Level 1 · Unit 2 Nature & Elements

How to Write 电 (diàn)

Meaning: "Electricity"
Step-by-Step Stroke Order Diagram
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Detailed Mastery Guide for 电

The character 电 (Traditional: 電) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Electricity". In our Level 1 curriculum, we focus on the 13-step stroke sequence to ensure your handwriting is both fast and accurate.

Writing & Recognition

Proper stroke order is essential for character recognition and legibility. By following the animation above, you can see how the character is built from top to bottom and left to right. This character is often categorized under Nature & Elements, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

电视 / 電視 diànshì din6 si6
television
电话 / 電話 diànhuà din6 waa6
telephone

Radical Breakdown

Breaking it down: The character 电 is built on the radical rain (173). Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.

Etymology & Origins

Derived from the ancient character 電, representing a lightning bolt emerging from rain clouds. The simplified version replaces the complex bottom portion with a simpler symbol.

Example Sentence

Simplified: 我正在看电视。

Wǒ zhèngzài kàn diànshì.

Traditional: 我正在看電視。

Ngo5 zing3 zoi6 hon3 din6 si6.

"I am watching television."

Dialect Pronunciation

In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as diàn. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is din6. Use the audio buttons to hear the subtle tonal differences between the two major Chinese dialects.

Practice & Retention

To move this character from short-term to long-term memory, we recommend using our free practice sheet generator. Writing the character 10-15 times while following the correct sequence is a proven method for mastery.

Quick Self-Check

What is the meaning of '电'?

A) Electricity
B) Water
C) Fire
D) Wind

Other Characters in Level 1 Unit 2

Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!

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