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.
This sequence is arranged for learning, not by syllabus level. It teaches 375 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 10 of 13. Start with one five-character group today. Use the words here first; linked word examples may introduce language you have not studied yet.
55. Connect ideas in a sentence
Learn common connecting words as whole expressions, without treating each character as an English conjunction.
但
Learn the shape and a useful word
亻 on the left and 旦 on the right. The right part is 日 above a horizontal line.
但是 · dàn shì
but; however
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 7 strokes · write 但
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.
虽
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 above 虫. Compare the lower 虫 with the one below the upper part of 蛋.
虽然 · suī rán
although; even though
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 9 strokes · write 虽
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.
因
Learn the shape and a useful word
囗 encloses 大. Compare the inner 大 with the inner 口 in 回.
因为 · yīn wèi
because
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 6 strokes · write 因
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.
然
Learn the shape and a useful word
A complex upper part includes 犬 on the right, above four lower marks 灬. Keep the small dot in 犬 when recalling the shape.
然后 · rán hòu
then; after that
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 12 strokes · write 然
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.
就
Learn the shape and a useful word
京 on the left and 尤 on the right. Compare the left side with the similar upper-and-box structure in 高.
就 · jiù
then; just; already, in selected sentence uses
就 has several common functions. Learn it from a sentence pattern rather than inserting it wherever English has just.
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 12 strokes · write 就
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: Read 因为, 但是 and 然后. Which expression introduces a reason, and which gives the next event?
Check and learn
因为 yīn wèi introduces a reason; 但是 dàn shì introduces a contrast; 然后 rán hòu gives the next event. 虽然 suī rán means although. These useful whole words do not make every use of their characters identical.
56. Prepare to study
Recognise school words and keep their written parts distinct.
笔
Learn the shape and a useful word
⺮ above 毛. Compare the lower part with the central hooked stroke in 手.
笔 · bǐ
pen; pencil; writing implement
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 10 strokes · write 笔
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.
词
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 on the left and 司 on the right. Compare the right part with 司 in 公司.
词 · cí
word; expression
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 7 strokes · write 词
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.
记
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 on the left and 己 on the right. Compare the height of the inner upright in 己 with 已.
记 · jì
remember; record, in selected uses
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 5 strokes · write 记
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.
备
Learn the shape and a useful word
夂 above 田. Compare with 条, whose lower part is 木.
准备 · zhǔn bèi
prepare; get ready
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 8 strokes · write 备
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.
考
Learn the shape and a useful word
A crossed upper part with a sloping stroke sits above a lower turning hook. Compare the lower part with the 匕 in 老.
考试 · kǎo shì
exam; take an exam
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 6 strokes · write 考
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: Which two characters contain 讠 on the left? Read 准备 and 考试.
Check and learn
词 cí and 记 jì have 讠 on the left. 准备 zhǔn bèi means prepare; 考试 kǎo shì means exam or take an exam. 笔 bǐ names a writing implement.
57. Teach, introduce and tell
Read complete action words and keep selected readings separate.
教
Learn the shape and a useful word
孝 on the left and 攵 on the right. The left part includes 子 below an upper crossing.
教 · jiāo
teach
教 is jiāo for teaching someone. It is jiào in words such as 教室, classroom.
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 教
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.
介
Learn the shape and a useful word
A 人-like top sits above two separate upright strokes. Compare with 个, which has only one lower vertical.
介绍 · jiè shào
introduce; introduction
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 4 strokes · write 介
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.
绍
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 on the left and 召 on the right. 召 has 刀 above 口.
介绍 · jiè shào
introduce; introduction
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 8 strokes · write 绍
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.
告
Learn the shape and a useful word
A short sloping stroke and crossing sit above 口. Compare the upper part with the one above 儿 in 先.
告诉 · gào su
tell
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 7 strokes · write 告
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.
诉
Learn the shape and a useful word
讠 on the left and 斥 on the right. Notice the small dot in 斥 when comparing it with 斤.
告诉 · gào su
tell
诉 is neutral su in 告诉. It has a full-tone reading sù in other words.
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 7 strokes · write 诉
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: Read 介绍 and 告诉. Which expression means tell? How is 教 read when it means teach?
Check and learn
介绍 jiè shào means introduce; 告诉 gào su means tell. 教 is jiāo for teach, while 教室 jiào shì uses jiào. Learn the reading from the complete word and use.
58. Shops, meals and a ticket
Recognise practical everyday nouns and compare two different enclosures.
店
Learn the shape and a useful word
广 covers 占. Compare with 床, where 广 covers 木.
商店 · shāng diàn
shop; store
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 8 strokes · write 店
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.
馆
Learn the shape and a useful word
饣 on the left and 官 on the right. Notice the roof and enclosed lower shape of 官.
饭馆 · fàn guǎn
restaurant
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 馆
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.
票
Learn the shape and a useful word
覀 above 示. The lower 示 has two upper horizontal strokes over a central hook and small side strokes.
票 · piào
ticket
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 票
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.
酒
Learn the shape and a useful word
氵 on the left and 酉 on the right. The right enclosure includes a small inner horizontal line and turning upper strokes.
酒 · jiǔ
alcoholic drink; alcohol
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 10 strokes · write 酒
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.
肉
Learn the shape and a useful word
An outer enclosure contains two smaller 人-like shapes, one above the other. Compare the inside with the inner 大 in 因.
肉 · ròu
meat
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 6 strokes · write 肉
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: Read 商店 and 饭馆. Which word names a restaurant? Which character has 饣 on the left?
Check and learn
饭馆 fàn guǎn names a restaurant and contains 馆, which has 饣 on the left. 商店 shāng diàn means shop. 票 piào means ticket; 肉 ròu means meat.
59. Coffee and colours
Read a two-character word and distinguish two characters that share 口.
咖
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 on the left and 加 on the right. 加 itself has 力 beside 口.
咖啡 · kā fēi
coffee
咖 is kā in 咖啡. Do not infer all its readings from the 加 on the right.
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 8 strokes · write 咖
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.
啡
Learn the shape and a useful word
口 on the left and 非 on the right. Compare the right part with the 加 in 咖.
咖啡 · kā fēi
coffee
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 啡
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.
红
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 on the left and 工 on the right. Compare the right part with the 合 in 给.
红色 · hóng sè
red; the colour red
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 6 strokes · write 红
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.
黑
Learn the shape and a useful word
An upper enclosed crossing and lower horizontal lines sit above four marks 灬. Check the entire shape rather than recalling only the dots.
黑色 · hēi sè
black; the colour black
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 12 strokes · write 黑
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.
绿
Learn the shape and a useful word
纟 on the left and 录 on the right. The right part has a 彐-shaped top and spreading lower strokes.
绿色 · lǜ sè
green; the colour green
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 绿
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: Which two characters together mean coffee? What left-hand part do 红 and 绿 share?
Check and learn
咖啡 kā fēi means coffee. 红 and 绿 share 纟 on the left. 红色 hóng sè means red; 黑色 hēi sè means black; 绿色 lǜ sè means green.
60. Pace yourself and check understanding
Read words about speed, tiredness and understanding while comparing 心-related shapes.
累
Learn the shape and a useful word
田 above 糸. Notice the central hook and small lower side strokes in the bottom part.
累 · lèi
tired
累 is lèi for tired. It has different readings in some other words.
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 11 strokes · write 累
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.
慢
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 on the left and 曼 on the right. Notice 日 near the top of the right-hand part.
慢 · màn
slow
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 14 strokes · write 慢
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.
快
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 on the left and 夬 on the right. Compare with 块, which has 土 beside the same right part.
快 · kuài
fast; quick
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 7 strokes · write 快
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.
懂
Learn the shape and a useful word
忄 on the left and 董 on the right. The right part has 艹 above 重.
懂 · dǒng
understand
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 15 strokes · write 懂
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.
错
Learn the shape and a useful word
钅 on the left and 昔 on the right. The right part has an upper crossing above 日.
错 · cuò
wrong; mistaken
Find words with this character, examples and available audio
Learn the 13 strokes · write 错
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: Which word means understand, 懂 or 慢? Which three characters have 忄 on the left?
Check and learn
懂 dǒng means understand; 慢 màn means slow. 慢, 快 and 懂 have 忄 on the left. 累 lèi means tired; 错 cuò means wrong or mistaken.
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.