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 64 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
379. Concern, formal giving and resources
Use 给予 jǐyǔ without replacing it with another 给 reading.
忧
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 stands beside 尤. Compare 犹, whose left side is 犭.
担忧
Show word reading and meaning
dānyōu
worry; feel concerned about something
担忧 means feel concerned or worried; concern does not establish that harm occurred.
Read a sentence
她担忧孩子不能适应新学校。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā dān yōu hái zi bù néng shì yìng xīn xué xiào。
She worries that her child may not adjust to the new school.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 忧
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.
予
Learn the shape and a useful word
Notice the upper turning strokes, middle horizontal and long lower hook. Compare the same left part of 豫.
给予
Show word reading and meaning
jǐyǔ
give; provide (a formal word, pronounced jǐyǔ)
给予 is jǐyǔ, a formal word for give. 给 is jǐ here, unlike gěi in other uses.
Read a sentence
老师给予了我很多鼓励。
Show sentence reading and meaning
lǎo shī jǐ yǔ le wǒ hěn duō gǔ lì。
The teacher gave me a great deal of encouragement.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 予
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.
浴
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 stands beside 谷. Compare the upper spreading strokes over 口 within 谷.
浴室
Show word reading and meaning
yùshì
bathroom; a room for bathing
浴室 is a room for bathing, different from a bedroom 卧室.
Read a sentence
干净的毛巾放在浴室里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gān jìng de máo jīn fàng zài yù shì lǐ。
The clean towels are in the bathroom.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 浴
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.
欲
Learn the shape and a useful word
谷 stands beside 欠. Compare the full 谷 with the right side of 浴.
食欲
Show word reading and meaning
shíyù
appetite
食欲 is appetite, not the amount of food already eaten.
Read a sentence
运动后，他的食欲很好。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yùn dòng hòu， tā de shí yù hěn hǎo。
He has a good appetite after exercising.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 欲
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.
裕
Learn the shape and a useful word
衤 stands beside 谷. Compare 浴 and its 氵 beside the same 谷.
富裕
Show word reading and meaning
fùyù
well-off; having ample money or resources
富裕 means having ample money/resources; it is not simply a large physical size.
Read a sentence
她的家庭不算富裕，但生活很安稳。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de jiā tíng bù suàn fù yù， dàn shēng huó hěn ān wěn。
Her family is not particularly well-off, but they have a stable life.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 裕
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 给予 read, and what does 食欲 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 担忧 dānyōu — worry; feel concerned about something; 给予 jǐyǔ — give; provide (a formal word, pronounced jǐyǔ); 浴室 yùshì — bathroom; a room for bathing; 食欲 shíyù — appetite; 富裕 fùyù — well-off; having ample money or resources. 给予 is jǐyǔ, formal give/provide. 食欲 is appetite, 担忧 concern, 浴室 bathroom and 富裕 having ample resources.
Try a new context
学校给予新生帮助，但他们仍需要自己完成作业。
Who provides support, what remains the learners' task, and how is 给 read? Use 新生 (xīnshēng), new students.
Compare your interpretation
The school provides help; the students still do their own homework. 给 is jǐ in 给予 jǐyǔ. Support is not the same as someone completing the task for them.
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.
380. An honour, rescue and motion sickness
Distinguish rescue activity beginning from the missing person being found.
誉
Learn the shape and a useful word
兴 sits above 言. Compare the lower 言 with its full separate form.
荣誉
Show word reading and meaning
róngyù
honour; recognition of an achievement
荣誉 is honour/recognition of an achievement, not a prediction of future success.
Read a sentence
这项荣誉属于整个团队。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè xiàng róng yù shǔ yú zhěng gè tuán duì。
This honour belongs to the whole team.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 誉
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.
援
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 爰. Compare the upper 爫-like strokes and lower crossing strokes with the model.
救援
Show word reading and meaning
jiùyuán
to rescue; a rescue operation
救援 is rescue activity; whether it succeeds must be reported separately.
Read a sentence
救援人员正在寻找被困的游客。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jiù yuán rén yuán zhèng zài xún zhǎo bèi kùn de yóu kè。
The rescue workers are looking for the trapped visitors.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 援
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.
跃
Learn the shape and a useful word
足 stands beside 夭. Compare 沃, which has 氵 beside the same 夭.
活跃
Show word reading and meaning
huóyuè
active; lively in participation or atmosphere
活跃 is active/lively participation or atmosphere, not simply the jumping action by itself.
Read a sentence
她在课堂讨论中很活跃。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài kè táng tǎo lùn zhōng hěn huó yuè。
She participates actively in class discussions.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 跃
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.
晕
Learn the shape and a useful word
日 sits above 军. Compare the lower 军 with the separate 车-like section within it.
晕车
Show word reading and meaning
yùnchē
to have motion sickness when travelling in a vehicle
晕 is yùn in 晕车, motion sickness. The separate dizzy entry 晕 is yūn.
Read a sentence
她坐长途汽车时容易晕车。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zuò cháng tú qì chē shí róng yì yùn chē。
She easily gets motion sickness on long coach journeys.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 晕
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.
匀
Learn the shape and a useful word
勹 encloses two short strokes. Compare with 旬, whose inner part is 日.
均匀
Show word reading and meaning
jūnyún
even; evenly distributed
均匀 means evenly distributed. It does not necessarily mean a large total quantity.
Read a sentence
请把酱汁均匀地涂在面包上。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ jiàng zhī jūn yún de tú zài miàn bāo shàng。
Please spread the sauce evenly over the bread.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 匀
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 晕 read in 晕车, and what does 均匀 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 荣誉 róngyù — honour; recognition of an achievement; 救援 jiùyuán — to rescue; a rescue operation; 活跃 huóyuè — active; lively in participation or atmosphere; 晕车 yùnchē — to have motion sickness when travelling in a vehicle; 均匀 jūnyún — even; evenly distributed. 晕车 is yùnchē, unlike dizzy 晕 yūn. 均匀 is even distribution, 荣誉 honour, 救援 rescue and 活跃 lively/active participation.
Try a new context
救援已经开始，但还没有找到失踪的人。
Has the missing person already been found? Use 失踪 (shīzōng), missing.
Compare your interpretation
No. Rescue work has started, but finding the person is explicitly still pending. 救援 can name ongoing activity rather than a completed successful 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.
381. Pregnancy, harm, noise and dryness
Separate coexisting conditions without inventing causation.
孕
Learn the shape and a useful word
乃 sits above 子. Compare the lower 子 with the same part of 李.
怀孕
Show word reading and meaning
huáiyùn
be pregnant
怀孕 means be pregnant; the word itself does not specify duration or medical details.
Read a sentence
她怀孕以后，开始记录每天的生活。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā huái yùn yǐ hòu， kāi shǐ jì lù měi tiān de shēng huó。
After becoming pregnant, she began recording her everyday life.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 孕
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.
灾
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 火. Compare the lower 火 with the double fire in 炎.
旱灾
Show word reading and meaning
hànzāi
drought causing serious damage or hardship
旱灾 is drought causing serious harm, rather than every short spell without rain.
Read a sentence
这篇报道介绍了旱灾对农业的影响。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè piān bào dào jiè shào le hàn zāi duì nóng yè de yǐng xiǎng。
This report describes the effects of drought on agriculture.
Learn the 7 strokes · write 灾
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.
遭
Learn the shape and a useful word
辶 wraps 曹. Compare the right-hand 曹 with its separate form and the right side of 糟.
遭受
Show word reading and meaning
zāoshòu
to suffer or undergo something harmful
遭受 means suffer/undergo something harmful. It is not usually a neutral or welcome encounter.
Read a sentence
暴雨后，这片农田遭受了损失。
Show sentence reading and meaning
bào yǔ hòu， zhè piàn nóng tián zāo shòu le sǔn shī。
These fields suffered losses after the heavy rain.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 遭
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.
噪
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 stands beside three 口-like upper boxes over 木. Compare the same right side in 燥.
噪声
Show word reading and meaning
zàoshēng
noise; unwanted sound
噪声 is unwanted sound/noise, not dryness.
Read a sentence
这台机器发出的噪声很大。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tái jī qì fā chū de zào shēng hěn dà。
This machine makes a lot of noise.
Learn the 16 strokes · write 噪
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.
燥
Learn the shape and a useful word
火 stands beside three 口-like upper boxes over 木. Compare 噪 and its 口 side.
干燥
Show word reading and meaning
gānzào
dry; lacking moisture
干燥 means lacking moisture, with 干 gān. 枯燥 is the different word for dull/monotonous.
Read a sentence
这里冬天的空气很干燥。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè lǐ dōng tiān de kōng qì hěn gān zào。
The air here is very dry in winter.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 燥
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. Compare 噪 and 燥 by their left sides. What do 旱灾 and 遭受 describe?
Check and learn
Words: 怀孕 huáiyùn — be pregnant; 旱灾 hànzāi — drought causing serious damage or hardship; 遭受 zāoshòu — to suffer or undergo something harmful; 噪声 zàoshēng — noise; unwanted sound; 干燥 gānzào — dry; lacking moisture. 噪 has 口 and appears in 噪声, noise; 燥 has 火 and appears in 干燥, dry. 旱灾 is damaging drought, 遭受 undergoing harm and 怀孕 pregnancy.
Try a new context
房间里机器的噪声很大，空气也很干燥。
What two conditions are stated? Does the sentence say the noise caused the dryness?
Compare your interpretation
It is noisy because the machine makes loud sound, and the air is dry. The sentence states coexistence, not that noise causes dryness. 噪声 and 干燥 describe different properties.
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.
382. A pointed action, a home and pasting
Distinguish copying information from inserting the copy elsewhere.
扎
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside a single turning hook. Compare the right-hand hook with the complete model.
扎
Show word reading and meaning
zhā
to prick, pierce or insert a pointed object
The selected 扎 is zhā, prick/pierce/insert a pointed object. Other words use different readings.
Read a sentence
针扎进了布里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhēn zhā jìn le bù lǐ。
The needle went into the fabric.
Learn the 4 strokes · write 扎
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.
宅
Learn the shape and a useful word
宀 covers 乇. Compare the same lower shape beside 扌 in 托.
住宅
Show word reading and meaning
zhùzhái
dwelling; a building or place used as a home
住宅 is a dwelling/home, not every building used for any purpose.
Read a sentence
这条街主要是住宅。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo jiē zhǔ yào shì zhù zhái。
This street mainly consists of homes.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 宅
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.
粘
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands beside 占. Compare 钻 and its 钅 beside the same 占.
粘贴
Show word reading and meaning
zhāntiē
to paste or stick something onto a surface
粘贴 uses 粘 zhān, paste/stick. Do not replace this reading with nián from sticky uses.
Read a sentence
请把复制的文字粘贴到这里。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng bǎ fù zhì de wén zì zhān tiē dào zhè lǐ。
Please paste the copied text here.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 粘
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.
崭
Learn the shape and a useful word
山 sits above 斩, with 车 beside 斤. Keep the lower 斤 distinct from 页.
崭新
Show word reading and meaning
zhǎnxīn
brand-new; entirely new in appearance
崭新 is brand-new in appearance or condition, stronger than simply another item.
Read a sentence
她穿着一双崭新的鞋。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā chuān zhe yī shuāng zhǎn xīn de xié。
She is wearing a pair of brand-new shoes.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 崭
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.
仗
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 丈. Compare the right-hand 丈 with 大 and its different upper crossing.
打仗
Show word reading and meaning
dǎzhàng
fight a war or battle
打仗 means fight a war/battle, not physically strike a walking stick.
Read a sentence
这部历史小说描写了士兵打仗的经历。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè bù lì shǐ xiǎo shuō miáo xiě le shì bīng dǎ zhàng de jīng lì。
This historical novel describes soldiers' experiences of fighting in a war.
Learn the 5 strokes · write 仗
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 扎 and 粘 read in the selected uses?
Check and learn
Words: 扎 zhā — to prick, pierce or insert a pointed object; 住宅 zhùzhái — dwelling; a building or place used as a home; 粘贴 zhāntiē — to paste or stick something onto a surface; 崭新 zhǎnxīn — brand-new; entirely new in appearance; 打仗 dǎzhàng — fight a war or battle. 扎 zhā pierces/inserts a point; 粘贴 uses zhān. 住宅 is a dwelling, 崭新 brand-new and 打仗 fighting a war.
Try a new context
我复制了文字，还没有粘贴到表格里。
Which action is complete, and which is still pending?
Compare your interpretation
The text has been copied, but it has not been pasted into the table. 复制 and 粘贴 are separate actions; completing the first does not establish the second.
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.
383. A fault, a pillow and recorded signs
Distinguish recording symptoms from identifying their cause.
障
Learn the shape and a useful word
阝 stands beside 章. Notice 立, 日 and 十 layered within the right-hand part.
故障
Show word reading and meaning
gùzhàng
fault; malfunction in equipment or a system
故障 is a malfunction in equipment/system, rather than every difficult obstacle 障碍.
Read a sentence
电梯出了故障，需要维修。
Show sentence reading and meaning
diàn tī chū le gù zhàng， xū yào wéi xiū。
The elevator has developed a fault and needs repairing.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 障
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.
枕
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside a cap with spreading and hooking lower strokes. Compare the right side of 耽.
枕头
Show word reading and meaning
zhěntou
pillow
枕头 is zhěntou, pillow, with neutral tou.
Read a sentence
这个枕头很柔软。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge zhěn tou hěn róu ruǎn。
This pillow is very soft.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 枕
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镇
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 真. Compare the complete 真 with its separate shape.
镇
Show word reading and meaning
zhèn
town; a settlement smaller than a city
镇 names a town in the selected entry; it does not mean a province.
Read a sentence
这个镇每周都有集市。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge zhèn měi zhōu dōu yǒu jí shì。
This town has a market every week.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 镇
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The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
睁
Learn the shape and a useful word
目 stands beside 争. Compare 挣 and its 扌 side.
睁
Show word reading and meaning
zhēng
to open one's eyes
睁 means open the eyes, distinct from merely being awake without specifying the eye action.
Read a sentence
她睁开眼睛，看见了阳光。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zhēng kāi yǎn jing， kàn jiàn le yáng guāng。
She opened her eyes and saw the sunlight.
Learn the 11 strokes · write 睁
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症
Learn the shape and a useful word
疒 covers 正. Compare the same 正 beside 彳 in 征.
症状
Show word reading and meaning
zhèngzhuàng
symptom; an observable sign of a condition
症状 is a symptom or observable sign, not by itself a confirmed cause or diagnosis.
Read a sentence
医生在报告中记录了症状。
Show sentence reading and meaning
yī shēng zài bào gào zhōng jì lù le zhèng zhuàng。
The doctor recorded the symptoms in the report.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 症
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 do 故障 and 症状 name, and what does 睁 mean?
Check and learn
Words: 故障 gùzhàng — fault; malfunction in equipment or a system; 枕头 zhěntou — pillow; 镇 zhèn — town; a settlement smaller than a city; 睁 zhēng — to open one's eyes; 症状 zhèngzhuàng — symptom; an observable sign of a condition. 故障 is an equipment/system malfunction; 症状 is a symptom/sign. 睁 means open the eyes, 枕头 pillow and 镇 town. A sign alone does not identify its cause.
Try a new context
报告记录了两个症状，没有写明原因。
Does the report establish a specific cause? Use 写明 (xiěmíng), state clearly.
Compare your interpretation
No. It records two symptoms but does not state their cause. 症状 is the reported sign; further causal claims are not supplied by this sentence.
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.
384. A branch, a nephew and reproduction
Distinguish two family relationships from the stated parent.
枝
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 支. Compare the upper 十 and lower 又 within 支.
枝
Show word reading and meaning
zhī
branch; a measure word for flowers or branches
枝 can name a branch or count flowers/branches; the sentence identifies its job.
Read a sentence
她在花瓶里放了三枝花。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā zài huā píng lǐ fàng le sān zhī huā。
She put three flower stems in the vase.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 枝
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.
脂
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 旨, with 匕-like upper strokes over 日.
脂肪
Show word reading and meaning
zhīfáng
fat; a substance in the body and food
脂肪 is fat as a substance, the same whole word selected for 肪 earlier.
Read a sentence
这节课介绍了脂肪的结构。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè jié kè jiè shào le zhī fáng de jié gòu。
This lesson introduces the structure of fats.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 脂
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.
侄
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 stands beside 至. Compare 致, whose 攵 stands to the right of 至.
侄子
Show word reading and meaning
zhízi
nephew; one's brother's son
侄子 is the brother's son, with neutral zi, whereas 外甥 is the sister's son.
Read a sentence
我的侄子是哥哥的儿子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ de zhí zi shì gē ge de ér zi。
My nephew is my older brother's son.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 侄
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.
殖
Learn the shape and a useful word
歹 stands beside 直. Compare the complete 直 with its separate form.
繁殖
Show word reading and meaning
fánzhí
reproduce; produce new living organisms
繁殖 means produce new living organisms, not merely grow larger as one organism.
Read a sentence
我们在课上学习植物怎样繁殖。
Show sentence reading and meaning
wǒ men zài kè shàng xué xí zhí wù zěn yàng fán zhí。
We learn in class how plants reproduce.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 殖
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.
秩
Learn the shape and a useful word
禾 stands beside 失. Compare 跌 and its 足 beside the same 失.
秩序
Show word reading and meaning
zhìxù
order; an organised state of activity
秩序 is an organised state/order of activity, not simply an instruction's page number.
Read a sentence
请按顺序排队，保持秩序。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng àn shùn xù pái duì， bǎo chí zhì xù。
Please queue in order and keep things orderly.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 秩
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. Who is 侄子, and how does 繁殖 differ from one organism growing larger?
Check and learn
Words: 枝 zhī — branch; a measure word for flowers or branches; 脂肪 zhīfáng — fat; a substance in the body and food; 侄子 zhízi — nephew; one's brother's son; 繁殖 fánzhí — reproduce; produce new living organisms; 秩序 zhìxù — order; an organised state of activity. 侄子 is the brother's son; 外甥 the sister's son. 繁殖 produces new organisms, 枝 a branch/classifier, 脂肪 fat as a substance and 秩序 organised order.
Try a new context
小林是我姐姐的儿子，小王是我弟弟的儿子。
Which child is my 外甥 and which my 侄子?
Compare your interpretation
小林 is my 外甥 because his mother is my sister. 小王 is my 侄子 because his father is my brother. Both can be nephew in English, but the Chinese relationship words differ.
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.