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 58 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
343. Three 兰 right sides and a corridor
Distinguish a blocked entrance from a form field and a damaged object.
拦
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 兰. Compare 栏 with 木 and 烂 with 火.
拦
Show word reading and meaning
lán
to block or stop someone or something
拦 means block or stop someone's passage; whether it succeeds must be stated.
Read a sentence
保安在门口拦住了那辆车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bǎo ān zài mén kǒu lán zhù le nà liàng chē。
The security guard stopped that car at the entrance.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 拦
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.
栏
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 兰. Compare the same right-hand 兰 beside 扌 in 拦.
栏
Show word reading and meaning
lán
column or section in a table or form
栏 is a column or section in a table or form in the selected entry, not necessarily a fence.
Read a sentence
请在姓名栏填写你的名字。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài xìng míng lán tián xiě nǐ de míng zi。
Please enter your name in the name field.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 栏
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.
烂
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 stands beside 兰. Compare the left side with 木 in 栏.
烂
Show word reading and meaning
làn
rotten; badly damaged
烂 means rotten or badly damaged in the selected entry; inspect the sentence for what is affected.
Read a sentence
这个苹果已经烂了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge píng guǒ yǐ jīng làn le。
This apple has gone rotten.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 烂
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.
狼
Learn the shape and a useful word
犭 stands beside 良. Compare 恨 and its different right-hand 艮.
狼
Show word reading and meaning
láng
wolf
狼 names a wolf. The character alone does not supply the animal's behaviour in a story.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了狼的生活习性。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le láng de shēng huó xí xìng。
This book introduces the habits of wolves.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 狼
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.
廊
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers 郎. Compare the lower-right 阝 with the separate 月 in 朗.
走廊
Show word reading and meaning
zǒuláng
corridor; a passage connecting rooms
走廊 is a corridor connecting rooms, not every outdoor road.
Read a sentence
教室外的走廊很安静。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jiào shì wài de zǒu láng hěn ān jìng。
The corridor outside the classroom is quiet.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 廊
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 拦, 栏 and 烂 by their left sides.
Check and learn
Words: 拦 lán — to block or stop someone or something; 栏 lán — column or section in a table or form; 烂 làn — rotten; badly damaged; 狼 láng — wolf; 走廊 zǒuláng — corridor; a passage connecting rooms. 拦 has 扌 and means block passage; 栏 has 木 and is a table/form field here; 烂 has 火 and means rotten/damaged. 狼 is wolf and 走廊 corridor.
Try a new context
请在姓名栏填名字，不要把通往走廊的门拦住。
Which instruction concerns the form and which concerns movement? Use 通往 (tōngwǎng), lead to.
Compare your interpretation
Put the name in the form's name field. Keep the door leading to the corridor unblocked. 栏 identifies the field; 拦 would obstruct physical passage. Their shared 兰 does not make the meanings interchangeable.
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.
344. Reading aloud, firmness and thunder
Distinguish audible production from silent recognition.
朗
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 良-like left section stands beside 月. Compare the right-hand 月 with 阝 in 郎.
朗读
Show word reading and meaning
lǎngdú
to read aloud clearly
朗读 means read aloud clearly. Silent reading is a different activity.
Read a sentence
老师请我朗读这段课文。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī qǐng wǒ lǎng dú zhè duàn kè wén。
The teacher asked me to read this passage aloud.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 朗
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.
牢
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 牛. Compare the lower 牛 with 午 and its different stroke arrangement.
牢
Show word reading and meaning
láo
firm; securely attached
牢 means firm or securely attached here, not a prison in this selected use.
Read a sentence
请把绳子绑牢。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ shéng zi bǎng láo。
Please tie the rope securely.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 牢
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.
雷
Learn the shape and a useful word
雨 sits above 田. Compare the lower 田 with the lower 务 in 雾.
打雷
Show word reading and meaning
dǎléi
thunder; the sound of thunder occurring
打雷 means thunder occurs. It is not someone striking an object called 雷.
Read a sentence
外面打雷了，声音很大。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wài miàn dǎ léi le， shēng yīn hěn dà。
There is loud thunder outside.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 雷
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.
粒
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands beside 立. Compare the right-hand 立 with the same part of 站.
粒
Show word reading and meaning
lì
measure word for small grains or particles
粒 counts small grains or particles; it does not identify the substance by itself.
Read a sentence
桌上有几粒米。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhuō shàng yǒu jǐ lì mǐ。
There are a few grains of rice on the table.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 粒
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.
怜
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 令. Compare the same 令 with the right-hand 阝 in 邻.
可怜
Show word reading and meaning
kělián
pitiful; deserving sympathy
可怜 expresses deserving sympathy or being pitiful in context, not the separate permission word 可以.
Read a sentence
这只可怜的小猫在雨里发抖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhī kě lián de xiǎo māo zài yǔ lǐ fā dǒu。
This poor kitten is shivering in the rain.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 怜
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 朗读 require, and what does 粒 count?
Check and learn
Words: 朗读 lǎngdú — to read aloud clearly; 牢 láo — firm; securely attached; 打雷 dǎléi — thunder; the sound of thunder occurring; 粒 lì — measure word for small grains or particles; 可怜 kělián — pitiful; deserving sympathy. 朗读 is reading aloud. 粒 counts small grains/particles. 牢 means securely attached here, 打雷 thunder and 可怜 deserving sympathy.
Try a new context
我先默读了一遍，现在准备朗读，还没开口。
Has the text already been read aloud? Use 默读 (mòdú), read silently, and 开口 (kāikǒu), begin speaking.
Compare your interpretation
No. One silent reading is complete, and an aloud reading is planned but speech has not started. 朗读 requires audible production; 默读 alone does not establish 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.
345. A link, a bridge and wet clothes
Distinguish hanging out to dry from already dry.
链
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 连. Within the right side, 辶 wraps 车.
链接
Show word reading and meaning
liànjiē
link; a connection to another online page or resource
链接 is a connection to another online page/resource here, rather than the jewellery word 项链.
Read a sentence
请点击邮件里的链接。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng diǎn jī yóu jiàn lǐ de liàn jiē。
Please click the link in the email.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 链
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.
梁
Learn the shape and a useful word
Upper left 氵 and a knife-like right part sit above 木. Keep the lower 木 distinct from the upper strokes.
桥梁
Show word reading and meaning
qiáoliáng
bridge; a connection between things
桥梁 is a bridge; a sentence may also use it figuratively for a connection.
Read a sentence
语言是沟通的桥梁。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yǔ yán shì gōu tōng de qiáo liáng。
Language is a bridge for communication.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 梁
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.
晾
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 stands beside 京. Compare 凉, whose left side is 冫.
晾
Show word reading and meaning
liàng
to air or dry something by hanging it out
晾 is liàng for airing or drying something by hanging it out; it differs from 凉 liáng, cool.
Read a sentence
她把洗好的衣服晾在阳台上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā bǎ xǐ hǎo de yī fu liàng zài yáng tái shàng。
She hung the washed clothes out to dry on the balcony.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 晾
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.
劣
Learn the shape and a useful word
少 sits above 力. Compare the lower 力 with the bottom 心 in other stacked shapes.
恶劣
Show word reading and meaning
èliè
very bad; harsh or poor in condition
恶劣 is èliè, very bad or harsh, unlike nausea 恶心 ěxin.
Read a sentence
天气恶劣，比赛推迟了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tiān qì è liè， bǐ sài tuī chí le。
The weather was terrible, so the competition was postponed.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 劣
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.
淋
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 林. Keep both 木 shapes on the right.
淋
Show word reading and meaning
lín
to get wet from falling water; to pour water over
淋 is lín for getting wet from falling water or pouring water over something in this entry.
Read a sentence
他没带伞，被雨淋湿了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā méi dài sǎn， bèi yǔ lín shī le。
He did not bring an umbrella and got soaked in the rain.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 淋
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 晾 and 凉. How is 恶 read in 恶劣?
Check and learn
Words: 链接 liànjiē — link; a connection to another online page or resource; 桥梁 qiáoliáng — bridge; a connection between things; 晾 liàng — to air or dry something by hanging it out; 恶劣 èliè — very bad; harsh or poor in condition; 淋 lín — to get wet from falling water; to pour water over. 晾 liàng means air/dry by hanging; 凉 liáng means cool. 恶劣 is èliè, harsh/very bad, unlike 恶心 ěxin. 链接 is online link, 桥梁 bridge and 淋 getting wet from falling water.
Try a new context
衣服淋湿后已经晾出去，但还没有干。
Are the clothes dry, and which earlier and later actions are stated?
Compare your interpretation
They are not dry yet. They got wet and have been hung out to dry. 晾出去 reports the drying arrangement, not completion of drying; 还没有干 makes the remaining state explicit.
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.
346. A lantern, a round and a spoken reading
Distinguish a completed round from the start of the next and fulfilling from travelling.
笼
Learn the shape and a useful word
A bamboo top sits above 龙. Compare the complete 龙 with the added upper bamboo strokes.
灯笼
Show word reading and meaning
dēnglong
lantern
灯笼 has neutral long and means lantern. Other words using 笼 can have another tone.
Read a sentence
春节时，街上挂着红灯笼。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chūn jié shí， jiē shàng guà zhe hóng dēng long。
Red lanterns hang in the street during the Spring Festival.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 笼
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.
露
Learn the shape and a useful word
雨 sits above 路. Compare the right-hand 各 within 路 and retain the upper 雨.
露
Show word reading and meaning
lòu
to show or reveal; an everyday spoken reading
The selected spoken 露 is lòu, show or reveal. The dew sense uses lù in another entry.
Read a sentence
她在聚会上露了一手。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài jù huì shàng lòu le yī shǒu。
She showed off her skill at the gathering.
Learn the 21 strokes · write 露
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.
轮
Learn the shape and a useful word
车 stands beside 仑, with an upper 人 over a small hooked lower part.
轮
Show word reading and meaning
lún
turn or round; a cycle of an activity
轮 counts a round or turn in the selected entry. Wheel or ship words are other uses.
Read a sentence
第一轮比赛已经结束。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dì yī lún bǐ sài yǐ jīng jié shù。
The first round of the competition has finished.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 轮
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.
履
Learn the shape and a useful word
尸 covers 復. Within the lower part, notice 彳 and the lower turning strokes.
履行
Show word reading and meaning
lǚxíng
to fulfil an obligation or commitment
履行 means fulfil an obligation; 旅行 lǚxíng, travel, is a different word with the same pronunciation.
Read a sentence
双方都应该履行合同。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shuāng fāng dōu yīng gāi lǚ xíng hé tóng。
Both sides should fulfil their contractual obligations.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 履
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.
略
Learn the shape and a useful word
田 stands beside 各. Compare the same 各 on the right of 路.
策略
Show word reading and meaning
cèlüè
strategy; a plan for achieving a goal
策略 is a strategy or plan for achieving a goal. The sentence can describe adjusting it.
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 11 strokes · write 略
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 露 read for showing a skill? Compare 履行 and 旅行.
Check and learn
Words: 灯笼 dēnglong — lantern; 露 lòu — to show or reveal; an everyday spoken reading; 轮 lún — turn or round; a cycle of an activity; 履行 lǚxíng — to fulfil an obligation or commitment; 策略 cèlüè — strategy; a plan for achieving a goal. 露 lòu is show/reveal here. 履行 fulfils a commitment; 旅行 travels, though both are lǚxíng. 灯笼 has neutral long, 轮 counts a round and 策略 is strategy.
Try a new context
第一轮结束后，他露了一手，但第二轮还没开始。
When was the skill shown, and has the next round begun? Use 露一手 (lòu yì shǒu), show one's skill.
Compare your interpretation
The skill was shown after the first round finished. The second round has not begun. 露 is the selected lòu in this expression, and 轮 counts the rounds rather than a wheel.
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.
347. An ant, a reminder and the first step
Distinguish beginning a task from finishing all of it and read 嘛 as a reminder.
蚂
Learn the shape and a useful word
虫 stands beside 马. Compare the same 马 inside 闯.
蚂蚁
Show word reading and meaning
mǎyǐ
ant
蚂 is mǎ in 蚂蚁, ant. The full word names the animal, not a horse.
Read a sentence
地上有一群蚂蚁在搬食物。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dì shàng yǒu yī qún mǎ yǐ zài bān shí wù。
A group of ants is carrying food along the ground.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 蚂
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.
嘛
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 麻. Compare the two 木-like inner sections beneath 广 on the right.
嘛
Show word reading and meaning
ma
sentence-final particle presenting something as obvious or reminding someone
嘛 is neutral ma in this reminder/obviousness use, distinct from the question particle 吗.
Read a sentence
别着急，时间还早嘛。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bié zháo jí， shí jiān hái zǎo ma。
Don't worry; after all, it is still early.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 嘛
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.
埋
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 stands beside 里. Compare the right-hand 里 with 田 and its extra lower strokes.
埋
Show word reading and meaning
mái
to bury
埋 is mái for bury in the selected entry. Other words can use a different reading.
Read a sentence
他们把时间胶囊埋在树下。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men bǎ shí jiān jiāo náng mái zài shù xià。
They buried the time capsule under a tree.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 埋
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.
迈
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps 万. Compare the separate 万 with the added movement-side strokes.
迈
Show word reading and meaning
mài
to step or stride
迈 means step or stride. It does not by itself say how far the person travelled.
Read a sentence
他迈出了一大步。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā mài chū le yī dà bù。
He took a big step forward.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 迈
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.
麦
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper crossed section sits above 夂. Compare the lower turning strokes with the same part of 务.
小麦
Show word reading and meaning
xiǎomài
wheat
小麦 is wheat. 麦克风 is a microphone; translating its individual characters would not give the intended word.
Read a sentence
这块田里种的是小麦。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè kuài tián lǐ zhòng de shì xiǎo mài。
Wheat is grown in this field.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 麦
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 迈 and 埋 mean, and what is the selected use of 嘛?
Check and learn
Words: 蚂蚁 mǎyǐ — ant; 嘛 ma — sentence-final particle presenting something as obvious or reminding someone; 埋 mái — to bury; 迈 mài — to step or stride; 小麦 xiǎomài — wheat. 迈 is step/stride, 埋 mái is bury and 嘛 neutral ma presents something as obvious or reminds someone. 蚂蚁 is ant and 小麦 wheat.
Try a new context
别着急，才迈出第一步嘛，还没有完成全部工作。
Is all the work complete, and what does the final particle contribute?
Compare your interpretation
No. Only the first step has been taken. 嘛 reminds the listener of that obvious context; it is not the yes/no question particle 吗. 迈出第一步 marks a beginning, not completion.
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.
348. Vision, trade and similar sounds
Distinguish material and plant names rather than guessing from sound alone.
盲
Learn the shape and a useful word
亡 sits above 目. Compare the lower 目 with 心 under 忘.
盲人
Show word reading and meaning
mángrén
blind person
盲人 means a blind person; it describes vision, not knowledge or character.
Read a sentence
这个路口有方便盲人通行的设施。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge lù kǒu yǒu fāng biàn máng rén tōng xíng de shè shī。
This junction has facilities that help blind people cross.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 盲
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.
贸
Learn the shape and a useful word
Paired upper turning strokes sit above 贝. Compare the lower 贝 with the one in 贫.
贸易
Show word reading and meaning
màoyì
trade; exchange of goods and services
贸易 is trade in goods or services, not every act of giving something away.
Read a sentence
这座港口城市有很长的贸易历史。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zuò gǎng kǒu chéng shì yǒu hěn cháng de mào yì lì shǐ。
This port city has a long history of trade.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 贸
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.
眉
Learn the shape and a useful word
A wide bent cap sits over 目. Compare the upper cap with the different upper strokes of 省.
眉毛
Show word reading and meaning
méimao
eyebrow
眉毛 is eyebrow, with neutral mao in this word.
Read a sentence
他的眉毛很浓。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de méi mao hěn nóng。
He has thick eyebrows.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 眉
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.
梅
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 每. Compare 海, which has 氵 beside the same 每.
梅花
Show word reading and meaning
méihuā
plum blossom
梅花 is plum blossom, not the fruit name itself.
Read a sentence
冬末，公园里的梅花开了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dōng mò， gōng yuán lǐ de méi huā kāi le。
At the end of winter, the plum blossoms in the park bloomed.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 梅
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.
煤
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 stands beside 某. Notice 甘 above 木 within 某.
煤
Show word reading and meaning
méi
coal
煤 is coal, distinct from the cotton material 棉.
Read a sentence
这个展览介绍了煤的形成过程。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge zhǎn lǎn jiè shào le méi de xíng chéng guò chéng。
This exhibition explains how coal forms.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 煤
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 梅 and 煤. What do 贸易 and 盲人 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 盲人 mángrén — blind person; 贸易 màoyì — trade; exchange of goods and services; 眉毛 méimao — eyebrow; 梅花 méihuā — plum blossom; 煤 méi — coal. 梅 has 木 and appears in 梅花, plum blossom; 煤 has 火 and means coal. 贸易 is trade, 盲人 a blind person and 眉毛 eyebrow with neutral mao.
Try a new context
展览介绍了煤的形成，花园里种的是梅花。
Which word names the material and which the blossom? Do they have the same written left side?
Compare your interpretation
煤 is the coal discussed in the exhibition; 梅花 is the blossom planted in the garden. 煤 has 火 and 梅 has 木. Their similar sound does not make their meanings or written forms interchangeable.
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.