or admirable. 威胁 concerns a threat; 违反 concerns breaking a rule.
Try a new context
唯一的电梯正在维修，今天不能使用。
How many lifts are mentioned, and is repair work finished? Use 电梯 (diàntī), lift.
Compare your interpretation
There is only one lift, and it is currently being repaired, so it cannot be used today. 唯一 gives the quantity; 正在维修 says the work is ongoing rather than complete.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
284. Future plans and present feelings
Distinguish comfort and hopes from a guaranteed stable result.
尾
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 covers 毛 below it. Compare the covered 毛 with 毛 as a separate character.
尾巴
Show word reading and meaning
wěiba
tail
尾巴 means tail, with neutral ba in the selected word.
Read a sentence
那只狗高兴地摇着尾巴。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nà zhǐ gǒu gāo xìng de yáo zhe wěi ba。
That dog is wagging its tail happily.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 尾
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.
未
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two horizontals cross a central vertical; the upper horizontal is shorter. Contrast 末, whose upper horizontal is longer.
未来
Show word reading and meaning
wèilái
future
未来 names the future. The separate formal use 未, not yet, is another use of this character.
Read a sentence
你对未来有什么计划？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ duì wèi lái yǒu shén me jì huà？
What plans do you have for the future?
Learn the 5 strokes · write 未
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.
胃
Learn the shape and a useful word
田 sits above 月. Compare the upper 田 with the open framework above 月 in 肖.
胃
Show word reading and meaning
wèi
stomach (the organ)
胃 is the stomach organ. It is not the whole abdomen or every kind of abdominal pain.
Read a sentence
我的胃有点不舒服，今天想吃清淡一点。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de wèi yǒu diǎn bù shū fú， jīn tiān xiǎng chī qīng dàn yì diǎn。
My stomach feels a little upset. I would like something light to eat today.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 胃
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.
慰
Learn the shape and a useful word
尉 sits above 心. Notice the bottom 心 when comparing with 尉 alone.
安慰
Show word reading and meaning
ānwèi
comfort someone who is upset
安慰 means comfort someone who is upset. Comforting does not by itself establish that the problem has been solved.
Read a sentence
她难过的时候，朋友一直安慰她。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā nán guò de shí hou， péng you yì zhí ān wèi tā。
Her friend kept comforting her when she was upset.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 慰
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.
稳
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 stands beside 急. Compare the complete 急, including 心, with the shortened right sides of other 禾 characters.
稳定
Show word reading and meaning
wěndìng
stable; steady
稳定 means stable or steady in the selected context. It does not mean that no change is ever possible.
Read a sentence
她希望找到一份收入稳定的工作。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā xī wàng zhǎo dào yī fèn shōu rù wěn dìng de gōng zuò。
She hopes to find a job with a steady income.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 稳
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 do 未来, 安慰 and 稳定 describe? Which selected word has neutral ba?
Check and learn
Words: 尾巴 wěiba — tail; 未来 wèilái — future; 胃 wèi — stomach (the organ); 安慰 ānwèi — comfort someone who is upset; 稳定 wěndìng — stable; steady. 未来 is the future, 安慰 is comforting someone, and 稳定 is stable or steady. 尾巴 has neutral ba and means tail. 胃 names the stomach organ.
Try a new context
她希望未来收入稳定，朋友安慰了她，但工作还没有找到。
What is hoped for, what support happened, and what remains unresolved?
Compare your interpretation
She hopes for a steady income in the future, and a friend comforted her. A job has not yet been found. 安慰 reports support; it does not prove the hoped-for 稳定 income has been secured.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
285. Room, grasp, group and fog
Separate a place, a hand action and a group affected by weather.
卧
Learn the shape and a useful word
臣 stands beside 卜. Compare the long left-hand outline with 臣 alone, then retain the separate right-hand strokes.
卧室
Show word reading and meaning
wòshì
bedroom
卧室 means bedroom, a room type rather than an instruction to lie down.
Read a sentence
我的卧室在客厅旁边。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de wò shì zài kè tīng páng biān。
My bedroom is next to the living room.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 卧
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.
握
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 屋. Notice the 尸 covering 至 in the right-hand part.
握
Show word reading and meaning
wò
hold; grasp firmly
握 means grasp firmly. In the example, check what the hand is holding rather than supplying an unstated object.
Read a sentence
过马路时，请握住孩子的手。
Show sentence reading and meaning
guò mǎ lù shí， qǐng wò zhù hái zi de shǒu。
Please hold the child's hand when crossing the road.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 握
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.
伍
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 五. Compare the complete form with 五 alone.
队伍
Show word reading and meaning
duìwu
group organized for a shared purpose; team or procession
队伍 is a group organised for a shared purpose, with neutral wu here. It is not the numeral five despite the visible 五.
Read a sentence
我们的队伍一共有十个人。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men de duì wu yí gòng yǒu shí gè rén。
There are ten people in our team.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 伍
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.
武
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the lower 止 and the long outer hook among the upper crossing strokes. Compare the complete shape with 我 rather than matching only the hook.
武术
Show word reading and meaning
wǔshù
martial arts
武术 means martial arts. This is the selected complete word; 武 also occurs in other words.
Read a sentence
他每周练习两次中国武术。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā měi zhōu liàn xí liǎng cì zhōng guó wǔ shù。
He practices Chinese martial arts twice a week.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 武
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.
雾
Learn the shape and a useful word
雨 sits above 务. Compare the lower 务 with its shape in 任务.
雾
Show word reading and meaning
wù
fog; mist
雾 is fog or mist. It can reduce visibility, but it is not the same weather word as 雨, rain.
Read a sentence
今天早上的雾很大，看不清远处的山。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīn tiān zǎo shang de wù hěn dà， kàn bù qīng yuǎn chù de shān。
The fog is thick this morning, so we cannot see the distant mountains clearly.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 雾
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 word is a bedroom, and which word names an organised group? Read 握 and 雾 aloud before revealing.
Check and learn
Words: 卧室 wòshì — bedroom; 握 wò — hold; grasp firmly; 队伍 duìwu — group organized for a shared purpose; team or procession; 武术 wǔshù — martial arts; 雾 wù — fog; mist. 卧室 is bedroom; 队伍 is an organised group, with neutral wu. 握 wò means grasp, 武术 wǔshù means martial arts and 雾 wù means fog. The different tones distinguish these selected readings.
Try a new context
雾太大，队伍先在屋里等，没有继续上山。
Did the group continue up the mountain? Use 屋里 (wūli), indoors.
Compare your interpretation
No. The fog was too thick, so the group waited indoors instead of continuing uphill. 队伍 names the people as an organised group; 雾 gives the weather condition.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
286. Evidence in records and attendance
Distinguish examining a meeting record from attending the meeting.
夕
Learn the shape and a useful word
A short sloping stroke leads into a turning stroke with a small inner dot. Compare the whole shape with the extra strokes in 多.
除夕
Show word reading and meaning
chúxī
Lunar New Year's Eve
除夕 is Lunar New Year's Eve, not every evening and not every calendar's New Year's Eve.
Read a sentence
除夕晚上，我们全家一起吃饭。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chú xī wǎn shang， wǒ men quán jiā yì qǐ chī fàn。
On Lunar New Year's Eve, our whole family eats together.
Learn the 3 strokes · write 夕
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.
析
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 斤. Compare the same 斤 in 近, which instead has 辶.
分析
Show word reading and meaning
fēnxī
analyze; examine something to understand it
分析 means examine something to understand it. Listing a result without examining it is not necessarily analysis.
Read a sentence
我们需要先分析问题的原因。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men xū yào xiān fēn xī wèn tí de yuán yīn。
We need to analyze the cause of the problem first.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 析
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.
席
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers a middle section above 巾. Keep the lower vertical of 巾 visible.
出席
Show word reading and meaning
chūxí
attend a meeting or formal event
出席 means attend a meeting or formal event. It does not itself say that the attendee led the event.
Read a sentence
经理将出席明天的会议。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīng lǐ jiāng chū xí míng tiān de huì yì。
The manager will attend tomorrow's meeting.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 席
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.
闲
Learn the shape and a useful word
门 encloses 木. Compare the lower 木 with the 日 inside 间.
闲
Show word reading and meaning
xián
free; not busy
闲 means free or not busy here. It does not mean a room, despite the shared outer 门 in 间.
Read a sentence
你现在闲吗？我想请你帮个忙。
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ xiàn zài xián ma？ wǒ xiǎng qǐng nǐ bāng gè máng。
Are you free now? I would like to ask you a favor.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 闲
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.
显
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above 业. Compare the broad lower part with the smaller lower strokes in 早.
明显
Show word reading and meaning
míngxiǎn
obvious; easy to notice
明显 means obvious or easy to notice. It describes how evident something is, not whether its consequences are good.
Read a sentence
练习之后，她的发音有了明显的进步。
Show sentence reading and meaning
liàn xí zhī hòu， tā de fā yīn yǒu le míng xiǎn de jìn bù。
Her pronunciation improved noticeably after practice.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 显
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 do 分析 and 出席 mean? Which word names Lunar New Year's Eve?
Check and learn
Words: 除夕 chúxī — Lunar New Year's Eve; 分析 fēnxī — analyze; examine something to understand it; 出席 chūxí — attend a meeting or formal event; 闲 xián — free; not busy; 明显 míngxiǎn — obvious; easy to notice. 分析 means examine something to understand it; 出席 means attend a meeting or formal event. 除夕 is Lunar New Year's Eve. 闲 means free or not busy, and 明显 means obvious.
Try a new context
他现在很闲，可以分析会议记录，但他没有出席那次会议。
Did he attend the meeting? Can he still examine its record? Use 记录 (jìlù), record.
Compare your interpretation
He did not attend that meeting, but he is now free and can analyse its record. 出席 and 分析 describe different actions; one can examine evidence of an event without having been present.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
287. Area, limits and contribution
Distinguish a restriction from a complete ban and a contribution from sole responsibility.
县
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper 且-like shape stands above 厶. Compare the lower 厶 with the open bottom of 且 alone.
县
Show word reading and meaning
xiàn
county (an administrative area)
县 is a county, an administrative area. It is not automatically the same kind of division as a 省, province.
Read a sentence
这个县以种茶闻名。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xiàn yǐ zhòng chá wén míng。
This county is known for growing tea.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 县
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.
限
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands to the left of 艮. Compare the same 艮 inside 退.
限制
Show word reading and meaning
xiànzhì
limit; restrict
限制 means limit or restrict. The sentence tells you what is limited and does not necessarily ban it altogether.
Read a sentence
这个停车场限制车辆的高度。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge tíng chē chǎng xiàn zhì chē liàng de gāo dù。
This parking lot has a height limit for vehicles.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 限
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献
Learn the shape and a useful word
南 stands beside 犬. Keep the small dot that distinguishes the right-hand 犬 from 大.
贡献
Show word reading and meaning
gòngxiàn
contribution; something given to help achieve a result
贡献 is a contribution toward a result. A contribution can be useful without being the only cause of success.
Read a sentence
每位成员都为项目做出了贡献。
Show sentence reading and meaning
měi wèi chéng yuán dōu wèi xiàng mù zuò chū le gòng xiàn。
Every member contributed to the project.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 献
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厢
Learn the shape and a useful word
厂 covers 相, which has 木 beside 目. Compare 相 with the extra enclosing strokes in 厢.
车厢
Show word reading and meaning
chēxiāng
train carriage
车厢 is a train carriage. It is a part of the train, not a synonym for the entire train.
Read a sentence
我们的座位在三号车厢。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men de zuò wèi zài sān hào chē xiāng。
Our seats are in carriage number three.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 厢
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享
Learn the shape and a useful word
亠 and 口 sit above 子. Compare the lower 子 with the 小 in 京.
分享
Show word reading and meaning
fēnxiǎng
share something useful or enjoyable with others
分享 means share something useful or enjoyable with others. It does not necessarily transfer sole ownership.
Read a sentence
我想和大家分享一次旅行经历。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ xiǎng hé dà jiā fēn xiǎng yī cì lǚ xíng jīng lì。
I would like to share a travel experience with everyone.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 享
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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Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Which word names a county, and which imposes a limit? What does 贡献 add to a project description?
Check and learn
Words: 县 xiàn — county (an administrative area); 限制 xiànzhì — limit; restrict; 贡献 gòngxiàn — contribution; something given to help achieve a result; 车厢 chēxiāng — train carriage; 分享 fēnxiǎng — share something useful or enjoyable with others. 县 names a county. 限制 limits or restricts something without necessarily banning it altogether. 贡献 is a contribution. 车厢 is one train carriage and 分享 is sharing something with others.
Try a new context
这个县限制货车进入的时间，不是全天禁止进入。
Is entering forbidden throughout the day? Use 货车 (huòchē), lorry, and 全天 (quántiān), all day.
Compare your interpretation
No. The county restricts the times when lorries may enter. The sentence explicitly says this is not an all-day prohibition. 限制 needs its stated scope; it must not be expanded into a stronger claim.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
288. Selling, an agreement and two similar right sides
Read whole words and distinguish 协 from 胁 by their left sides.
橡
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 象. Compare the same 象 without the left-hand 木.
橡皮
Show word reading and meaning
xiàngpí
eraser
橡皮 is an eraser in the selected word. Its meaning comes from the complete word, not from guessing from 木.
Read a sentence
这个字写错了，用橡皮擦掉吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge zì xiě cuò le， yòng xiàng pí cā diào ba。
This character is written incorrectly. Rub it out with an eraser.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 橡
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销
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 肖. Compare the right-hand 肖 with its separate form and with 消.
销售
Show word reading and meaning
xiāoshòu
sell; sales
销售 concerns selling or sales. It is not the act of purchasing the same goods.
Read a sentence
这家公司主要销售运动用品。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā gōng sī zhǔ yào xiāo shòu yùn dòng yòng pǐn。
This company mainly sells sports equipment and supplies.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 销
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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肖
Learn the shape and a useful word
Three short upper strokes sit above 月. Compare the whole form with the added 钅 in 销.
生肖
Show word reading and meaning
shēngxiào
Chinese zodiac animal; one of the twelve traditional animal signs
肖 is xiào in 生肖. 生肖 names a traditional Chinese zodiac animal; it is not the surname reading Xiāo.
Read a sentence
你的生肖是什么？
Show sentence reading and meaning
nǐ de shēng xiào shì shén me？
What is your Chinese zodiac animal?
Learn the 7 strokes · write 肖
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
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协
Learn the shape and a useful word
十 stands beside 办. Compare the two small side strokes around 力 in 办.
协议
Show word reading and meaning
xiéyì
agreement (often formal)
协议 is an agreement, often formal. Whether it has been accepted or signed depends on the sentence.
Read a sentence
双方签署了合作协议。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shuāng fāng qiān shǔ le hé zuò xié yì。
Both sides signed a cooperation agreement.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 协
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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胁
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 办. Compare 协, whose left side is 十.
威胁
Show word reading and meaning
wēixié
threaten; pose a threat to
威胁 means threaten or pose a threat to. Read the complete word; the visible 月 does not make this a body-part name.
Read a sentence
水污染威胁着河里鱼类的生存。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shuǐ wū rǎn wēi xié zhe hé lǐ yú lèi de shēng cún。
Water pollution threatens the survival of the fish in the river.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 胁
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. Compare 协 and 胁. How is 肖 read in 生肖, and which selected word concerns selling?
Check and learn
Words: 橡皮 xiàngpí — eraser; 销售 xiāoshòu — sell; sales; 生肖 shēngxiào — Chinese zodiac animal; one of the twelve traditional animal signs; 协议 xiéyì — agreement (often formal); 威胁 wēixié — threaten; pose a threat to. 协 has 十 and appears in 协议, agreement. 胁 has 月 and appears in 威胁, threat. 肖 is xiào in 生肖 shēngxiào. 销售 concerns selling; 橡皮 is an eraser.
Try a new context
双方还在讨论销售协议，并没有签字。
Has an agreement been signed? Use 双方 (shuāngfāng), both sides, and 签字 (qiānzì), sign.
Compare your interpretation
No. Both sides are still discussing a sales agreement, and the sentence explicitly says they have not signed. Discussing 协议 does not establish that it has been accepted or signed.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape contrast, then interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and name one detail to improve.
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.