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 62 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
367. Through a window, an apprentice and two mouth actions
Keep swallowing and expelling opposite, and distinguish transport arrangement from arrival.
透
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps 秀. Notice 禾 above 乃 within the right-hand part.
透过
Show word reading and meaning
tòuguò
through; by looking or passing through something
透过 means through; context supplies what is looked or passed through.
Read a sentence
透过窗户，我们看到了湖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tòu guò chuāng hu， wǒ men kàn dào le hú。
Through the window, we could see the lake.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 透
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.
徒
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 stands beside 走. Compare the complete right-hand 走 with its separate form.
徒弟
Show word reading and meaning
túdì
apprentice; a student of a master
徒弟 is an apprentice or student of a master, not every school pupil by default.
Read a sentence
师父正在教徒弟修理家具。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shī fu zhèng zài jiāo tú dì xiū lǐ jiā jù。
The master is teaching the apprentice to repair furniture.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 徒
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.
吐
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 土. Compare the right-hand 土 with 士 and its different horizontal lengths.
吐
Show word reading and meaning
tǔ
to spit or expel from the mouth
The selected 吐 is tǔ, expel/spit from the mouth. Vomiting uses tù in a different entry.
Read a sentence
请把嘴里的水吐出来。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ zuǐ lǐ de shuǐ tǔ chū lái。
Please spit out the water in your mouth.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 吐
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.
吞
Learn the shape and a useful word
天 sits above 口. Compare 吐, which places 土 beside 口.
吞
Show word reading and meaning
tūn
to swallow
吞 means swallow. It is a different action from expelling something with 吐 tǔ.
Read a sentence
他喝了一口水，把药片吞了下去。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hē le yī kǒu shuǐ， bǎ yào piàn tūn le xià qù。
He took a sip of water and swallowed the tablet.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 吞
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.
托
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 乇. Compare the same lower shape under 宀 in 宅.
托运
Show word reading and meaning
tuōyùn
to check in baggage or arrange freight transport
托运 means arrange transport/check in baggage; it does not itself establish arrival.
Read a sentence
这件行李太大，需要托运。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn xíng li tài dà， xū yào tuō yùn。
This piece of luggage is too large and needs to be checked in.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 托
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 the selected 吐 read, and how does it differ from 吞?
Check and learn
Words: 透过 tòuguò — through; by looking or passing through something; 徒弟 túdì — apprentice; a student of a master; 吐 tǔ — to spit or expel from the mouth; 吞 tūn — to swallow; 托运 tuōyùn — to check in baggage or arrange freight transport. 吐 tǔ expels from the mouth; 吞 swallows. 吐 tù is another entry for vomiting. 徒弟 is apprentice, 透过 through and 托运 arranging transport/checking baggage.
Try a new context
漱口时他把水吐出来，没有吞下去。
Which action happened and which did not? Use 漱口 (shùkǒu), rinse the mouth.
Compare your interpretation
He expelled the rinse water and did not swallow it. 吐 is tǔ for this outward action; 吞 would go in the opposite direction.
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.
368. A doll, an exclamation and persistence
Use tone and the whole word to separate 哇 from 娃娃.
挖
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 穴 over 乙. Compare the lower 乙 with its single-stroke form.
挖
Show word reading and meaning
wā
to dig
挖 means dig. The object or location of digging comes from the sentence.
Read a sentence
他们在花园里挖了一个小坑。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men zài huā yuán lǐ wā le yí gè xiǎo kēng。
They dug a small hole in the garden.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 挖
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.
娃
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 圭, two stacked 土 shapes. Compare 哇 and its 口 side.
娃娃
Show word reading and meaning
wáwa
doll; an affectionate term for a young child
娃娃 is wáwa with neutral second wa, naming a doll or affectionately a young child in context.
Read a sentence
孩子抱着一个布娃娃。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hái zi bào zhe yí gè bù wá wa。
The child is holding a cloth doll.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 娃
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.
哇
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 圭. Compare the same right-hand part beside 女 in 娃.
哇
Show word reading and meaning
wā
wow; an exclamation of surprise or admiration
哇 wā is the selected exclamation of surprise or admiration, not the noun 娃娃.
Read a sentence
哇，这里的风景真美！
Show sentence reading and meaning
wā， zhè lǐ de fēng jǐng zhēn měi！
Wow, the scenery here is beautiful!
Learn the 9 strokes · write 哇
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.
歪
Learn the shape and a useful word
不 sits above 正. Compare the lower 正 with the complete word read separately.
歪
Show word reading and meaning
wāi
crooked; not straight or upright
歪 means crooked or not upright. The sentence identifies which object is out of alignment.
Read a sentence
墙上的画有点歪。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qiáng shàng de huà yǒu diǎn wāi。
The picture on the wall is a little crooked.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 歪
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.
顽
Learn the shape and a useful word
元 stands beside 页. Compare the left 元 with the upper part of 完.
顽强
Show word reading and meaning
wánqiáng
tenacious; persistent despite difficulties
顽强 means tenacious despite difficulty; it does not itself establish success.
Read a sentence
这种植物在寒冷的环境中顽强地生长。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhǒng zhí wù zài hán lěng de huán jìng zhōng wán qiáng de shēng zhǎng。
This plant grows tenaciously in cold conditions.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 顽
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. Read 哇 and 娃娃. What do 挖, 歪 and 顽强 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 挖 wā — to dig; 娃娃 wáwa — doll; an affectionate term for a young child; 哇 wā — wow; an exclamation of surprise or admiration; 歪 wāi — crooked; not straight or upright; 顽强 wánqiáng — tenacious; persistent despite difficulties. 哇 wā is an exclamation; 娃娃 wáwa a doll/affectionate child word. 挖 is dig, 歪 crooked and 顽强 tenacious.
Try a new context
哇，这个娃娃真漂亮！
Which part expresses surprise and which names the object? Compare their readings.
Compare your interpretation
哇 wā expresses surprise/admiration. 娃娃 wáwa names the doll, with neutral second wa. The shared 圭 shape and similar sound do not make them the same word.
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.
369. Casualties, a king and an entrusted action
Distinguish delegation from an action already performed.
亡
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper cap leads into a long lower turning stroke. Compare the same 亡 above 目 in 盲.
伤亡
Show word reading and meaning
shāngwáng
injuries and deaths; casualties
伤亡 includes injuries and deaths. It is not the same as deaths alone.
Read a sentence
这篇报道说明了事故的伤亡情况。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè piān bào dào shuō míng le shì gù de shāng wáng qíng kuàng。
This report describes the casualties in the accident.
Learn the 3 strokes · write 亡
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.
王
Learn the shape and a useful word
Three horizontal strokes cross one vertical. Compare 玉 and its added dot.
国王
Show word reading and meaning
guówáng
king
国王 means king. The whole person word supplies the role, not the character's lines.
Read a sentence
故事里的国王邀请大家参加庆典。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gù shi lǐ de guó wáng yāo qǐng dà jiā cān jiā qìng diǎn。
The king in the story invited everyone to the celebration.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 王
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.
委
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 sits above 女. Compare the upper 禾 with the same part of 秀.
委托
Show word reading and meaning
wěituō
to entrust or authorise someone to act on one's behalf
委托 means entrust or authorise someone to act for you; it differs from physically carrying an item.
Read a sentence
他委托朋友帮忙取包裹。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā wěi tuō péng you bāng máng qǔ bāo guǒ。
He asked a friend to collect the parcel on his behalf.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 委
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.
谓
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 胃, with 田 over 月. Compare 胃 alone with the added speech side.
无所谓
Show word reading and meaning
wúsuǒwèi
it does not matter; to be indifferent
无所谓 means it does not matter or expresses indifference; context determines what is being dismissed.
Read a sentence
坐哪儿都无所谓，你先选吧。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zuò nǎr dōu wú suǒ wèi， nǐ xiān xuǎn ba。
It doesn't matter where I sit; you choose first.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 谓
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.
沃
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 夭. Compare the right-hand upper sloping stroke with 天's horizontal top.
肥沃
Show word reading and meaning
féiwò
fertile; rich enough to support plant growth
肥沃 describes fertile soil rich enough to support plant growth, not the size of the field alone.
Read a sentence
这片土地很肥沃。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè piàn tǔ dì hěn féi wò。
This land is very fertile.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 沃
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 委托 establish, and what is included in 伤亡?
Check and learn
Words: 伤亡 shāngwáng — injuries and deaths; casualties; 国王 guówáng — king; 委托 wěituō — to entrust or authorise someone to act on one's behalf; 无所谓 wúsuǒwèi — it does not matter; to be indifferent; 肥沃 féiwò — fertile; rich enough to support plant growth. 委托 entrusts someone to act; 伤亡 includes injuries and deaths, not deaths alone. 国王 is king, 无所谓 indifference/it does not matter and 肥沃 fertile.
Try a new context
王先生委托朋友领票，但票还没领到。
Has the ticket been collected? Use 领票 (lǐng piào), collect a ticket.
Compare your interpretation
No. Mr Wang has entrusted a friend with collection, but the ticket has not been obtained. 委托 establishes the delegated task, not its successful 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.
370. A turtle, clear speech and a startle
Distinguish clarity from correctness.
乌
Learn the shape and a useful word
Compare with 鸟: 乌 lacks the small inner eye-like dot. Keep the lower horizontal and hook.
乌龟
Show word reading and meaning
wūguī
turtle; a common term for a shelled reptile
乌龟 is turtle, the same selected animal word used for 龟 earlier.
Read a sentence
池塘边有一只乌龟。
Show sentence reading and meaning
chí táng biān yǒu yī zhī wū guī。
There is a turtle beside the pond.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 乌
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.
晰
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 stands beside 析. Notice 木 beside 斤 within the right-hand part.
清晰
Show word reading and meaning
qīngxī
clear; easy to see, hear or understand
清晰 means clear to see, hear or understand; clarity does not itself establish truth.
Read a sentence
录音里的声音很清晰。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lù yīn lǐ de shēng yīn hěn qīng xī。
The voice in the recording is clear.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 晰
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.
媳
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 息, with 自 above 心. Compare the right side with 息 alone.
媳妇
Show word reading and meaning
xífu
wife; a colloquial family term
媳妇 is xífu with neutral fu, wife in this colloquial selected entry; family context matters.
Read a sentence
他和媳妇一起搬到了新家。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā hé xí fu yì qǐ bān dào le xīn jiā。
He and his wife moved into their new home together.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 媳
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.
吓
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside 下. Compare the same 下 as a separate character.
吓
Show word reading and meaning
xià
to frighten or startle
吓 is xià for frighten/startle in the selected use; other words can have another reading.
Read a sentence
突然的响声吓了我一跳。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tū rán de xiǎng shēng xià le wǒ yī tiào。
The sudden noise startled me.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 吓
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.
嫌
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 兼. Compare the same 兼 beside 讠 in 谦.
嫌
Show word reading and meaning
xián
to dislike or complain that something is unsatisfactory
嫌 means dislike or find something unsatisfactory, not necessarily a formal accusation.
Read a sentence
他嫌这个包太重，不想带。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā xián zhè ge bāo tài zhòng， bù xiǎng dài。
He thinks this bag is too heavy and does not want to carry it.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 嫌
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 媳妇 read in its selected use, and what does 清晰 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 乌龟 wūguī — turtle; a common term for a shelled reptile; 清晰 qīngxī — clear; easy to see, hear or understand; 媳妇 xífu — wife; a colloquial family term; 吓 xià — to frighten or startle; 嫌 xián — to dislike or complain that something is unsatisfactory. 媳妇 xífu has neutral fu and means wife in this colloquial entry. 清晰 is clear to see/hear/understand, 乌龟 turtle, 吓 xià startle and 嫌 dislike/find unsatisfactory.
Try a new context
录音很清晰，并不表示里面的话都正确。
Does good audibility establish that every statement is true? Use 录音 (lùyīn), recording.
Compare your interpretation
No. The recording is easy to hear, but its content can still be wrong. 清晰 concerns clarity, not verification of every statement.
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.
371. Immersion, a festival food and a break
Distinguish resting briefly from ending a journey permanently.
陷
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside an upper cap over 臼. Compare the lower 臼 with the upper part of 舅.
陷入
Show word reading and meaning
xiànrù
to fall into a difficult state or become immersed
陷入 means fall into a difficult state or become immersed, according to context.
Read a sentence
他陷入了沉思。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā xiàn rù le chén sī。
He became lost in thought.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 陷
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.
祥
Learn the shape and a useful word
礻 stands beside 羊. Compare the right-hand 羊 with the one in 氧.
吉祥
Show word reading and meaning
jíxiáng
auspicious; associated with good fortune
吉祥 is associated with good fortune, the same whole word used for 吉 earlier.
Read a sentence
人们用吉祥的图案装饰新年贺卡。
Show sentence reading and meaning
rén men yòng jí xiáng de tú àn zhuāng shì xīn nián hè kǎ。
People decorate New Year cards with designs associated with good fortune.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 祥
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.
宵
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 肖. Compare 肖 alone with the added roof.
元宵
Show word reading and meaning
yuánxiāo
glutinous rice balls; also part of the Lantern Festival's name
元宵 can name glutinous rice balls and occurs in the festival name; the sentence identifies the use.
Read a sentence
这家店在节日前出售元宵。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn zài jié rì qián chū shòu yuán xiāo。
This shop sells glutinous rice balls before the festival.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 宵
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歇
Learn the shape and a useful word
曷 stands beside 欠. Compare 日 above the turning lower part within 曷.
歇
Show word reading and meaning
xiē
to rest or take a break
歇 means rest or take a break. It does not necessarily mean stop forever.
Read a sentence
走累了，我们在树下歇了一会儿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zǒu lèi le， wǒ men zài shù xià xiē le yí huìr。
We got tired from walking and rested under a tree for a while.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 歇
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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谐
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 皆, with 比 above 白. Compare the lower 白 with 日.
和谐
Show word reading and meaning
héxié
harmonious; parts or people fitting together well
和谐 means parts or people fit together harmoniously; it need not mean total identity.
Read a sentence
大家相互尊重，关系很和谐。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dà jiā xiāng hù zūn zhòng， guān xì hěn hé xié。
Everyone respects one another, and their relationships are harmonious.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 谐
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. What does 歇 mean, and how does 元宵 depend on context?
Check and learn
Words: 陷入 xiànrù — to fall into a difficult state or become immersed; 吉祥 jíxiáng — auspicious; associated with good fortune; 元宵 yuánxiāo — glutinous rice balls; also part of the Lantern Festival's name; 歇 xiē — to rest or take a break; 和谐 héxié — harmonious; parts or people fitting together well. 歇 means rest/take a break. 元宵 names rice balls here and also appears in a festival name. 陷入 is become immersed/fall into a state, 吉祥 good-fortune association and 和谐 harmonious.
Try a new context
他们歇了十分钟，然后继续走。
Was the journey permanently abandoned? Use 继续 (jìxù), continue.
Compare your interpretation
No. They rested for ten minutes, then continued. 歇 can mark a temporary pause; the later clause explicitly resumes the activity.
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.
372. Carrying, machinery and a salary
Distinguish taking an item personally from sending it separately.
携
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 隽, with 隹 above 乃. Keep the lower turning strokes within 乃.
携带
Show word reading and meaning
xiédài
to carry or take something with you
携带 means carry/take something with you, rather than send it separately without accompanying it.
Read a sentence
请携带学生证参加活动。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng xié dài xué shēng zhèng cān jiā huó dòng。
Please bring your student ID to the activity.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 携
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械
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 戒. Compare the complete 戒 with its separate form.
机械
Show word reading and meaning
jīxiè
machinery; mechanical equipment
机械 is machinery or mechanical equipment. It does not automatically mean every machine is powered on.
Read a sentence
工人正在检查工厂里的机械。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng rén zhèng zài jiǎn chá gōng chǎng lǐ de jī xiè。
The workers are inspecting the machinery in the factory.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 械
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.
薪
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 新. Compare 亲 beside 斤 within the lower part.
薪水
Show word reading and meaning
xīnshui
salary; pay received for work
薪水 is xīnshui with neutral shui for salary, not water in a container.
Read a sentence
她的薪水每月发一次。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de xīn shui měi yuè fā yī cì。
She is paid her salary once a month.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 薪
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.
胸
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 匈, with 勹 enclosing 凶. Compare the boxed crossing strokes inside 凶.
胸
Show word reading and meaning
xiōng
chest; the front part of the upper body
胸 names the chest, the front upper body; 口腔 names the inside of the mouth.
Read a sentence
他把手放在胸前。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā bǎ shǒu fàng zài xiōng qián。
He placed his hand in front of his chest.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 胸
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.
雄
Learn the shape and a useful word
A sloping left section over 厶 stands beside 隹. Compare the right-hand 隹 with the one in 维.
英雄
Show word reading and meaning
yīngxióng
hero; someone admired for courage or achievement
英雄 names someone admired for courage or achievement. It is the same whole word selected for 英.
Read a sentence
这个故事中的英雄保护了村庄。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge gù shi zhōng de yīng xióng bǎo hù le cūn zhuāng。
The hero in this story protected the village.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 雄
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 携带 require, and how is 薪水 read?
Check and learn
Words: 携带 xiédài — to carry or take something with you; 机械 jīxiè — machinery; mechanical equipment; 薪水 xīnshui — salary; pay received for work; 胸 xiōng — chest; the front part of the upper body; 英雄 yīngxióng — hero; someone admired for courage or achievement. 携带 is take/carry with you; 薪水 xīnshui has neutral shui. 机械 is machinery, 胸 chest and 英雄 hero.
Try a new context
请携带学生证，其他材料可以提前寄到。
Which item must accompany the person, and have other materials necessarily been posted? Use 提前寄到 (tíqián jìdào), send ahead.
Compare your interpretation
The student ID must be carried personally. Other materials may be sent ahead, but 可以 expresses permission, not proof that posting 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.
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.