Browse "HSK2" Characters

Every character has an origin. Discover the pictographs, myths, and history behind each Chinese character — with pinyin, stroke order, HSK level, and audio pronunciation.

This 3-stroke character began as a sacred symbol o

dòng

Originally a bronze-age glyph showing the grueling

Originally a ritual staff in a mouth — now the mo

jiù

Originally a pictograph of 'approaching a vessel',

dào

Originally an arrow striking its target — now the

yāo

This character began as a pictograph of hands grip

This 'use' character began as a kneeling person of

wéi

Originally a hand guiding an elephant — now a 4-s