点 (Diǎn) – Dot:
Writing: Start with a light press of the brush, then gradually increase pressure before lifting it off the paper quickly.
Tip: The stroke should taper off at the end, with a subtle, sharp finish.
Example Character: 汉 (Hàn)
横 (Héng) – Horizontal Stroke:
Writing: Begin by pressing the brush down lightly, then drag it horizontally from left to right. Lift the brush slightly at the end to create a smooth, upward finish.
Tip: The stroke should be straight and steady, with a slight upward flick at the end.
Example Character: 一 (yī, one)
竖 (Shù) – Vertical Stroke:
Writing: Start at the top, pressing down as you move the brush downward. Keep the stroke straight and uniform in width.
Tip: The stroke should be even, with no wobbling, and should end with a firm finish.
Example Character: 十 (shí, ten)
撇 (Piě) – Leftward Stroke:
Writing: Start at the top right and gently press the brush as you move downward toward the left, gradually lifting the brush to taper the stroke.
Tip: It should be smooth and angled. Be careful not to make it too thick or too sharp.
Example Character: 人 (rén, person)
捺 (Nà) – Rightward Stroke:
Writing: Start lightly on the top left, moving diagonally toward the bottom right. Apply more pressure as you go and finish by lifting the brush upward slightly at the end.
Tip: Make sure the stroke has a graceful, widening curve, with a strong finish.
Example Character: 大 (dà, big)
横钩 (Héng Gōu) – Horizontal Hook:
Writing: Start with a horizontal stroke from left to right, then add a small hook at the end curving downward.
Tip: The hook should be sharp and clean without excessive rounding.
Example Character: 皮(pí, skin)
竖钩 (Shù Gōu) – Vertical Hook:
Writing: Start with a vertical stroke, then curve to the right at the bottom to create a hook.
Tip: The vertical stroke should be straight, and the hook should be sharp and defined.
Example Character: 子 (zǐ, child)
竖弯钩 (Shù Wān Gōu) – Vertical Bend with Hook:
Writing: Begin with a vertical stroke, then bend it slightly to the left and finish with a small hook.
Tip: Keep the vertical portion straight and consistent, and ensure the curve is smooth with a sharp hook at the end.
Example Character: 儿 (ér, son)