Stroke order, step by step
Each character is split into its ordered strokes, so you write it the way a native hand does instead of copying a shape.
Free to start — no card needed
Stop memorising characters. Start reading them.
Every character on HANLAOSHU is broken into strokes, radicals, and a reason to remember it. Built for Vietnamese learners from the first lesson to HSK 4.
Character breakdown
Pick a character to see how a HANLAOSHU lesson breaks it down.
xuéTone 2
to study, to learn
- Radical
- 子
- HSK level
- HSK 1
- 8 strokes
Used in
学习xuéxí— to study
Catalog at a glance
34
Characters in the library
Each one broken into strokes and radicals
152
Lessons written
Short sessions built for a daily habit
8
Courses published
From first characters to HSK 4
4
Proficiency levels
A clear path with no gaps
Practice
Write the character, stroke by stroke
Watch the stroke order, then trace it yourself. Every stroke you draw is checked as you go, so a stroke going the wrong way is corrected immediately.
0/? strokes traced
xuéto study, to learn
Loading stroke data.
Tracing works with a mouse, a stylus, or a finger. The drawing area is not reachable with a keyboard.
Method
Four ideas behind every HANLAOSHU lesson
The app is built around how characters actually work, not around a flashcard pile with a streak counter.
Radical logic
Learn the building blocks once and reuse them everywhere. The 214 radicals turn thousands of characters into patterns.
Spaced repetition
Characters you struggle with come back sooner, ones you know fade into the background. Reviews adapt to your recall.
Mnemonics for Vietnamese speakers
Tone comparisons and sound-alike hooks are written for Vietnamese ears, not translated from an English course.
Courses
Start with the course that matches where you are
Every course is a set of short lessons, a character list you can review, and checkpoints that prove what you learned.
- HSK 1 — First CharactersFree
Chinese from Zero
Your first 150 characters, stroke by stroke
Start with tones and stroke order, then build up to reading and writing your first full sentences by hand.
- Lessons
- 24 lessons
- Characters taught
- 150 characters
- Estimated time
- 4h
- HSK 1 — First Characters$12.90
Everyday Characters
The signs, prices, and menus you meet daily
Character recognition built around real situations: ordering food, reading prices, and following street signs.
- Lessons
- 18 lessons
- Characters taught
- 120 characters
- Estimated time
- 3h
- HSK 2 — Everyday Reading$19.90
Reading Real Sentences
From single characters to full paragraphs
Sentence patterns, measure words, and reading drills that turn isolated characters into fluent reading.
- Lessons
- 22 lessons
- Characters taught
- 180 characters
- Estimated time
- 4h 20m
Curriculum
A single path from your first stroke to HSK 4
Levels unlock in order. Each one tells you exactly how many characters you will be able to read when you finish it.
- 1
HSK 1 — First Characters
Read your first 300 characters
Sound system, stroke order, and the characters you meet in every first conversation.
- 2 courses
- 42 lessons
- 270 characters
- 2
HSK 2 — Everyday Reading
Handle signs, menus, and messages
High-frequency characters for daily life, plus the grammar patterns that carry them.
- 2 courses
- 38 lessons
- 270 characters
- 3
HSK 3 — Connected Text
Read short passages without pausing
Radical families, compound words, and reading practice on short authentic texts.
- 2 courses
- 38 lessons
- 480 characters
- 4
HSK 4 — Longer Texts
Read articles and write by hand
Abstract vocabulary, formal register, and handwriting practice on longer passages.
- 2 courses
- 34 lessons
- 540 characters
FAQ
Questions learners ask before starting
Do I need to know any Chinese to start?
No. The first course assumes zero Chinese and teaches pinyin alongside characters, so you can pronounce what you read from lesson one.
How much time does a lesson take?
A lesson runs five to ten minutes: a handful of new characters, a short writing practice, then a review of what is due today.
Simplified or traditional characters?
Simplified is the default because it is what is used in mainland China. Traditional variants are shown next to each character where they differ.
What makes HANLAOSHU different from other apps?
Explanations are written for Vietnamese speakers, and the focus stays on reading and writing characters instead of gamified streaks.
Is there a free plan?
The first level is free forever. Paid levels unlock the full character library, offline reviews, and writing feedback.
Get started
Your first character is five minutes away
Create a free account and start the first level today. No card, no trial countdown, no pressure.
- The first level is free forever
- Nothing to cancel, there is no subscription
- Works on phone, tablet, and desktop