The standard Chinese characters are made up of individual strokes arranged in a certain way. The form of each stroke is very important for the form of the whole Chinese character. It is therefore necessary to learn proper basic strokes to write acceptable Chinese characters. Once you have spent some time practicing the basic strokes of Chinese characters, you will have done half the job of acquiring a good Chinese writing. Those little twists and turns may seem insignificant, but they have not been put there on a whim. Rest assured that over the past few millennia, Chinese calligraphers have developed a method of writing that is practical, quick and elegant.

The following picture shows basic strokes and gives one sample. I suggest that you practice one or two strokes at a time and write a few hundred a day. Do not start a new stroke until you feel comfortable with the one you are working on. If you practice half an hour a day, you should feel reasonably satisfied with your basic strokes in two to three weeks.

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