Rules help, but the animation is the final answer for each character.
Check the stroke order of a character →Type a hanzi and watch each stroke in order
The basic rules of chinese stroke order characters follow
Almost every character obeys the same short list. Learn these first and the order of most new characters becomes predictable.
- Top to bottom: 三 is written from the top line down.
- Left to right: in 川 the left stroke comes first.
- Horizontal before vertical when they cross: 十 starts with the horizontal stroke.
- Left-falling before right-falling: 人 starts with the left stroke.
- Outside before inside: 月 writes the frame first.
- Close the box last: 国 writes the enclosure, the contents, then the bottom line.
- Centre before the two sides: 小 writes the middle stroke first.
- Dots and minor strokes last: 我 finishes with its dot.
Basic chinese characters stroke order examples
The simplest way to practise is with the first characters of the HSK 1 list, such as 一, 人, 大, 中 and 好. Each one shows a different rule at work, and the pattern is easier to see when you compare them side by side.
Once a rule is familiar, use it as a checklist: does this stroke start above or to the left of the others? If not, watch the animation again.
Writing chinese characters stroke order in practice
For stroke order for writing chinese characters by hand, slow tracing works better than fast copying. Turn on hints, write each stroke over the model, then hide the hints and write the whole character from memory. When you have written it correctly a few times, the order becomes automatic.
Stroke order chinese characters exceptions
A few characters break the general rules, and dictionaries occasionally show two accepted orders. When that happens, follow the standard used by your textbook or exam. The tool shows the order taught in mainland China; the character page lists the number of strokes so you can verify your own writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important stroke order rule?
Top to bottom and left to right. Together with horizontal before vertical, they explain most characters.
Is chinese character order stroke the same in traditional characters?
The rules are the same, so the character stroke order chinese teachers expect stays consistent. Individual characters can differ because the traditional form has more strokes.
Do I need to memorise all the rules?
No. Learn the first four, then check new characters in the animation. The rest arrive with practice.
Ready to practise?
Type a hanzi and watch each stroke in order
Check the stroke order of a character →Explore HSK vocabulary, practise with Chinese exercises, or take a NewHSK Mock Exam.