Chinese characters are written according to certain rules:

1. Top first, bottom last — Write the top part of a character before the bottom part.
2. Left first, right second — Write the left side before the right side.
3. Outside before inside — Write the outer frame before the inside parts.
4. Close last — Write enclosing parts (like 口) last.

听 (tīng) — listen — 7 strokes

This character means "listen" or "hear."

1. Vertical stroke (丨)
2. Horizontal stroke (一)
3. Vertical stroke (丨)
4. Mouth radical (口)

Example sentence:

我听老师说话。
Wǒ tīng lǎoshī shuōhuà.
I listen to the teacher speak.

学 (xué) — study — 8 strokes

This character means "study" or "learn."

1. Top part (冖)
2. Vertical stroke (丨)
3. Dot (丶)
4. Bottom part (子)

Example sentence:

我学中文。
Wǒ xué zhōngwén.
I study Chinese.

爸 (bà) — father — 8 strokes

This character means "father" or "dad."

1. Top part (父)
2. Bottom part (巴)

Example sentence:

我爸是老师。
Wǒ bà shì lǎoshī.
My father is a teacher.

1. Watch carefully — Look at how each stroke is drawn.
2. Trace first — Trace over the character several times.
3. Write from memory — Try writing without looking.
4. Check your strokes — Count that you have the right number of strokes (7 or 8).
5. Ask for help — If a stroke looks wrong, ask your teacher.

When writing Chinese characters with seven to eight components:

• Take your time with each stroke
• Keep strokes even in size
• Make sure strokes do not touch each other
• Use the stroke order rules to help you remember

In Tanzania, if you are learning Chinese to do business with Chinese traders at the Dar es Salaam port or to work in tourism in Zanzibar, you may need to read and write Chinese characters on product labels, business cards, or restaurant menus. For example, knowing how to write 学 (xué — study) and 里 (lǐ — inside) helps you recognize shops that offer Chinese language lessons in Arusha or signboards in Chinese restaurants in Mwanza.