Unlocking Chinese Characters - Stroke Order and Basic Characters
Delving into the rich history and intricate artistry of the Chinese script, which spans thousands of years, reveals a language comprising over 80,000 characters. Some characters are deceptively simple, while others boast intricate designs composed of 20 strokes or more. Chinese characters have evolved through the ages, culminating in the simplified versions widely used in mainland China today. While mastering the art of writing in Chinese may seem daunting, understanding the principles of Chinese stroke order can significantly enhance your command of this ancient writing system and expedite the memorization of characters. In this article, we explore the process of learning to write Chinese characters by adhering to fundamental stroke order rules, with additional support from Chinese writing apps.
Key Guidelines for Chinese Stroke Order
Mastering the stroke order of Chinese characters is imperative for developing legible and efficient handwriting, whether completing a form manually or consulting a dictionary app, which may insist on the correct stroke order.
While stroke order may exhibit variations based on calligraphic style or regional conventions, there are essential rules and principles to follow when learning to write in Chinese, as outlined below with accompanying illustrations.
This guide primarily focuses on simplified Chinese characters, although most characters discussed are common to both simplified and traditional Chinese scripts.
Top to Bottom
Numerous Chinese characters are written from top to bottom. For example, the character 会 (huì – meeting / can or will) has multiple "layers," with strokes 1 and 2 forming the top "layer," strokes 3 and 4 completing the middle section, and the bottom "layer" drawn last.
Left to Right
When a character comprises multiple components, writing from left to right is a key rule. For instance, the character 叫 (jiào – call) has left and right components, with the left side completed before moving on to the right side.
Left Vertical Strokes
Before Top Horizontal Strokes In characters with a box shape, left vertical strokes are written from top to bottom first, followed by top horizontal strokes. For example, the character 日 (rì – sun) follows this pattern.
Left Falling Strokes
Before Right Falling Strokes Left falling strokes precede right falling strokes. For instance, in the character 人 (rén – person), the left side is written before the right side.
Outside to Inside
For characters with an enclosing element or box-like structure, the outer part is typically written before the internal strokes. In the character 间 (jiān – between), the outer strokes are drawn before the enclosed strokes.
Crossing Strokes Last
Strokes that cross multiple other strokes are written last. Examples include the vertical line in the character 半 (bàn – half) and the vertical line in the character 中 (zhōng – center).
Central Strokes
First In characters with a central "hook" down the center and "wings" on each side, draw the central stroke from top to bottom first, then complete the rest of the character from left to right. Examples include 小 (xiǎo – small) and 水 (shuǐ – water).
Horizontal Strokes
Before Vertical Strokes Horizontal lines precede vertical lines in Chinese characters. Characters such as 十 (shí – ten) follow this rule.
Bottom Enclosing Strokes Last
When closing off a square within a character, the final enclosing line is drawn last. In characters like 因 (yīn – cause), the bottom horizontal stroke is drawn last to complete the character.
Upper-Left Minor Strokes First
Minor strokes at the top or top-left of the character are written first. For example, in the character 为 (wèi – for), the top-left stroke comes first.
Internal or Upper-Right Minor Strokes Last
While upper-left minor strokes are written first, any minor strokes on the inside of the character or in the upper-right portion are written last. For example, the character 发 (fā – send) has a minor stroke at its top-right corner, written last.
Bottom-Left Enclosures Last
For characters with bottom or bottom-left enclosing strokes, draw the inside elements before the enclosing strokes. Examples include 达 (dá – to reach), 凶 (xiōng – fierce), and 进 (jìn – to enter).
More Insights into Writing Chinese Characters
Adhering to these rules is highly recommended for Chinese learners to ensure legible handwriting, effective communication, and comprehension of characters. Although some rules may initially appear confusing, consistent practice and attention to detail will enhance your understanding and make the process more intuitive.
For those interested in delving deeper into Chinese characters, consider exploring "A Brief History of Chinese Characters" for insights into the historical origins and development of this ancient writing system. Additionally, uncover the intricacies of "14 of the Hardest Chinese Characters," which may challenge but ultimately intrigue you (don't let complexity discourage you from learning!).
Exploring Top Apps for Learning Chinese Stroke Order
Mastering the art of writing Chinese characters requires dedicated practice and repetition. Traditional methods, such as pen and paper, as well as digital notepads and wipe-clean boards, offer tangible options. However, some of the most effective tools for learning Chinese stroke order are purpose-built apps. Here are some popular and user-friendly apps designed to teach correct stroke order and make Chinese symbols accessible, even for beginners.
The Chairman’s Bao
Recently launching a new app for learning Chinese, The Chairman’s Bao offers interactive features for effective on-the-go study. The app includes Chinese character stroke order animations and writing practice tools, covering both simplified and traditional writing systems. Users can save words to their word bank for later review and receive personalized stats after writing Chinese characters.
Pleco
An indispensable digital tool for Chinese learners, Pleco features a comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary with detailed definitions, stroke order animations, and example sentences. The app provides valuable features, and additional add-ons are available for purchase.
Skritter
Skritter offers Chinese writing courses guiding users through basics like radicals, tones, and stroke order. The spaced repetition system helps reinforce characters, and the platform's "draw the tone" exercises are a unique feature.
HelloChinese
The HelloChinese app combines games, vocabulary tests, and speaking practice dialogues. Users can record themselves speaking new characters and practice writing by following on-screen stroke-order guides.
TOFU
Learn Available as a browser-based application and for mobile devices, TOFU Learn employs a spaced repetition system to teach Chinese characters' correct stroke order. Users can review character meanings and pronunciation concurrently.
Understanding Chinese stroke order is a foundational step in writing Chinese characters proficiently. Learning the correct strokes unveils the logical structure of the writing system, streamlining the process of acquiring new characters. This not only enhances your Chinese reading skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of Chinese calligraphy.
While initially intimidating, the rewards of mastering Chinese writing are substantial and enduring. Thanks to the highlighted apps in this article, practicing stroke order in Chinese has never been more accessible.