Simplified vs Traditional
There are two standards for writing Chinese characters: simplified and traditional. Simplified characters (简体字 jiǎntǐzì) are currently used in Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Traditional characters (繁體字 fántǐzì) are used in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. At WashU, classes are taught using simplified characters.
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马 馬 mǎ horse |
龟 龜 guī turtle |
这个 這個 zhège this |
吃饭 吃飯 chīfàn eat |
Books on Chinese characters
Below are recommended materials. You can find more books by searching "Chinese characters" in the Library catalog.
For more writing resources, look under the "Online learning tools" in this LibGuide.
250 Essential Chinese Characters by ISBN: 9780804840354Publication Date: 2009-09-10This guide provides writing practice and in-depth explanations of the most basic and commonly used characters in Chinese. Simplified characters.
Beginning Chinese Characters by ISBN: 9780804845076Publication Date: 2018-12-18A textbook with an emphasis on writing Chinese characters. Each chapter, it provides short readings, and then teaches the new characters found in the reading and gives printable space to practice. Simplified characters.
Intermediate Chinese Characters by ISBN: 9780804846639Publication Date: 2021-11-09A sequel to the book above.
Mandarin Chinese Characters Made Easy by ISBN: 9780804843850Publication Date: 2016-10-18This book uses simple illustrations to help students remember Chinese characters. It also includes printable practice space. Simplified characters.
