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 63 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
373. A sleeve, an account and calendar position
Distinguish the first ten days from the first half of a month.
袖
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤 stands beside 由. Compare the projecting upper vertical of 由 with 田.
袖子
Show word reading and meaning
xiùzi
sleeve
袖子 is sleeve, with neutral zi. It is one part of clothing, not the entire garment.
Read a sentence
这件衬衫的袖子太长。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiàn chèn shān de xiù zi tài cháng。
The sleeves of this shirt are too long.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 袖
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.
叙
Learn the shape and a useful word
余 stands beside 又. Compare 余 alone with the added right-hand strokes.
叙述
Show word reading and meaning
xùshù
to narrate or give an account
叙述 means narrate/give an account; an account is not automatically verified evidence.
Read a sentence
她详细叙述了事情的经过。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā xiáng xì xù shù le shì qing de jīng guò。
She gave a detailed account of what happened.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 叙
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.
蓄
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 畜, with upper 亠/幺-like strokes over 田.
储蓄
Show word reading and meaning
chǔxù
save money; savings kept for future use
储蓄 means saving money or savings kept for later use, rather than current spending.
Read a sentence
她每个月都会把一部分收入用于储蓄。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā měi gè yuè dōu huì bǎ yī bù fen shōu rù yòng yú chǔ xù。
She puts part of her income into savings every month.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 蓄
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.
旋
Learn the shape and a useful word
方 and a short upper sloping/vertical cap stand beside a 疋-like lower-right section. Compare 旗 and its lower 其.
旋转
Show word reading and meaning
xuánzhuǎn
to rotate or spin
旋转 is xuánzhuǎn for rotate/spin. The selected word gives the reading of each character.
Read a sentence
这个轮子正在旋转。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge lún zi zhèng zài xuán zhuǎn。
This wheel is rotating.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 旋
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.
旬
Learn the shape and a useful word
勹 encloses 日. Compare the enclosed 口 of 句.
上旬
Show word reading and meaning
shàngxún
the first ten days of a month
上旬 is the first ten days of a month, not the entire first half of a month.
Read a sentence
活动安排在五月上旬。
Show sentence reading and meaning
huó dòng ān pái zài wǔ yuè shàng xún。
The activity is scheduled for the first ten days of May.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 旬
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 dates does 上旬 cover, and what does 叙述 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 袖子 xiùzi — sleeve; 叙述 xùshù — to narrate or give an account; 储蓄 chǔxù — save money; savings kept for future use; 旋转 xuánzhuǎn — to rotate or spin; 上旬 shàngxún — the first ten days of a month. 上旬 is days one to ten; it is not the entire first half. 叙述 is narrate, 袖子 sleeve, 储蓄 saving money and 旋转 xuánzhuǎn rotation.
Try a new context
活动安排在六月上旬，不是六月十五日。
Could the stated 上旬 date be 15 June? Explain the range.
Compare your interpretation
No. 六月上旬 is 1–10 June. The fifteenth lies outside that range, and the sentence explicitly excludes 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.
374. A cycle, a message and submerging
Keep 没 mò in 淹没 separate from 没有 méi.
循
Learn the shape and a useful word
彳 stands beside 盾. Compare the lower 目 within the right-hand part.
循环
Show word reading and meaning
xúnhuán
to circulate; a repeating cycle
循环 means circulate or repeat in a cycle. It need not be only one pass.
Read a sentence
这个系统可以让水循环使用。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xì tǒng kě yǐ ràng shuǐ xún huán shǐ yòng。
This system allows water to be recirculated and reused.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 循
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.
讯
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside an upper turning shape crossed by short strokes. Compare the same right-hand part in 迅.
通讯
Show word reading and meaning
tōngxùn
communication services; a news report from a correspondent
通讯 concerns communication services or a correspondent's report in context; read the complete sentence.
Read a sentence
这家店出售通讯设备。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jiā diàn chū shòu tōng xùn shè bèi。
This shop sells communication equipment.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 讯
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.
讶
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 牙. Compare 呀, which has 口 on the left.
惊讶
Show word reading and meaning
jīngyà
surprised; astonished
惊讶 means surprised or astonished; a surprising claim is not automatically true.
Read a sentence
听到这个消息，我很惊讶。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi， wǒ hěn jīng yà。
I was very surprised to hear this news.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 讶
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.
淹
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 奄. Notice 大 above the boxed lower turning shape.
淹没
Show word reading and meaning
yānmò
to submerge; to cover completely with water
淹没 uses 没 mò, submerge. It is not the méi in 没有.
Read a sentence
洪水淹没了这条小路。
Show sentence reading and meaning
hóng shuǐ yān mò le zhè tiáo xiǎo lù。
The flood submerged this narrow road.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 淹
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.
炎
Learn the shape and a useful word
One 火 sits above another 火. Compare the two complete parts before writing.
发炎
Show word reading and meaning
fāyán
become inflamed; inflammation
发炎 means become inflamed. The word alone does not establish its cause or treatment.
Read a sentence
医生说她的伤口有点发炎。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yī shēng shuō tā de shāng kǒu yǒu diǎn fā yán。
The doctor said her wound was a little inflamed.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 炎
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 没 read in 淹没, and what does 循环 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 循环 xúnhuán — to circulate; a repeating cycle; 通讯 tōngxùn — communication services; a news report from a correspondent; 惊讶 jīngyà — surprised; astonished; 淹没 yānmò — to submerge; to cover completely with water; 发炎 fāyán — become inflamed; inflammation. 淹没 is yānmò, submerge; 没有 uses méi. 循环 is a repeating cycle, 通讯 communications, 惊讶 surprise and 发炎 inflammation.
Try a new context
洪水已经淹没了小路，但没有淹到山上的房子。
What is submerged, what is not, and how is 没 read?
Compare your interpretation
The small road is submerged, while the houses on the mountain are not. In 淹没, 没 is mò and belongs to the submerging verb; it is not the negative méi in 没有.
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.
375. Vivid colour, a banquet and a gas name
Distinguish oxygen from carbon dioxide by the complete names.
艳
Learn the shape and a useful word
丰 stands beside 色. Compare the complete 色 with its separate form.
鲜艳
Show word reading and meaning
xiānyàn
bright and vivid in colour
鲜艳 means bright/vivid in colour, rather than being physically loud.
Read a sentence
这些花的颜色很鲜艳。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiē huā de yán sè hěn xiān yàn。
These flowers have vivid colours.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 艳
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.
宴
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 日 above 女. Compare the lower 女 with the one in 安.
宴会
Show word reading and meaning
yànhuì
banquet; a formal meal for many guests
宴会 is a formal meal for many guests, not every ordinary meal.
Read a sentence
他们举办了一场欢迎宴会。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā men jǔ bàn le yī chǎng huān yíng yàn huì。
They held a welcoming banquet.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 宴
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.
央
Learn the shape and a useful word
A central 大-like section crosses an outer box-like frame. Compare 央 with 史 and check the whole shape.
中央
Show word reading and meaning
zhōngyāng
centre; the middle part
中央 is centre or middle in the selected word; context identifies the reference area.
Read a sentence
广场中央有一座喷泉。
Show sentence reading and meaning
guǎng chǎng zhōng yāng yǒu yī zuò pēn quán。
There is a fountain in the centre of the square.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 央
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.
仰
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside a narrow bent left section and 卩 on its right. Compare the lower part of 昂.
仰
Show word reading and meaning
yǎng
to tilt upwards; to look up
仰 means tilt upwards/look up. It is different from lowering the head.
Read a sentence
她仰起头看天空。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā yǎng qǐ tóu kàn tiān kōng。
She tilted her head up to look at the sky.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 仰
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.
氧
Learn the shape and a useful word
气 covers 羊. Compare the enclosed 羊 with the one beside 礻 in 祥.
氧气
Show word reading and meaning
yǎngqì
oxygen
氧气 is oxygen. 二氧化碳 is carbon dioxide, a different complete substance name.
Read a sentence
这堂课介绍了氧气的性质。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè táng kè jiè shào le yǎng qì de xìng zhì。
This lesson introduces the properties of oxygen.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 氧
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 氧气 name, and what do 中央 and 仰 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 鲜艳 xiānyàn — bright and vivid in colour; 宴会 yànhuì — banquet; a formal meal for many guests; 中央 zhōngyāng — centre; the middle part; 仰 yǎng — to tilt upwards; to look up; 氧气 yǎngqì — oxygen. 氧气 is oxygen; 二氧化碳 is carbon dioxide. 中央 is centre, 仰 looking/tilting up, 鲜艳 vivid colour and 宴会 banquet.
Try a new context
这个模型表示氧气，另一张图表示二氧化碳。
Are the two complete substance names interchangeable? Use 另一张图 (lìng yì zhāng tú), another diagram.
Compare your interpretation
No. The first model represents oxygen and the other diagram carbon dioxide. Sharing 氧 in the written words does not make them the same substance name.
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.
376. Itching, distance and an unnamed liquid
Distinguish an observed property from identifying a substance.
痒
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 covers 羊. Compare 氧 and its outer 气.
痒
Show word reading and meaning
yǎng
itchy; to itch
痒 means itchy. The sensation alone does not specify a medical cause.
Read a sentence
蚊子咬过的地方有点痒。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wén zi yǎo guò de dì fang yǒu diǎn yǎng。
The spot where the mosquito bit is a little itchy.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 痒
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.
遥
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps upper 爫-like strokes over 缶. Compare the same right-hand section beside 扌 in 摇.
遥远
Show word reading and meaning
yáoyuǎn
far away; distant in space or time
遥远 means far away in space or time; it does not itself give an exact distance.
Read a sentence
故事发生在一个遥远的地方。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gù shi fā shēng zài yí gè yáo yuǎn de dì fang。
The story takes place in a faraway place.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 遥
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.
野
Learn the shape and a useful word
里 stands beside 予. Compare the right-hand 予 with its separate form.
野生
Show word reading and meaning
yěshēng
wild; living or growing without domestication
野生 means wild, growing/living without domestication; it is not a guarantee about safety or temperament.
Read a sentence
这个保护区有很多野生动物。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge bǎo hù qū yǒu hěn duō yě shēng dòng wù。
This reserve has many wild animals.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 野
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.
液
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 夜. Compare the lower-right dot and sloping strokes with the full 夜.
液体
Show word reading and meaning
yètǐ
liquid
液体 is a liquid, contrasted with solid or gas in context.
Read a sentence
这个瓶子里装着蓝色的液体。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge píng zi lǐ zhuāng zhe lán sè de yè tǐ。
This bottle contains a blue liquid.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 液
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.
仪
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 义. Keep the small upper dot in the right-hand part.
仪器
Show word reading and meaning
yíqì
instrument; a device for measurement or specialised work
仪器 is an instrument/device used for measurement or specialised work, not necessarily a musical instrument.
Read a sentence
实验室里有很多精密仪器。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shí yàn shì lǐ yǒu hěn duō jīng mì yí qì。
There are many precision instruments in the laboratory.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 仪
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 液体 and 仪器 name, and what does 遥远 leave unspecified?
Check and learn
Words: 痒 yǎng — itchy; to itch; 遥远 yáoyuǎn — far away; distant in space or time; 野生 yěshēng — wild; living or growing without domestication; 液体 yètǐ — liquid; 仪器 yíqì — instrument; a device for measurement or specialised work. 液体 is a liquid, 仪器 a measuring/specialised instrument, 遥远 distant without an exact distance. 痒 yǎng is itchy and 野生 wild/undomesticated.
Try a new context
仪器旁边放着蓝色液体，标签上没有写名称。
What property is known, and is the liquid identified by name? Use 标签 (biāoqiān), label.
Compare your interpretation
It is blue and liquid, but its name is not given. The colour and location beside an instrument do not identify the substance.
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.
377. An ant, a difference and inhibition
Distinguish holding a process back from eliminating it.
蚁
Learn the shape and a useful word
虫 stands beside 义. Compare the left side with 亻 in 仪.
蚂蚁
Show word reading and meaning
mǎyǐ
ant
蚂蚁 is ant, the same whole word selected for 蚂 earlier.
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 蚁
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.
异
Learn the shape and a useful word
巳 sits above 廾. Compare the lower two-legged shape with the model rather than adding a closed box.
差异
Show word reading and meaning
chāyì
difference; variation between things
差异 means a difference between things; it does not automatically rank one above the other.
Read a sentence
这两个地区的气候有明显差异。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè liǎng gè dì qū de qì hòu yǒu míng xiǎn chā yì。
There are clear differences between the climates of these two regions.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 异
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.
抑
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside a narrow turning section and 卩. Compare the right-hand arrangement with 仰.
抑制
Show word reading and meaning
yìzhì
to inhibit, restrain or hold back a process
抑制 means restrain or hold back a process, not necessarily eliminate it completely.
Read a sentence
低温可以抑制这种材料的反应。
Show sentence reading and meaning
dī wēn kě yǐ yì zhì zhè zhǒng cái liào de fǎn yìng。
Low temperatures can inhibit the reaction of this material.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 抑
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.
疫
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 covers 殳. Compare the same 殳 beside 扌 in 投.
免疫
Show word reading and meaning
miǎnyì
immunity; an immune response
免疫 concerns immunity or an immune response; it is not a promise that illness is impossible.
Read a sentence
这本书介绍了人体的免疫系统。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè běn shū jiè shào le rén tǐ de miǎn yì xì tǒng。
This book introduces the human immune system.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 疫
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.
姻
Learn the shape and a useful word
女 stands beside 因. Compare the enclosing 囗 around 大 in 因.
婚姻
Show word reading and meaning
hūnyīn
marriage; the relationship of being married
婚姻 is the state/relationship of marriage rather than only the wedding event.
Read a sentence
这部小说讨论了家庭和婚姻。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè bù xiǎo shuō tǎo lùn le jiā tíng hé hūn yīn。
This novel explores family and marriage.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 姻
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 抑制 mean, and what does 差异 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 蚂蚁 mǎyǐ — ant; 差异 chāyì — difference; variation between things; 抑制 yìzhì — to inhibit, restrain or hold back a process; 免疫 miǎnyì — immunity; an immune response; 婚姻 hūnyīn — marriage; the relationship of being married. 抑制 restrains/holds back a process; 差异 a difference without automatically ranking it. 蚂蚁 is ant, 免疫 immunity/immune response and 婚姻 the marriage relationship.
Try a new context
温度降低后，反应被抑制，但没有完全停止。
Has the process stopped completely? Use 反应 (fǎnyìng), reaction.
Compare your interpretation
No. It has been inhibited, but the sentence says it has not completely stopped. 抑制 must not be strengthened into total elimination.
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.
378. Private information, an infant and a fresh design
Identify protected information without assuming all identity clues are removed.
隐
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside 急. Keep the lower 心 within the right-hand part.
隐私
Show word reading and meaning
yǐnsī
privacy; personal information or matters
隐私 is personal information or private matters, not every piece of publicly available information.
Read a sentence
分享照片时，要尊重别人的隐私。
Show sentence reading and meaning
fēn xiǎng zhào piàn shí， yào zūn zhòng bié rén de yǐn sī。
When sharing photographs, respect other people's privacy.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 隐
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.
英
Learn the shape and a useful word
艹 sits above 央. Compare the whole 央 with its separate form.
英雄
Show word reading and meaning
yīngxióng
hero; someone admired for courage or achievement
英雄 is hero, the same selected whole word used for 雄; it does not identify nationality.
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 8 strokes · write 英
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.
婴
Learn the shape and a useful word
Two 贝 shapes sit above 女. Keep both upper shapes and the lower 女.
婴儿
Show word reading and meaning
yīng’ér
infant; a very young baby
婴儿 is yīng’ér with separate ér, not an erhua ending attached to 婴.
Read a sentence
照片里的婴儿正在睡觉。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhào piàn lǐ de yīng ér zhèng zài shuì jiào。
The infant in the photograph is sleeping.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 婴
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.
颖
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 匕-like upper-left section sits over 禾, beside 页 on the right. Compare the lower-left 禾 with 米.
新颖
Show word reading and meaning
xīnyǐng
novel; fresh and original
新颖 means novel/fresh in an idea or design; it is not merely newly bought.
Read a sentence
这个设计很新颖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge shè jì hěn xīn yǐng。
This design is fresh and original.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 颖
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.
涌
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 甬. Compare the upper turning strokes and lower 用-like frame.
涌现
Show word reading and meaning
yǒngxiàn
to emerge in large numbers; to spring up
涌现 means emerge in large numbers; it does not specify an exact count by itself.
Read a sentence
这次比赛涌现了很多优秀作品。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè cì bǐ sài yǒng xiàn le hěn duō yōu xiù zuò pǐn。
Many excellent works emerged from this competition.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 涌
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 婴儿 read, and how does 新颖 differ from newly bought?
Check and learn
Words: 隐私 yǐnsī — privacy; personal information or matters; 英雄 yīngxióng — hero; someone admired for courage or achievement; 婴儿 yīng’ér — infant; a very young baby; 新颖 xīnyǐng — novel; fresh and original; 涌现 yǒngxiàn — to emerge in large numbers; to spring up. 婴儿 yīng’ér has separate ér. 新颖 is novel in design/idea, not merely newly purchased. 隐私 is private information, 英雄 hero and 涌现 emerging in large numbers.
Try a new context
他分享婴儿照片以前，先遮住了姓名和住址。
Which information was covered? Does this establish removal of every identifying feature? Use 遮住 (zhēzhù), cover.
Compare your interpretation
The name and home address were covered. Those are personal details, but the sentence does not establish that every possible identity clue in the photograph was removed.
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.