How to write Chinese

To write Chinese characters is not an easy task. Many say that Chinese is perhaps one of the most difficult languages to learn, let alone to master it. However, there are a few good tips for you before you start learning Chinese.

First, you have to realize there are two types of Chinese characters: traditional and simplified. "What's the difference?" I hear you asking.

Today, Hong Kongers and Taiwanese use traditional Chinese, while the mainland Chinese practice simplified Chinese.

Your First Step To Learn Writing Chinese Characters

Before you learn how to write Chinese, you need to understand what a Chinese character is made up of.

To illustrate this, the best Chinese word to illustrate is the word "FOREVER" [see below].

The pronunciation of the word is "yong3"

This word contains all the essential strokes that any Chinese character may contain.

Let's take a closer look at the symbol above.

Dot, across, straight, hook, and a few other strokes (that I am not too sure how to they should be named ;)

The way to approach writing any Chinese character is that, you start off from the top to bottom, and then left to right.

In this example, we would start from the "dot", complete the middle stroke like the letter "J", then go to the left part > and finish it off the right stroke resembled that of <.

Notice that the left and right stroke is NOT symmetrical of each other. I strongly recommend you take out a piece of paper and try it out. It's fun!

If you could finish the character with 4 strokes from start to finish, you've got it right!

Learn How To Write Chinese (Next Step)

Practise this character a few times in a square. If you can get this one right, you are a step closer in writing Chinese.

If you can lay down the character with 4 strokes and evenly distribute them in a square, you have got it right and may proceed to the next level!

Writing Chinese: The Next Level

Ready for the next step learn how to write Chinese scripts?

Notice how this character has different thickness or weight in its strokes? That indicates the strength you should put on the paper when laying down your pen.

Well, it's not necessary for the sake of communication, but it is the beauty and the art of writing Chinese...

Believe it or not, yours truly get praises from many who say that I do write Chinese beautifully. Ah-hem... pat on my shoulder, may I? :)

"How do you get to that level?" I hear you asking :)

Simple answer? from A LOT OF practice!

I hope you've grabbed a few tips here to help enhancing your Chinese writing learning experience.

Perhaps you would like to show me how you are doing with the exercise above. Or you may have your own Chinese learning story to share. If so, please kindly share your story with us!

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