Every character
begins with a stroke.

Move from left to right. Keep the line steady and the two ends balanced.

Begin at the lower left and move up to the right. Finish with a light, pointed tip.

Travel to the right, pause at the end, then make a short hook down and left.

Move right, then turn into a downward sweep toward the left. Keep the turn connected.

Write across, pause at the corner, then move downward without lifting your pen.

Move right, turn down, and finish with a small upward hook toward the left.

Write across, turn downward, then finish with a short rising movement to the right.

Follow the horizontal opening through two connected changes of direction. Distinguish each corner.

Start across, turn down, then round the lower bend. Let the curved section flow smoothly.

Write across and down, curve to the right, then finish with a short upward hook.

Start horizontally, continue along a slanted downward curve, then hook upward at the end.

Connect the horizontal start to a slanted bend. Keep the final hook distinct from the curve.

Begin with a horizontal line and follow three connected turns. Plan the space for every segment.

Follow the horizontal opening through two turns, then taper the final sweep toward the lower left.

Move across, fall to the left, round the bend, and finish with a hook. Keep the entire sequence connected.

Keep three successive turns compact, then finish with a hook. Trace the route before writing it.

Move from top to bottom. Keep the stroke upright and control its length.

Write downward, pause near the bottom, then flick a short hook toward the upper left.

Move down first, then change direction into a short rising stroke to the right.

Start downward and turn right at the bottom. Make one continuous stroke with a clear corner.

Move down, then curve smoothly to the right. A rounded bend has a different feel from a sharp turn.

Begin vertically, then bend toward the left. Watch the direction of the lower curve.

Move down, round the bend to the right, then finish with a small upward hook.

Begin downward and connect two changes of direction. Keep both turns within the character’s space.

Begin vertically, make a turn, and finish with a left-falling sweep. Keep the final diagonal clear.

Connect the vertical opening, angular turn, curved section, and final hook as one movement.

Begin at the upper right and sweep toward the lower left. Gradually lighten the ending.

Begin with a near-vertical descent, then let the stroke sweep toward the lower left.

Follow a left-falling stroke and finish with a short hooked movement. Pay attention to the final tip.

Sweep down and left, then turn toward the right. Keep the second segment attached to the first.

Move down and left, then change direction into a short dot-like descent to the right.

Make a short, controlled mark. Give it a direction and shape rather than treating it as a round spot.

Sweep down toward the right, gradually broaden the stroke, then lighten the final tip.

Connect a rising opening to a right-falling finish. The shape can vary with the character and typeface.

Follow a long slanting curve down and right, then finish with a short upward hook.

Keep the curve low and broad, then turn upward at the end. Compare the wide shape with other hooks.

Follow a curved downward stroke and finish with a small hook. Avoid turning the curve into a straight line.

Follow a closed circular movement. It appears in 〇 (líng), the Chinese numeral zero.