Chinese characters are built out of smaller characters. Each component carries a mnemonic symbol - one concrete object that stands in for it - and a mnemonic story hands those objects to the person and the place that stand for the pronunciation. Learn a component once and every character that reuses it gets easier.
Make it your learning target and MandarinBanana works out the shortest route to it: the two sounds its syllable is built from, then the components of the character itself, one short step at a time. No account needed to start.
Character component without intrinsic meaning
Note how this character as a component of other characters only appears at the top.
Matthias, almost 3 years ago
A pennant with bold red and white stripes flutters brightly in the wind, its pointed end rippling with energy. The fabric is securely fastened to a smooth wooden pole, polished from handling and weather.
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