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 59 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
349. A gap, cotton and barely succeeding
Distinguish just managing to do something from failing to do it.
弥
Learn the shape and a useful word
弓 stands beside 尔. Compare the complete right-hand 尔 with its separate shape.
弥补
Show word reading and meaning
míbǔ
to make up for a loss, gap or shortcoming
弥补 means make up for a gap, loss or shortcoming; the sentence identifies what needs repair.
Read a sentence
额外的练习可以弥补基础知识的不足。
Show sentence reading and meaning
é wài de liàn xí kě yǐ mí bǔ jī chǔ zhī shi de bù zú。
Extra practice can make up for gaps in basic knowledge.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 弥
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.
蜜
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 必 above 虫. Compare the lower 虫 with the lower 山 of 密.
蜜蜂
Show word reading and meaning
mìfēng
bee
蜜蜂 is bee, the same whole word used for 蜂 earlier.
Read a sentence
蜜蜂正在花丛中飞来飞去。
Show sentence reading and meaning
mì fēng zhèng zài huā cóng zhōng fēi lái fēi qù。
The bees are flying among the flowers.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 蜜
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.
棉
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 帛, with 白 above 巾. Compare the lower 巾 with the one in 席.
棉
Show word reading and meaning
mián
cotton
棉 is cotton. 棉 and 煤 name different materials despite similar readings.
Read a sentence
这件衬衫是纯棉的。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn chèn shān shì chún mián de。
This shirt is made of pure cotton.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 棉
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.
勉
Learn the shape and a useful word
免 stands beside 力. Compare the small dot in 兔 with its absence in 免.
勉强
Show word reading and meaning
miǎnqiǎng
barely manage; reluctantly agree or act
强 is qiǎng in 勉强, barely manage or act reluctantly, unlike qiáng in 强壮.
Read a sentence
时间很紧，我们勉强赶上了火车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shí jiān hěn jǐn， wǒ men miǎn qiǎng gǎn shàng le huǒ chē。
Time was tight, and we only just caught the train.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 勉
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.
妙
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 少. Compare the same 少 beside 扌 in 抄.
巧妙
Show word reading and meaning
qiǎomiào
clever; skilfully designed or done
巧妙 means cleverly or skilfully designed/done; it is about the method or design in context.
Read a sentence
她用一个巧妙的办法解决了问题。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yòng yí gè qiǎo miào de bàn fǎ jiě jué le wèn tí。
She solved the problem with a clever method.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 妙
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 强 read in 勉强, and what does 弥补 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 弥补 míbǔ — to make up for a loss, gap or shortcoming; 蜜蜂 mìfēng — bee; 棉 mián — cotton; 勉强 miǎnqiǎng — barely manage; reluctantly agree or act; 巧妙 qiǎomiào — clever; skilfully designed or done. 勉强 uses qiǎng, barely manage or act reluctantly; 弥补 makes up a gap or shortcoming. 蜜蜂 is bee, 棉 cotton and 巧妙 skilfully clever.
Try a new context
时间很紧，我们勉强赶上了车，不是没赶上。
Did we catch the vehicle, and what does 勉强 add?
Compare your interpretation
Yes. We only just caught it despite tight timing. 勉强 describes limited success here; it must not be changed into the opposite claim that we missed 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.
350. Extinguishing, adopting and mud
Distinguish hearing a suggestion from adopting it.
灭
Learn the shape and a useful word
一 sits above 火. Compare the complete 火 with the added upper horizontal.
灭
Show word reading and meaning
miè
to extinguish; to go out
灭 means extinguish or go out. Whether a fire is already out depends on the sentence.
Read a sentence
风把蜡烛吹灭了。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fēng bǎ là zhú chuī miè le。
The wind blew out the candle.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 灭
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.
摩
Learn the shape and a useful word
麻 sits above 手. Look for 广 covering the paired inner sections in 麻.
摩托车
Show word reading and meaning
mótuōchē
motorcycle
摩托车 means motorcycle. The whole vehicle word is not an instruction to massage.
Read a sentence
他戴好头盔后才骑摩托车出发。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā dài hǎo tóu kuī hòu cái qí mó tuō chē chū fā。
He put on his helmet before setting off on his motorcycle.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 摩
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.
寞
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 莫, which has 艹, 日 and 大-like lower strokes.
寂寞
Show word reading and meaning
jìmò
lonely; loneliness
寂寞 is loneliness, the same whole word used for 寂 earlier.
Read a sentence
刚搬到这里时，我有点寂寞。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gāng bān dào zhè lǐ shí， wǒ yǒu diǎn jì mò。
I felt a little lonely when I first moved here.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 寞
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.
纳
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 stands beside 内. Compare the inner 人-like strokes with the wider open frame of 内.
采纳
Show word reading and meaning
cǎinà
accept and adopt a suggestion or proposal
采纳 means accept and adopt a proposal, not merely listen to it.
Read a sentence
老师采纳了我们关于活动安排的建议。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī cǎi nà le wǒ men guān yú huó dòng ān pái de jiàn yì。
The teacher adopted our suggestion about the event arrangements.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 纳
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.
泥
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 尼, with 尸 above 匕. Compare the right side with the one in 呢.
泥
Show word reading and meaning
ní
mud; wet earth
泥 is ní for mud in the selected entry; it is not every material mixed with water.
Read a sentence
下雨后，鞋上沾了很多泥。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xià yǔ hòu， xié shàng zhān le hěn duō ní。
After the rain, there was a lot of mud on the shoes.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 泥
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 采纳 add beyond hearing advice, and what does 寂寞 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 灭 miè — to extinguish; to go out; 摩托车 mótuōchē — motorcycle; 寂寞 jìmò — lonely; loneliness; 采纳 cǎinà — accept and adopt a suggestion or proposal; 泥 ní — mud; wet earth. 采纳 means accept/adopt a proposal; 寂寞 is loneliness. 灭 is extinguish/go out, 摩托车 motorcycle and 泥 ní mud.
Try a new context
老师听了建议，但还没有决定是否采纳。
Has the suggestion been adopted? Use 是否 (shìfǒu), whether.
Compare your interpretation
No adoption is established. The teacher heard it but has not decided whether to adopt it. 采纳 is a further step beyond listening or consideration.
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.
351. Simulation, a promise and a hope
Distinguish a simulation from a real appointment and a promise from completion.
拟
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 以. Compare the separate right-hand 以 with the full form.
模拟
Show word reading and meaning
mónǐ
to simulate; a simulation
模拟 means simulate. A simulation is distinct from the actual event it represents.
Read a sentence
我们做了一次模拟面试。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men zuò le yī cì mó nǐ miàn shì。
We did a mock interview.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 拟
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.
扭
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 丑. Keep the crossing horizontals within the right-hand frame.
扭
Show word reading and meaning
niǔ
to twist or turn
扭 means twist or turn; the sentence identifies the object or body part.
Read a sentence
请轻轻扭动这个旋钮。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng qīng qīng niǔ dòng zhè ge xuán niǔ。
Please gently turn this knob.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 扭
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.
怒
Learn the shape and a useful word
奴 sits above 心. Notice 女 beside 又 in the upper part.
愤怒
Show word reading and meaning
fènnù
angry; feeling strong anger
愤怒 means anger, using the same word context as 愤 earlier.
Read a sentence
听到这种不公平的做法，她感到愤怒。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè zhǒng bù gōng píng de zuò fǎ， tā gǎn dào fèn nù。
She felt angry on hearing about this unfair practice.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 怒
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.
诺
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 若, with 艹 above 右. Compare the lower 口 with the one in 若 alone.
承诺
Show word reading and meaning
chéngnuò
promise; make a commitment
承诺 is a promise or commitment, not proof that the promised act has happened.
Read a sentence
她承诺周五之前完成工作。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā chéng nuò zhōu wǔ zhī qián wán chéng gōng zuò。
She promised to finish the work before Friday.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 诺
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.
盼
Learn the shape and a useful word
目 stands beside 分. Compare the same 分 beside 米 in 粉.
盼望
Show word reading and meaning
pànwàng
to look forward to; to hope eagerly for
盼望 means look forward to or hope eagerly; it does not guarantee fulfilment.
Read a sentence
我盼望着假期早点到来。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ pàn wàng zhe jià qī zǎo diǎn dào lái。
I am eagerly looking forward to the holidays.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 盼
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 模拟, 承诺 and 盼望 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 模拟 mónǐ — to simulate; a simulation; 扭 niǔ — to twist or turn; 愤怒 fènnù — angry; feeling strong anger; 承诺 chéngnuò — promise; make a commitment; 盼望 pànwàng — to look forward to; to hope eagerly for. 模拟 is simulation, 承诺 a promise and 盼望 eager hope. 扭 is twist/turn and 愤怒 anger. None of those words alone confirms a promised outcome.
Try a new context
这是模拟面试，不代表我已经得到工作。
Does doing the interview establish a real job offer? Use 面试 (miànshì), interview.
Compare your interpretation
No. It is a practice simulation, and the sentence explicitly denies that a job has already been obtained. 模拟 represents an event rather than being proof of its real-world outcome.
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.
352. Scale, a toss and brewing
Distinguish throwing an object from another person catching it.
庞
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers 龙. Compare the complete 龙 beneath a bamboo top in 笼.
庞大
Show word reading and meaning
pángdà
huge; large in size or scale
庞大 means huge in scale or size, not necessarily admirable or useful.
Read a sentence
这个项目需要一个庞大的团队。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xiàng mù xū yào yí gè páng dà de tuán duì。
This project needs a large team.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 庞
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.
抛
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside two turning/hooking sections, with 力 at the lower right. Follow the complete right-hand model.
抛
Show word reading and meaning
pāo
to throw or toss
抛 means throw or toss. It does not itself establish that the object was caught.
Read a sentence
她把球抛给了我。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā bǎ qiú pāo gěi le wǒ。
She tossed the ball to me.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 抛
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.
泡
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 包. Compare the left side with 月 in 胞.
泡
Show word reading and meaning
pào
to soak; to steep or brew
泡 is pào for soak or steep/brew in this entry; other uses can have another tone.
Read a sentence
他用热水泡了一杯茶。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yòng rè shuǐ pào le yī bēi chá。
He brewed a cup of tea with hot water.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 泡
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.
佩
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside an outer turning frame containing a hanging 巾-like section. Retain the inner vertical.
佩服
Show word reading and meaning
pèifú
to admire someone's ability or qualities
佩服 is admiration for ability or qualities, rather than wearing an object.
Read a sentence
我很佩服她坚持学习的精神。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ hěn pèi fú tā jiān chí xué xí de jīng shen。
I admire her determination to keep studying.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 佩
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.
喷
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 贲, with 贝 at the lower right. Compare 愤 and its 忄.
喷
Show word reading and meaning
pēn
to spray or spurt out
喷 is pēn for spray or spurt out in the selected entry.
Read a sentence
这个喷泉每小时喷一次水。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge pēn quán měi xiǎo shí pēn yī cì shuǐ。
This fountain sprays water once an hour.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 喷
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 抛 and 泡 mean in their selected uses?
Check and learn
Words: 庞大 pángdà — huge; large in size or scale; 抛 pāo — to throw or toss; 泡 pào — to soak; to steep or brew; 佩服 pèifú — to admire someone's ability or qualities; 喷 pēn — to spray or spurt out. 抛 is toss; 泡 pào is soak/steep/brew. 庞大 is huge in scale, 佩服 admiration for ability and 喷 pēn spraying/spurting.
Try a new context
她把球抛给我，但我没有接住。
Was the throw completed, and was the catch successful? Use 接住 (jiēzhù), catch.
Compare your interpretation
The ball was tossed to me, but I did not catch it. 抛给 reports the sending action and intended receiver; it does not guarantee a successful catch.
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.
353. Two hands, a draped coat and tiredness
Distinguish draping clothing from putting arms into its sleeves.
捧
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 奉. Compare the complete right-hand 奉 with its separate form.
捧
Show word reading and meaning
pěng
to hold or carry in both hands
捧 means hold or carry in both hands, distinct from throwing with 抛.
Read a sentence
她捧着一杯热茶。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā pěng zhe yī bēi rè chá。
She is holding a cup of hot tea in both hands.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 捧
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.
披
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 皮. Compare 疲 and its covering 疒.
披
Show word reading and meaning
pī
to drape over one's shoulders
披 means drape something over the shoulders; it need not mean putting arms into sleeves.
Read a sentence
她把外套披在肩上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā bǎ wài tào pī zài jiān shàng。
She draped her coat over her shoulders.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 披
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.
疲
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 covers 皮. Compare the same 皮 beside 扌 in 披.
疲劳
Show word reading and meaning
píláo
fatigue; physical or mental tiredness
疲劳 is physical or mental tiredness; the word alone does not identify a medical cause.
Read a sentence
长途旅行后，他感到很疲劳。
Show sentence reading and meaning
cháng tú lǚ xíng hòu， tā gǎn dào hěn pí láo。
He felt very tired after the long journey.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 疲
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.
飘
Learn the shape and a useful word
票 stands beside 风. Notice 西-like upper strokes over 示 on the left.
飘
Show word reading and meaning
piāo
to drift or float through the air
飘 means drift through the air; 浮 in another entry concerns floating on liquid.
Read a sentence
窗外飘着几片雪花。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chuāng wài piāo zhe jǐ piàn xuě huā。
A few snowflakes are drifting past the window.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 飘
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.
贫
Learn the shape and a useful word
分 sits above 贝. Compare the lower 贝 with the same part of 贸.
贫困
Show word reading and meaning
pínkùn
poor; living in poverty
贫困 means living in poverty, not a judgement about ability or worth.
Read a sentence
这个项目帮助贫困家庭的孩子上学。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xiàng mù bāng zhù pín kùn jiā tíng de hái zi shàng xué。
This project helps children from poor families attend school.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 贫
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 does 披 differ from putting on a coat fully, and what does 捧 specify?
Check and learn
Words: 捧 pěng — to hold or carry in both hands; 披 pī — to drape over one's shoulders; 疲劳 píláo — fatigue; physical or mental tiredness; 飘 piāo — to drift or float through the air; 贫困 pínkùn — poor; living in poverty. 披 is drape over the shoulders; 捧 specifies holding in both hands. 疲劳 is tiredness, 飘 drifting in air and 贫困 poverty.
Try a new context
她把外套披在肩上，双手捧着茶杯。
Where is the coat, and how is the cup held? Use 双手 (shuāngshǒu), both hands.
Compare your interpretation
The coat is draped over her shoulders, and both hands hold the cup. 披 does not itself establish that her arms are in the sleeves; 捧 identifies the two-handed hold.
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.
354. A slope, a forced choice and a spread cloth
Keep the readings of 朴 and 铺 tied to their selected words.
坡
Learn the shape and a useful word
土 stands beside 皮. Compare 疲 and 披 with their different left/covering parts.
山坡
Show word reading and meaning
shānpō
hillside; mountain slope
山坡 is a hillside or mountain slope, not the summit 山顶.
Read a sentence
山坡上种了很多树。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shān pō shàng zhòng le hěn duō shù。
Many trees have been planted on the hillside.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 坡
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.
迫
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps 白. Compare the enclosed 白 with the upper part of 皇.
被迫
Show word reading and meaning
bèipò
be forced; have no real choice but to act
被迫 means be forced, with no real choice; it differs from acting willingly.
Read a sentence
因为大雨，我们被迫取消了野餐。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yīn wèi dà yǔ， wǒ men bèi pò qǔ xiāo le yě cān。
The heavy rain forced us to cancel the picnic.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 迫
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.
扑
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 卜. Compare 朴, whose left side is 木.
扑灭
Show word reading and meaning
pūmiè
to put out or extinguish a fire
扑灭 means extinguish a fire. An attempt to do so does not by itself establish success.
Read a sentence
消防员很快扑灭了大火。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiāo fáng yuán hěn kuài pū miè le dà huǒ。
The firefighters quickly put out the fire.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 扑
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.
朴
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 卜. Compare 扑 and its hand side.
朴素
Show word reading and meaning
pǔsù
simple and unadorned
朴 is pǔ in 朴素, simple and unadorned. It is not the pū in 扑灭.
Read a sentence
她穿着一件朴素的外套。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā chuān zhe yī jiàn pǔ sù de wài tào。
She is wearing a plain coat.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 朴
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.
铺
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 甫. Compare 捕 and 辅 with the same right-hand 甫.
铺
Show word reading and meaning
pū
to spread or lay something over a surface
The selected 铺 is pū, spread or lay over a surface. 店铺 uses pù, a different use.
Read a sentence
请在桌上铺一块布。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng zài zhuō shàng pū yī kuài bù。
Please spread a cloth over the table.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 铺
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. How are 朴素 and the selected 铺 read, and what does 被迫 imply?
Check and learn
Words: 山坡 shānpō — hillside; mountain slope; 被迫 bèipò — be forced; have no real choice but to act; 扑灭 pūmiè — to put out or extinguish a fire; 朴素 pǔsù — simple and unadorned; 铺 pū — to spread or lay something over a surface. 朴素 is pǔsù; 铺 pū means spread, unlike 店铺 pù. 被迫 means forced, 山坡 hillside and 扑灭 extinguishing.
Try a new context
因为天气变坏，我们被迫改变计划，并不是自愿改变。
Was changing the plan voluntary? Use 自愿 (zìyuàn), voluntarily.
Compare your interpretation
No. The worsening weather forced the change, and the sentence explicitly excludes a voluntary choice. 被迫 expresses that lack of real choice.
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.