Level 2 · Unit 1 Colors & Stationery

How to Write 黑 (hēi)

Meaning: "Black"
Step-by-Step Stroke Order Diagram
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Detailed Mastery Guide for 黑

The character 黑 (Traditional: 黑) is a fundamental part of the Chinese language, representing "Black". In our Level 2 curriculum, we focus on the 12-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 Colors & Stationery, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

黑色 hēisè hak1 sik1
black color
黑夜 hēiyè hak1 je6
dark night

Radical Breakdown

Breaking it down: The character 黑 is built on the radical 黑 (203). Understanding radicals like this is a proven technique for accelerating vocabulary acquisition.

Etymology & Origins

A pictograph of a person covered in soot or fire-burned remains, representing the color black.

Example Sentence

Simplified: 黑夜里看不见东西。

hēiyè lǐ kàn bù jiàn dōngxī.

Traditional: 黑夜裡看不見東西。

hak1 je6 leoi5 hon3 bat1 gin3 dung1 sai1.

"You cannot see things in the dark night."

Dialect Pronunciation

In Mandarin, this character is pronounced as hēi. If you are learning Cantonese, the pronunciation is hak1. 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 '黑'?

A) Black
B) White
C) Red
D) Yellow

Other Characters in Level 2 Unit 1

Hope this tool helps your Chinese learning journey!

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