Chinese character stroke order animation for every hanzi
Chinese characters are built stroke by stroke, and the order matters: it keeps handwriting balanced, makes characters faster to write and helps you remember them. This chinese character stroke order animation plays each stroke in sequence, at slow, normal or fast speed, so you can pause, replay and copy the movement.
Search a character, or pick one from the HSK lists. The page shows pinyin, meaning, the number of strokes and every stroke in order, so the stroke order you learn is tied to the sound and the word. It is animated chinese characters stroke order for the whole HSK vocabulary and beyond.
Chinese character stroke order app and dictionary in one place
Whether you need stroke order for chinese characters in HSK 1 or for a rare hanzi from a novel, think of it as a chinese character stroke order dictionary that also lets you practise. It works in the browser as a chinese character stroke order app on your phone or laptop, with nothing to install. There is also a free browser extension that opens the same animation for any hanzi you select on a web page.
If you need a printable version, the worksheet generator turns any character into a practice sheet with faint guide strokes.
How to write chinese characters stroke order rules
Most characters follow a few dependable rules: top before bottom, left before right, horizontal before vertical, outside before inside, and close the box last. The rules never replace checking a character you are unsure about, but they explain why the animation looks the way it does.
Use the tool as a chinese character stroke order generator for a new word: search it, watch the strokes twice, then trace it on screen. Draw hanzi with a finger or a mouse and the tool marks each stroke as right or wrong.
- Watch the animation twice before you write.
- Trace with hints on, then try again with hints off.
- Repeat the character the next day; short daily practice beats one long session.
Simplified chinese characters stroke order and traditional forms
The tool covers simplified chinese characters stroke order and the traditional forms used in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Each character page lists both when they differ. For chinese character writing stroke order that follows the standard used in mainland textbooks, use the simplified form; the animation data follows the widely used Make Me a Hanzi dataset.
Frequently asked questions
Does stroke order really matter?
Yes. Correct order makes characters legible and consistent, speeds up handwriting and helps memory. Native writers and exam markers both expect it.
Is there a free chinese character stroke order app?
This site works as one in any browser, on phone and desktop, with no account. The animation, drawing quiz and worksheets are free.
Can I draw hanzi and check my strokes?
Yes. Open a character, choose practice and draw each stroke. The tool tells you when a stroke is wrong and can show hints.
How do I look up a character I cannot type?
Use the drawing pad on the home page: sketch the character and pick it from the suggestions, or search by pinyin.
Explore HSK vocabulary, practise with Chinese exercises, or take a NewHSK Mock Exam.