Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Stroke order refers to the specific sequence and direction in which strokes are written when forming Chinese characters. It is important for proper character formation, readability, and aesthetic appeal.
Related terms
Radicals: Radicals are basic components of Chinese characters that often carry meaning or provide clues about pronunciation. Understanding radicals can help with recognizing and writing characters correctly.
Pinyin: Pinyin is a system of romanization used to represent Mandarin Chinese pronunciation using the Latin alphabet. It helps learners associate sounds with characters and aids in language learning.
Character Components: Character components are smaller elements within Chinese characters that contribute to their overall meaning or sound. Recognizing common components can assist in understanding and memorizing new characters.