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 52 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
307. Elevation, arrangement and a visit
Distinguish mapped elevation from body height and planned visits from completed ones.
拔
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 犮. Keep its small dot when comparing with the undotted 友.
海拔
Show word reading and meaning
hǎibá
elevation; height above sea level
海拔 is height above sea level, not a person's body height.
Read a sentence
地图上标出了这座山的海拔。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dì tú shàng biāo chū le zhè zuò shān de hǎi bá。
The map marks the elevation of this mountain.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 拔
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.
摆
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 罢, with 罒 over 去. Notice the broad top on the right.
摆放
Show word reading and meaning
bǎifàng
place; arrange objects
摆放 means place or arrange objects; the sentence supplies their positions.
Read a sentence
这些书按大小摆放在书架上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē shū àn dà xiǎo bǎi fàng zài shū jià shàng。
These books are arranged on the shelf by size.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 摆
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.
拜
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two narrow vertical sections carry several crossing horizontals. Compare the complete printed model with 手 rather than adding a guessed component.
拜访
Show word reading and meaning
bàifǎng
visit someone, often politely or formally
拜访 is a polite or formal visit, not every accidental meeting.
Read a sentence
周末我们去拜访了以前的老师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhōu mò wǒ men qù bài fǎng le yǐ qián de lǎo shī。
We visited our former teacher at the weekend.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 拜
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.
榜
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 旁. Compare the entire right-hand 旁 with its separate form.
榜样
Show word reading and meaning
bǎngyàng
role model; someone whose behavior is worth following
榜样 is a role model, not merely a name on a list.
Read a sentence
她认真负责，是我们学习的榜样。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā rèn zhēn fù zé， shì wǒ men xué xí de bǎng yàng。
She is conscientious and is a role model for us.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 榜
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.
胞
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 包. Compare the right side with 包 alone and retain its enclosing 勹.
细胞
Show word reading and meaning
xìbāo
cell; a basic unit of living organisms
细胞 names a biological cell; it is not the whole organism.
Read a sentence
这张图展示了植物细胞的结构。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng tú zhǎn shì le zhí wù xì bāo de jié gòu。
This diagram shows the structure of a plant cell.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 胞
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 海拔 and 拜访 describe? Which word names a role model?
Check and learn
Words: 海拔 hǎibá — elevation; height above sea level; 摆放 bǎifàng — place; arrange objects; 拜访 bàifǎng — visit someone, often politely or formally; 榜样 bǎngyàng — role model; someone whose behavior is worth following; 细胞 xìbāo — cell; a basic unit of living organisms. 海拔 is height above sea level; 拜访 is a polite/formal visit. 榜样 is role model, 摆放 arranging objects and 细胞 a biological cell.
Try a new context
我们先按海拔给照片排序，再去拜访拍照的老师。
What orders the photographs, and which action is to happen afterwards? Use 排序 (páixù), put in order.
Compare your interpretation
The photographs are to be ordered by elevation; visiting the teacher who took them comes afterwards. 海拔 is not the teacher's body height. The sequence does not say the visit has already happened.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose one detail to improve.
308. Feelings, elders, running and pressure
Distinguish a pessimistic expectation from an established outcome.
爆
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 stands beside 暴. Keep the lower spreading strokes on the right when comparing with the simpler 炸.
爆发
Show word reading and meaning
bàofā
break out; erupt or burst forth suddenly
爆发 describes something breaking out or erupting suddenly; check what the sentence says broke out.
Read a sentence
听到这个笑话，大家爆发出一阵笑声。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè ge xiào hua， dà jiā bào fā chū yí zhèn xiào shēng。
Everyone burst into laughter on hearing this joke.
Learn the 19 strokes · write 爆
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.
悲
Learn the shape and a useful word
非 sits above 心. Compare the whole 非 with the added bottom 心.
悲观
Show word reading and meaning
bēiguān
pessimistic; expecting things to go badly
悲观 means pessimistic, expecting events to go badly; it is not proof that they will.
Read a sentence
别太悲观，我们还有其他办法。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bié tài bēi guān， wǒ men hái yǒu qí tā bàn fǎ。
Don't be too pessimistic. We still have other options.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 悲
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.
辈
Learn the shape and a useful word
非 sits above 车. Compare 悲, whose lower part is 心.
长辈
Show word reading and meaning
zhǎngbèi
elder; an older relative or member of a senior generation
长辈 has 长 read zhǎng and names an elder or senior relative, rather than a long object.
Read a sentence
过年时，我们去看望家里的长辈。
Show sentence reading and meaning
guò nián shí， wǒ men qù kàn wàng jiā lǐ de zhǎng bèi。
At Chinese New Year, we visit the elders in our family.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 辈
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.
奔
Learn the shape and a useful word
大 stands above a middle 十 and a lower two-legged 廾-like shape. Keep the lower opening visible.
奔跑
Show word reading and meaning
bēnpǎo
run; move quickly on foot
奔 is bēn in 奔跑, running. Other uses can have another reading.
Read a sentence
孩子们在草地上快乐地奔跑。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hái zi men zài cǎo dì shàng kuài lè de bēn pǎo。
The children run happily on the grass.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 奔
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.
逼
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps a right-hand part with a horizontal, 口 and 田 stacked inside. Compare the lower 田 with 口.
逼
Show word reading and meaning
bī
force; pressure someone to do something
逼 means pressure or force someone to do something; an ordinary request need not be coercion.
Read a sentence
不要逼他马上作出决定。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bú yào bī tā mǎ shàng zuò chū jué dìng。
Don't pressure him to make a decision immediately.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 逼
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 长 read in 长辈, and how does 悲观 differ from a fact about the future?
Check and learn
Words: 爆发 bàofā — break out; erupt or burst forth suddenly; 悲观 bēiguān — pessimistic; expecting things to go badly; 长辈 zhǎngbèi — elder; an older relative or member of a senior generation; 奔跑 bēnpǎo — run; move quickly on foot; 逼 bī — force; pressure someone to do something. 长辈 uses zhǎng and means elders. 悲观 is pessimism, not proof of failure. 奔跑 uses bēn; 爆发 is a sudden outbreak/burst and 逼 pressuring someone.
Try a new context
别逼他现在决定。他有点悲观，但我们还有别的办法。
Has failure been established, and what action is discouraged?
Compare your interpretation
No. He feels pessimistic, but other options remain. The speaker discourages pressuring him to decide immediately. A 悲观 outlook is a feeling or expectation, not an established result.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose one detail to improve.
309. Neighbours, body parts and editing
Separate editing a text from sending it and distinguish 壁 from 臂.
壁
Learn the shape and a useful word
辟 sits above 土. Compare 臂, whose lower part is 月.
隔壁
Show word reading and meaning
gébì
next door; the neighboring room or building
隔壁 means next door or the neighbouring room/building, not necessarily every nearby place.
Read a sentence
隔壁住着一位老师。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gé bì zhù zhe yī wèi lǎo shī。
A teacher lives next door.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 壁
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.
臂
Learn the shape and a useful word
辟 sits above 月. Compare the lower 月 with 土 in 壁.
手臂
Show word reading and meaning
shǒubì
arm
手臂 is arm, with 臂 read bì in this selected word.
Read a sentence
他抬起手臂向我们打招呼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā tái qǐ shǒu bì xiàng wǒ men dǎ zhāo hu。
He raised his arm to greet us.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 臂
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.
编
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 扁. Look for 户 over the inner frame on the right.
编辑
Show word reading and meaning
biānjí
edit; prepare written or recorded material for use
编辑 means edit or prepare material for use, rather than simply make a copy.
Read a sentence
发出去之前，我又编辑了一遍文章。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fā chū qù zhī qián， wǒ yòu biān jí le yī biàn wén zhāng。
I edited the article once more before sending it out.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 编
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.
兵
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 丘-like upper section stands above two spreading lower strokes. Compare the whole outline with 丘 alone.
士兵
Show word reading and meaning
shìbīng
soldier
士兵 names a soldier; it does not identify a particular rank or nationality.
Read a sentence
这个故事讲述了一位年轻士兵的经历。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge gù shi jiǎng shù le yī wèi nián qīng shì bīng de jīng lì。
This story tells of a young soldier's experiences.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 兵
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.
脖
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside a capped upper 十 over 子. Compare the lower 子 with the lower part of 孩.
脖子
Show word reading and meaning
bózi
neck
脖子 is neck, with neutral zi in the selected word.
Read a sentence
他转了转脖子，放松了一下。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhuǎn le zhuǎn bó zi， fàng sōng le yí xià。
He turned his neck a little to relax.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 脖
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 壁 and 臂. What does 编辑 add beyond copying?
Check and learn
Words: 隔壁 gébì — next door; the neighboring room or building; 手臂 shǒubì — arm; 编辑 biānjí — edit; prepare written or recorded material for use; 士兵 shìbīng — soldier; 脖子 bózi — neck. 壁 has 土 below and appears in 隔壁, next door. 臂 has 月 below and appears in 手臂, arm. 编辑 is preparing/editing material; 士兵 is soldier and 脖子 neck.
Try a new context
隔壁的同学帮我编辑了文章，但我还没发出去。
Which work is complete and which action has not happened?
Compare your interpretation
The neighbour/classmate helped edit the article, but it has not been sent. 编辑了 reports completed editing; 还没发出去 explicitly prevents treating editing as publication or delivery.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose one detail to improve.
310. Capture, assets and a warehouse
Distinguish stored goods from the building that holds them.
捕
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 甫. Compare the same right-hand 甫 in 辅.
捕
Show word reading and meaning
bǔ
catch; capture (often in compound expressions)
捕 means catch or capture; the sentence shows whether the action succeeded.
Read a sentence
这只猫很会捕鼠。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhī māo hěn huì bǔ shǔ。
This cat is very good at catching mice.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 捕
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.
财
Learn the shape and a useful word
贝 stands beside 才. Compare the separate right-hand 才 with its enclosed form in 团.
财产
Show word reading and meaning
cáichǎn
property; assets someone owns
财产 is property or assets, not simply current cash in a pocket.
Read a sentence
这份文件列出了他的主要财产。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè fèn wén jiàn liè chū le tā de zhǔ yào cái chǎn。
This document lists his main assets.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 财
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.
踩
Learn the shape and a useful word
足 stands beside 采, with upper 爫-like strokes over 木. Compare the complete right side with 菜.
踩
Show word reading and meaning
cǎi
step on; press with your foot
踩 means step on or press with a foot; it is distinct from kicking.
Read a sentence
小心，别踩到地上的电线。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiǎo xīn， bié cǎi dào dì shàng de diàn xiàn。
Be careful not to step on the cable on the floor.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 踩
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.
残
Learn the shape and a useful word
歹 stands beside 戋. Notice the extra short upper strokes on the right rather than reading 戈 alone.
残疾
Show word reading and meaning
cánjí
disability; disabled (commonly in 残疾人)
残疾 concerns disability; it does not describe a person's worth or character.
Read a sentence
这条坡道方便残疾人进入图书馆。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo pō dào fāng biàn cán jí rén jìn rù tú shū guǎn。
This ramp makes it easier for people with disabilities to enter the library.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 残
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.
仓
Learn the shape and a useful word
人 covers a turning and hooking lower shape. Compare the whole outline with the added 刂 in 创.
仓库
Show word reading and meaning
cāngkù
warehouse; building used to store goods
仓库 is a warehouse or storage building, not every box used for storage.
Read a sentence
这些货物暂时放在仓库里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē huò wù zàn shí fàng zài cāng kù lǐ。
These goods are being kept in the warehouse temporarily.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 仓
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 selected word names a storage building, and what does 财产 include?
Check and learn
Words: 捕 bǔ — catch; capture (often in compound expressions); 财产 cáichǎn — property; assets someone owns; 踩 cǎi — step on; press with your foot; 残疾 cánjí — disability; disabled (commonly in 残疾人); 仓库 cāngkù — warehouse; building used to store goods. 仓库 is a warehouse; 财产 is property or assets, not cash alone. 捕 means catch, 踩 step on, and 残疾 concerns disability.
Try a new context
仓库里的财产已经列清楚了，但有些货物还没搬进去。
Does the completed list prove every item is already inside? Use 货物 (huòwù), goods.
Compare your interpretation
No. A list has been made, but some goods have not been moved inside. 财产 identifies assets; 仓库 is their storage building. Listing something is not the same as moving it.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose one detail to improve.
311. A side, a strategy and compensation
Distinguish an intended remedy from a completed payment.
侧
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 则, with 贝 and 刂 inside the right-hand part.
侧
Show word reading and meaning
cè
side; one side of an object or place
侧 is a side; the surrounding words specify which side.
Read a sentence
车站在马路的另一侧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chē zhàn zài mǎ lù de lìng yī cè。
The station is on the other side of the road.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 侧
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.
策
Learn the shape and a useful word
A bamboo top stands above a central vertical and an open-framed, spreading lower part. Compare with the more enclosed 束.
策略
Show word reading and meaning
cèlüè
strategy; a plan for achieving a goal
策略 is a strategy for achieving a goal, not proof that the goal was achieved.
Read a sentence
我们需要调整学习策略，而不是只增加时间。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men xū yào tiáo zhěng xué xí cè lüè， ér bú shì zhǐ zēng jiā shí jiān。
We need to adjust our study strategy rather than just spend more time.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 策
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柴
Learn the shape and a useful word
此 sits above 木. Compare the same upper 此 above 糸 in 紫.
火柴
Show word reading and meaning
huǒchái
match; a small stick used to light a fire
火柴 is a match for lighting a fire, not firewood translated component by component.
Read a sentence
这盒火柴放在高处。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè hé huǒ chái fàng zài gāo chù。
This box of matches is kept up high.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 柴
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
肠
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside a turning upper stroke with two lower sloping strokes. Compare the right side with 扬.
香肠
Show word reading and meaning
xiāngcháng
sausage
香肠 is sausage. The selected food word differs from 肠 used for intestine.
Read a sentence
他在面包里放了一根香肠。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài miàn bāo lǐ fàng le yī gēn xiāng cháng。
He put a sausage in the bread.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 肠
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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偿
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 尝. Notice the lower 云 within 尝.
补偿
Show word reading and meaning
bǔcháng
compensate; make up for a loss or inconvenience
补偿 means make up for a loss or inconvenience; the form or amount depends on context.
Read a sentence
公司退了运费，作为延迟送货的补偿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng sī tuì le yùn fèi， zuò wéi yán chí sòng huò de bǔ cháng。
The company refunded the shipping charge as compensation for the late delivery.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 偿
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Which word names a strategy and which makes up for a loss?
Check and learn
Words: 侧 cè — side; one side of an object or place; 策略 cèlüè — strategy; a plan for achieving a goal; 火柴 huǒchái — match; a small stick used to light a fire; 香肠 xiāngcháng — sausage; 补偿 bǔcháng — compensate; make up for a loss or inconvenience. 策略 is strategy; 补偿 makes up for a loss/inconvenience. 侧 is side, 火柴 matches and 香肠 sausage.
Try a new context
商店答应给我补偿，但钱还没有到账。
Has compensation been received? Use 到账 (dàozhàng), arrive in an account.
Compare your interpretation
No. The shop has promised compensation, but the money has not arrived. 答应 reports a promise; 补偿 is not yet reported as received.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose one detail to improve.
312. Copying, dampness and withdrawal
Distinguish an attempt to take something back from successful withdrawal.
畅
Learn the shape and a useful word
申 stands beside the turning and sloping right-hand part also seen in 肠. Keep the central stroke of 申.
畅通
Show word reading and meaning
chàngtōng
clear; allowing movement without obstruction
畅通 means allowing movement without obstruction; it differs from 畅销, selling well.
Read a sentence
请保持走道畅通。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎo chí zǒu dào chàng tōng。
Please keep the passageway clear.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 畅
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The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
抄
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 少. Compare the same right-hand 少 in 沙.
抄
Show word reading and meaning
chāo
copy written material
抄 means copy written material. Copying does not establish understanding or authorship.
Read a sentence
请把黑板上的句子抄在本子上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ hēi bǎn shàng de jù zi chāo zài běn zi shàng。
Please copy the sentences on the board into your notebook.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 抄
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
嘲
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 朝. Compare the left side with the 氵 in 潮.
嘲笑
Show word reading and meaning
cháoxiào
mock; laugh at someone unkindly
嘲笑 means mock someone unkindly; it is different from a friendly shared laugh.
Read a sentence
别人说错了，也不要嘲笑他们。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bié rén shuō cuò le， yě bú yào cháo xiào tā men。
Don't make fun of people when they say something incorrectly.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 嘲
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
潮
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 朝. Compare 嘲 and its 口 on the left.
潮湿
Show word reading and meaning
cháoshī
damp; containing noticeable moisture
潮湿 means damp. 潮流, a trend, is another complete word using the same character.
Read a sentence
雨后，房间里有点潮湿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yǔ hòu， fáng jiān lǐ yǒu diǎn cháo shī。
The room is a little damp after the rain.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 潮
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
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The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
撤
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside a middle 育-like shape and a final 攵. Notice all three vertical sections.
撤回
Show word reading and meaning
chèhuí
withdraw; take back something sent or submitted
撤回 means take back something sent or submitted; whether recovery succeeds must be stated.
Read a sentence
我发现文件发错了，马上撤回了消息。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ fā xiàn wén jiàn fā cuò le， mǎ shàng chè huí le xiāo xi。
I realized I had sent the wrong file and immediately withdrew the message.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 撤
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 潮 and 嘲. Does 抄 establish understanding?
Check and learn
Words: 畅通 chàngtōng — clear; allowing movement without obstruction; 抄 chāo — copy written material; 嘲笑 cháoxiào — mock; laugh at someone unkindly; 潮湿 cháoshī — damp; containing noticeable moisture; 撤回 chèhuí — withdraw; take back something sent or submitted. 潮 has 氵 and appears in 潮湿, damp; 嘲 has 口 and appears in 嘲笑, mock. 抄 is copying, 畅通 unobstructed and 撤回 withdrawal.
Try a new context
他抄错了地址，想撤回消息，但系统提示已经无法撤回。
Was the message successfully withdrawn? Use 系统提示 (xìtǒng tíshì), the system indicates.
Compare your interpretation
No. He wants to withdraw it after copying the wrong address, but the system says withdrawal is no longer possible. 想撤回 is the intention; the later clause rules out success.
This is a comparison model for self-review, not an automatic mark.
Tomorrow, mix these five words with a previous group. Close all help, recall each word and meaning, explain one shape or reading contrast, and interpret the new context again. Reopen the model after trying. For handwriting, compare a memory attempt with the stroke model and choose 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.