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 65 of 65. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; sentence examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
385. Swelling, a state and procedural steps
Distinguish a listed procedure from completed stages.
肿
Learn the shape and a useful word
月 stands beside 中. Compare the whole 中 with its added left side.
肿
Show word reading and meaning
zhǒng
swollen; to swell
肿 means swollen/swelling; the word does not establish the cause.
Read a sentence
他的脚踝有点肿。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā de jiǎo huái yǒu diǎn zhǒng。
His ankle is a little swollen.
Learn the 8 strokes · write 肿
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.
州
Learn the shape and a useful word
Three long strokes alternate with three short dot-like strokes. Compare the whole shape with 川, which lacks the dots.
州
Show word reading and meaning
zhōu
state or province; an administrative division
州 is a state/province-type administrative division in context; its exact role depends on the place.
Read a sentence
这张地图标出了几个州。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng dì tú biāo chū le jǐ gè zhōu。
This map marks several states.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 州
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.
粥
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands between two 弓 shapes. Keep both outer 弓 sections.
粥
Show word reading and meaning
zhōu
congee; rice or other grains cooked into porridge
粥 is grains cooked into porridge/congee, rather than dry rice grains alone.
Read a sentence
早餐我喝了一碗粥。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zǎo cān wǒ hē le yī wǎn zhōu。
I had a bowl of congee for breakfast.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 粥
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.
骤
Learn the shape and a useful word
马 stands beside 聚. Compare the upper 取 and lower spreading strokes inside 聚.
步骤
Show word reading and meaning
bùzhòu
step; stage in a procedure
步骤 is a step/stage in a procedure. The whole word does not describe a sudden movement.
Read a sentence
请按照这些步骤安装软件。
Show sentence reading and meaning
qǐng àn zhào zhè xiē bù zhòu ān zhuāng ruǎn jiàn。
Please follow these steps to install the software.
Learn the 17 strokes · write 骤
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.
珠
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 王-like left side stands beside 朱. Compare 株 and its 木 side.
珍珠
Show word reading and meaning
zhēnzhū
pearl
珍珠 is pearl. 珠 does not make every similarly shaped word a jewellery word.
Read a sentence
这条项链上有一颗珍珠。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo xiàng liàn shàng yǒu yī kē zhēn zhū。
There is a pearl on this necklace.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 珠
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 is 步骤, and what does 珍珠 name?
Check and learn
Words: 肿 zhǒng — swollen; to swell; 州 zhōu — state or province; an administrative division; 粥 zhōu — congee; rice or other grains cooked into porridge; 步骤 bùzhòu — step; stage in a procedure; 珍珠 zhēnzhū — pearl. 步骤 is a procedural step/stage; 珍珠 is pearl. 肿 is swelling, 州 an administrative division in context and 粥 congee/porridge.
Try a new context
说明书列出五个步骤，我只做完前三个。
How many listed steps remain incomplete? Use 说明书 (shuōmíngshū), instructions.
Compare your interpretation
Two remain. Five steps are listed but only the first three have been completed. The existence of a complete list does not establish completing every 步骤.
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.
386. Plants, stems and a village
Distinguish the classifiers 株 and 枝 without changing the plant count.
株
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 朱. Compare 珠 and its 王-like left side.
株
Show word reading and meaning
zhū
measure word for individual plants
株 counts individual plants. It is a classifier, not the general noun tree.
Read a sentence
花园里种了三株玫瑰。
Show sentence reading and meaning
huā yuán lǐ zhòng le sān zhū méi gui。
Three rose plants have been planted in the garden.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 株
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.
诸
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 stands beside 者. Compare the same 者 beside 犭 in 猪.
诸多
Show word reading and meaning
zhūduō
many; numerous, in formal wording
诸多 means many/numerous in formal wording, without an exact number.
Read a sentence
这个计划还有诸多细节需要讨论。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge jì huà hái yǒu zhū duō xì jié xū yào tǎo lùn。
There are still many details in this plan that need discussion.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 诸
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.
砖
Learn the shape and a useful word
石 stands beside 专. Compare the right-hand turning strokes with the model rather than substituting 云.
砖
Show word reading and meaning
zhuān
brick
砖 means brick. Its reading zhuān differs from 钻 zuān, drill.
Read a sentence
工人用砖砌了一面墙。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng rén yòng zhuān qì le yí miàn qiáng。
The workers built a wall with bricks.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 砖
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.
妆
Learn the shape and a useful word
丬 stands beside 女. Compare 壮 and its 士 on the right.
化妆
Show word reading and meaning
huàzhuāng
put on makeup
化妆 means put on makeup; it is not the same as changing an object's structure with 改造.
Read a sentence
上台之前，她花了一点时间化妆。
Show sentence reading and meaning
shàng tái zhī qián， tā huā le yì diǎn shí jiān huà zhuāng。
She spent a little time putting on makeup before going on stage.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 妆
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.
庄
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers 土. Compare the lower 土 with the 王 in other covered shapes.
村庄
Show word reading and meaning
cūnzhuāng
village
村庄 is a village. 庄稼 is a different word using the same character.
Read a sentence
这条河经过几个小村庄。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè tiáo hé jīng guò jǐ gè xiǎo cūn zhuāng。
This river flows through several small villages.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 庄
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 株 count, and what does 诸多 add to a description?
Check and learn
Words: 株 zhū — measure word for individual plants; 诸多 zhūduō — many; numerous, in formal wording; 砖 zhuān — brick; 化妆 huàzhuāng — put on makeup; 村庄 cūnzhuāng — village. 株 counts individual plants; 枝 can count flower stems/branches. 诸多 is many without a precise count, 砖 brick, 化妆 makeup and 村庄 village.
Try a new context
花园里有三株玫瑰，桌上有三枝剪下来的花。
Are six whole plants reported? Use 剪下来 (jiǎn xiàlái), cut off.
Compare your interpretation
No. There are three whole rose plants in the garden and three cut flower stems on the table. 株 and 枝 count different things; the sentence does not report six plants.
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.
387. Strength, tracking and catching
Distinguish observing movement from capturing an animal.
壮
Learn the shape and a useful word
丬 stands beside 士. Compare 妆 and its 女 on the right.
强壮
Show word reading and meaning
qiángzhuàng
physically strong; robust
强 is qiáng in 强壮, physically strong, unlike qiǎng in 勉强.
Read a sentence
经常锻炼让他的身体更强壮。
Show sentence reading and meaning
jīng cháng duàn liàn ràng tā de shēn tǐ gèng qiáng zhuàng。
Regular exercise has made him physically stronger.
Learn the 6 strokes · write 壮
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.
椎
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 隹. Compare the same 隹 beside 纟 in 维.
颈椎
Show word reading and meaning
jǐngzhuī
cervical vertebrae; the neck section of the spine
椎 is zhuī in 颈椎. Other words using 椎 can have another reading.
Read a sentence
这张图展示了颈椎的位置。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè zhāng tú zhǎn shì le jǐng zhuī de wèi zhì。
This diagram shows the location of the cervical vertebrae.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 椎
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.
捉
Learn the shape and a useful word
扌 stands beside 足. Compare the full 足 with its narrow side form in 跳.
捉
Show word reading and meaning
zhuō
to catch or capture
捉 means catch/capture. A chase alone does not establish a successful catch.
Read a sentence
小猫正在捉老鼠。
Show sentence reading and meaning
xiǎo māo zhèng zài zhuō lǎo shǔ。
The kitten is catching mice.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 捉
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.
棕
Learn the shape and a useful word
木 stands beside 宗. Compare the same 宗 beside 足 in 踪.
棕色
Show word reading and meaning
zōngsè
brown
棕色 is brown. The whole colour word differs from the food name 粽子.
Read a sentence
她买了一个棕色的书包。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā mǎi le yí gè zōng sè de shū bāo。
She bought a brown schoolbag.
Learn the 12 strokes · write 棕
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.
踪
Learn the shape and a useful word
足 stands beside 宗. Compare 棕 with 木 and 粽 with 米.
跟踪
Show word reading and meaning
gēnzōng
track; follow the progress or movement of something
跟踪 means track/follow movement or progress, not automatically catch or complete something.
Read a sentence
这个系统可以跟踪包裹的位置。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge xì tǒng kě yǐ gēn zōng bāo guǒ de wèi zhì。
This system can track a parcel's location.
Learn the 15 strokes · write 踪
Watch the direction and order. Use “Next stroke” to go slowly, then try writing with the model hidden. On paper, copy once, cover the model, write once, and compare.
Open this panel to load the model.
The writing check compares your strokes with this model. A completed trace is practice, rather than proof of independent handwriting. Your strokes stay on this page.
The model's font shape can differ from the reading font. Compare stroke structure and proportions rather than font styling.
Try with the help closed: Recall the five selected words. How is 强 read in 强壮, and how do 跟踪 and 捉 differ?
Check and learn
Words: 强壮 qiángzhuàng — physically strong; robust; 颈椎 jǐngzhuī — cervical vertebrae; the neck section of the spine; 捉 zhuō — to catch or capture; 棕色 zōngsè — brown; 跟踪 gēnzōng — track; follow the progress or movement of something. 强壮 uses qiáng for physical strength, unlike qiǎng in 勉强. 跟踪 tracks movement/progress; 捉 catches. 颈椎 uses 椎 zhuī and 棕色 is brown.
Try a new context
研究人员跟踪动物的活动，没有把它捉住。
Was the animal captured? Use 研究人员 (yánjiū rényuán), researchers.
Compare your interpretation
No. Its activity was tracked, but it was not caught. 跟踪 is monitoring/following movement; it does not establish 捉住.
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.
388. Food, music and a drilling action
Distinguish listening from performing and read 钻 in the selected action.
粽
Learn the shape and a useful word
米 stands beside 宗. Compare the same right side in 棕 and 踪.
粽子
Show word reading and meaning
zòngzi
zongzi; rice wrapped in leaves, often with a filling
粽子 is zòngzi, rice wrapped in leaves, with neutral zi; it is not a colour word.
Read a sentence
端午节时，我们一起包粽子。
Show sentence reading and meaning
duān wǔ jié shí， wǒ men yì qǐ bāo zòng zi。
During the Dragon Boat Festival, we make leaf-wrapped rice dumplings together.
Learn the 14 strokes · write 粽
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.
奏
Learn the shape and a useful word
Crossing upper horizontals and spreading strokes sit above a 天-like lower section. Compare 奉 and its different bottom.
演奏
Show word reading and meaning
yǎnzòu
to perform music on an instrument
演奏 means perform music on an instrument. Listening to music is a different activity.
Read a sentence
她为大家演奏了一首钢琴曲。
Show sentence reading and meaning
tā wèi dà jiā yǎn zòu le yī shǒu gāng qín qǔ。
She played a piano piece for everyone.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 奏
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.
祖
Learn the shape and a useful word
礻 stands beside 且. Compare the same 且 beside 阝 in 阻.
祖先
Show word reading and meaning
zǔxiān
ancestor
祖先 is ancestor. The word does not name one exact generation without further context.
Read a sentence
这个展览介绍了祖先的生活方式。
Show sentence reading and meaning
zhè ge zhǎn lǎn jiè shào le zǔ xiān de shēng huó fāng shì。
This exhibition introduces the way our ancestors lived.
Learn the 9 strokes · write 祖
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.
钻
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 stands beside 占. Compare 砖 and its different left/right parts.
钻
Show word reading and meaning
zuān
to drill or bore a hole
The selected 钻 is zuān, drill a hole. Other words can use zuàn.
Read a sentence
工人在木板上钻了一个孔。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gōng rén zài mù bǎn shàng zuān le yí gè kǒng。
The workers drilled a hole in the wooden board.
Learn the 10 strokes · write 钻
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.
罪
Learn the shape and a useful word
罒 sits above 非. Compare the same 非 above 车 in 辈.
罪
Show word reading and meaning
zuì
crime; guilt for wrongdoing
罪 concerns crime or guilt for wrongdoing; an accusation alone does not establish guilt.
Read a sentence
故事中的法官认定他有罪。
Show sentence reading and meaning
gù shi zhōng de fǎ guān rèn dìng tā yǒu zuì。
The judge in the story found him guilty.
Learn the 13 strokes · write 罪
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 演奏 and 祖先 mean, and how is 钻 read for drilling?
Check and learn
Words: 粽子 zòngzi — zongzi; rice wrapped in leaves, often with a filling; 演奏 yǎnzòu — to perform music on an instrument; 祖先 zǔxiān — ancestor; 钻 zuān — to drill or bore a hole; 罪 zuì — crime; guilt for wrongdoing. 演奏 is playing music on an instrument; 祖先 ancestor. 钻 zuān drills, 粽子 is leaf-wrapped rice with neutral zi, and 罪 concerns crime/guilt in context.
Try a new context
她听完音乐，准备演奏同一首曲子，还没开始弹。
Has she already performed the piece? Use 弹 (tán), play a keyboard/stringed instrument, here.
Compare your interpretation
No. Listening is complete, but performing the same piece is planned and playing has not started. 听完 is not evidence of 演奏 having occurred.
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.