CHARACTER RECOGNITION · PRONUNCIATION
One Chinese character can have different pronunciations in different words. Learn the meaning first, choose the reading, then practise with sentences and word comparisons.
Practise pronunciation within CSCA Humanities Chinese character recognition: find the word in a sentence, understand its meaning, then choose its reading. You do not need to learn every card at once; start with a few common words and a short set. Colloquial, neutral-tone and specialised uses are provided for comparison, not as an official required list or as entirely introductory vocabulary.
Read the complete sentence, identify the word containing the target character, then choose a reading based on its meaning.
Read each word and compare the target character’s pronunciation. Find the option with a different reading.
For learners who know pinyin and can read basic Chinese sentences. Read the worked example, then apply the same method to a few characters. Accuracy describes this round only. Explaining the meaning and recalling it later gives you another way to check what you remember.
Choose a few characters and compare their common example words. Leave colloquial and specialised uses for reference; you do not need to memorise everything at once.
Choose a character, or begin with the default 15 questions. Learning mode lets you check the explanation after each answer.
Explain what the target word means in the sentence before choosing a pronunciation. After an error, return to the card and compare its uses.
Include some characters you answered correctly as well as mistakes. Cover the answers before recalling them. Try a sentence of your own and explain why its reading fits.
Read each sentence and try replacing 还 with a word of the same meaning before opening the reasoning.
他还在图书馆。
Here 还 means 仍然 (still): he is still at the library. It describes a continuing state, so choose hái.
请把书还给图书馆。
Here 还 means 归还 (return): please return the book to the library. It describes giving something back, so choose huán.
These are teaching examples. Explain the difference between still and return, then choose 还 in the practice selector to check your recall.
Start practiceChoose a character to jump to its card. Practice sets follow question order, not difficulty or exam priority. Start with common meanings; treat colloquial and specialised notes as reference, not required introductory vocabulary. Examples stay in Chinese.
关系、系列、系统
A connection, series or system.
系鞋带、系扣子
To tie or fasten.
How to tell them apart：Ask whether it means tying something: jì in 系鞋带, xì in 关系.
Learning scope：Start with 关系, 系列 and 系统; compare the use in 系鞋带.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice重要、体重、重大
Heavy; weight; important.
重复、重新
Again; to repeat.
How to tell them apart：重复 means doing something again; 重要 means important.
Learning scope：Focus on 重复 versus 重要; this card does not cover every meaning.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice友好、美好、好人
Good, fine or friendly.
爱好、好奇、喜好
To like or be fond of something.
How to tell them apart：Use hào for liking something and hǎo for something good.
Learning scope：Study 爱好, 好奇 and 美好; words such as 好事 need context.
See related paper referencesBack to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice和平、和好
Peace; harmony.
和面
To mix flour with water into dough.
附和、应和
To echo or respond in agreement.
和药、和稀泥
To mix or blend.
和牌
To complete a winning hand in mahjong (specialist usage).
How to tell them apart：Read hé in 和平 and huó in 和面; identify the word first.
Learning scope：Start with 和平; compare 和面, 附和 and 和稀泥. The source reading hú is used in mahjong; it is reference-only and not scored here.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice长短、长久
Long in distance or time.
长大、家长、班长
To grow; a parent, senior or person in charge.
How to tell them apart：Length uses cháng; growing up and leadership use zhǎng.
Learning scope：Compare 长短, 长大 and 班长, then check the whole sentence.
See related paper referencesBack to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice快乐、欢乐
Happy; joyful.
音乐、乐队、乐器
Related to music.
How to tell them apart：Happiness uses lè; music, bands and instruments use yuè.
Learning scope：Start with 乐队 and compare 快乐 and 音乐.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice空间、天空、空中
Empty; sky; space.
有空、空位
Free time or an available place.
How to tell them apart：有空 means having time, with kòng; 空间 and 天空 use kōng.
Learning scope：Start with 空间; learn 有空 as a contrasting phrase in context.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice分别、分手、分数
To divide or distinguish; a score or unit.
充分、本分
Sufficient in 充分; one’s duty in 本分.
How to tell them apart：充分 is chōngfèn; 分别, 分手 and 分数 use fēn.
Learning scope：The key contrast is 充分 versus 分别; do not read 充分 as chōngfēn.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice行业、银行、行列
An industry, an institution or a row.
行走、行动、进行
To walk, act or carry out.
How to tell them apart：行业 uses háng and 行走 uses xíng; 同行 requires context: people in the same line of work, or travelling together.
Learning scope：Practise háng and xíng first. The source also lists héng without context; 道行 commonly has neutral heng in speech (dàoheng). This usage difference is not scored as a single-answer contrast.
See related paper referencesBack to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice获得、取得、赢得
To obtain or gain.
得去、得努力
Must; have to.
跑得快、说得好
A neutral-tone particle connecting a verb to its complement.
How to tell them apart：Use neutral-tone de in 跑得快, dé for obtaining and děi for necessity.
Learning scope：Use grammar to identify neutral tone; the character alone does not determine its reading.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice数据、少数、数学
A number or quantity.
数一数、数苹果
To count one by one.
数见不鲜
Repeatedly; 数见不鲜 means something is so common that it no longer surprises (literary extension).
How to tell them apart：Use shǔ for counting and shù for numbers or quantities.
Learning scope：Focus on counting versus quantity; shuò in 数见不鲜 is an extension outside this practice.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice观看、看望、看书
To look, watch, read or visit.
看门、看守
To guard or look after.
How to tell them apart：Guarding a door uses kān; reading or visiting uses kàn.
Learning scope：Compare 观看 and 看望 with 看门; identify the purpose of the action.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice中国、中间、高中
Middle, inside or a fixed reading in a name.
中奖、命中
To hit a target or win a prize.
How to tell them apart：中奖 uses zhòng for winning; 中间 and 高中 use zhōng.
Learning scope：Start with 高中; compare the verbs 中奖 and 命中.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice教师、教室、教育
The reading used in words such as 教师, 教室 and 教育.
教书、教汉语
Teaching knowledge or a skill, as in 教汉语 and 教书.
How to tell them apart：教 in 教汉语 uses jiāo. 教师, 教室 and 教育 use jiào; pronunciation cannot be decided by word class alone.
Learning scope：Learn complete words: 教 in 教育学生 also uses jiào. An action does not always require jiāo.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice种类、种子
A kind, type or seed.
种植、种花、种地
To plant or cultivate.
How to tell them apart：Kinds use zhǒng; planting uses zhòng.
Learning scope：Focus on 种类 and 种植. The handout also lists chóng for the surname 种; this is reference-only, not scored or treated as required introductory vocabulary.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice处理、相处
To handle something or get along with someone.
各处、到处、住处
A place, location or aspect.
How to tell them apart：处理 uses chǔ; 各处, 到处 and 住处 use chù.
Learning scope：好处 can have a neutral-tone chu. This round uses 各处, 到处 and 住处 to contrast chù with chǔ in 处理.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice相同、相信、互相
相同: the same; 相信: to believe or trust; 互相: each other.
相片、相貌
An appearance or image.
How to tell them apart：A photo in 相片 uses xiàng; 相同, 相信 and 互相 use xiāng.
Learning scope：Start with relational words such as 相同 and 相关; compare 相片.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice回答、答案、答谢
To answer, give a solution or express thanks.
答应、答理
To agree or respond to someone.
How to tell them apart：答应 uses dā; 回答, 答案 and 答谢 use dá.
Learning scope：Start with 答案 and learn 答应 as a complete contrasting word.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice调查、声调、强调
To investigate; a tone; to emphasise.
空调、调整
To adjust or regulate.
How to tell them apart：空调 uses tiáo; 调查, 声调 and 强调 use diào.
Learning scope：Start with 调查 and 强调; compare tiáo in 空调 (air conditioning).
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice中间、空间、民间
Between; a space or domain.
间隔、间断
To separate or interrupt.
How to tell them apart：间隔 uses jiàn; 中间, 空间 and 民间 use jiān.
Learning scope：Compare 空间 and 民间 with 间隔; do not apply the location reading to every word.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice减少、少数、很少
Few or little in quantity.
少年、少女
Young in age.
How to tell them apart：减少 and 少数 refer to quantity and use shǎo; 少年 refers to youth and uses shào.
Learning scope：多少 commonly has neutral-tone shao when asking how much or how many. This round contrasts shǎo in 减少, 少数 and 很少 with shào in 少年.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice我的书、美丽的花
A neutral-tone particle linking a modifier to a noun.
的确
Indeed; truly.
目的、有的放矢
A goal or target.
How to tell them apart：Use neutral de in 我的书, dí in 的确 and dì in 目的.
Learning scope：Start with 的确 and compare the particle and 目的; the readings are not all claimed as Level 1 requirements.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice地区、地位、土地
A place, position or land.
认真地、慢慢地
A neutral-tone particle linking an adverbial modifier to a verb.
How to tell them apart：Check the grammar: 地区 is a noun; 地 in 认真地学习 is a particle.
Learning scope：Start with 地区 and 地位; compare the particle with noun uses.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice会议、社会、体会
A meeting, society or understanding; also ability.
会计
Used in 会计, accounting or an accountant.
How to tell them apart：会议 uses huì; 会计 uses kuài. Recognize the whole word.
Learning scope：Start with 会议, 社会 and 体会; kuài is an extension in the specific word 会计.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice大声、巨大、扩大
Large in size or degree.
大夫
Used in particular titles.
How to tell them apart：大声 uses dà; 大夫, meaning doctor, is dàifu.
Learning scope：Start with 大声, 巨大 and 扩大; 大夫 is a fixed-word extension.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice相当、当时、当老师
Equivalent; at a time; to serve as.
适当、上当
Appropriate; to be deceived.
How to tell them apart：Use dāng in 相当 and dàng in 适当 and 上当.
Learning scope：Start with 相当 and compare 适当; words containing 当 do not all share one reading.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice发表、发明、发挥
To issue, express, invent or bring into play.
理发、发型
Hair.
How to tell them apart：Use fā for publishing an article and fà for a haircut.
Learning scope：Compare 发表, 发明 and 发挥 with 理发; 发 in 头发 is usually neutral-tone fa.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice解决、解释、缓解
To explain, solve or relieve.
押解
To escort a prisoner.
解先生（姓氏）
A surname and certain specialized uses.
How to tell them apart：解决 uses jiě, 押解 uses jiè; the surname 解 is Xiè.
Learning scope：Start with 解决, 解释 and 缓解; 押解 and the surname are recognition extensions.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice积累、累计
To accumulate or add up.
劳累、很累
Tired; fatigued.
累赘
Something burdensome or unnecessary.
How to tell them apart：Use lěi in 积累, lèi in 劳累 and léi in 累赘.
Learning scope：Start with 积累, compare 劳累 and treat 累赘 as vocabulary extension.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice那里、那么、那时
That; referring to something distant or previously mentioned.
那个（口语）、那本书（口语）
A spoken contraction of 那一, commonly before a measure word.
How to tell them apart：Learn nà first; spoken nèi before a measure word does not change the meaning.
Learning scope：nèi is context-bound spoken usage. 那个 permits nàge or nèige; an unspecified single-answer item must not mark either wrong.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice小说、传说、说明
To speak, explain or narrate.
游说
To persuade others to adopt a proposal, as in lobbying.
How to tell them apart：小说 uses shuō and 游说 uses shuì; a persuasive meaning alone does not determine the reading.
Learning scope：Start with 小说 and 传说; 游说 is a fixed-word extension. Classical borrowed readings are outside this card.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice应该、应当
Should; ought to.
反应、回应
To respond, react or agree.
How to tell them apart：Use yīng for obligation and yìng for responding.
Learning scope：Start with 反应 and compare 应该; 应 in 答应 is commonly neutral in speech and is not used for tone testing here.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice电子、子女、子孙
A particle or descendant; a meaning-bearing element.
句子、例子、日子
A neutral-tone suffix in certain nouns.
How to tell them apart：子 is zǐ in 电子 but neutral zi in 句子 and 日子.
Learning scope：Compare 电子邮件, 句子, 例子 and 日子; not every word-final 子 is neutral.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice创作、合作、著作
To create, work or cooperate; a work.
作坊
An artisan workshop.
How to tell them apart：创作 and 合作 use zuò; 作坊 is zuōfang.
Learning scope：Start with 创作, 合作 and 著作; 作坊 is a fixed-word extension.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice称为、行为、成为
To do, become or act as.
为了、为人民服务
For a purpose or on behalf of someone.
How to tell them apart：Use wéi in 成为 and wèi in 为了, which introduces a purpose.
Learning scope：Start with 称为 and 行为; use the sentence to distinguish verb and preposition uses.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice称赞、称为、名称
To praise, call or name.
称心、称职
To suit or be fit for something.
How to tell them apart：称赞 uses chēng; 称心 and 称职 use chèn.
Learning scope：Start with 称赞, 称为 and 名称; extend through 称心 and 称职.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice传播、传说、传统
To pass on or spread.
传记、自传
A biography or autobiography.
How to tell them apart：传播 uses chuán; 传记 uses zhuàn.
Learning scope：Start with 传播, 传说 and 传统; compare the genres 传记 and 自传.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice程度、角度、度过
Degree, angle or passing a period of time.
揣度、审时度势
To estimate or assess.
How to tell them apart：角度 uses dù; 度 in 审时度势 means assessing and is duó.
Learning scope：Start with 程度, 度过 and 角度; 揣度 and 审时度势 are formal extensions.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice试卷、书卷
An examination paper or a book volume.
卷起、卷发
To roll up; curled.
How to tell them apart：An exam paper uses juàn; rolling paper up uses juǎn.
Learning scope：Start with 试卷 and compare the action or shape in 卷起 and 卷发.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice经济、救济
Used in 经济; also to aid or relieve.
济南、济济一堂
The place name Jinan; 济济 describes a crowd.
How to tell them apart：经济 uses jì; 济南 is Jǐnán, and 济济一堂 uses jǐ.
Learning scope：Start with 经济; 济南 is a proper name and 济济一堂 an idiom extension.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice率先、率领
To take the lead or lead a group.
效率、比率
A rate or ratio.
How to tell them apart：率先 and 率领 use shuài; 效率 and 比率 use lǜ.
Learning scope：Start with 率先 and compare 效率; retain ü in lǜ.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice强烈、强调、强大
Strong or intense.
勉强、强迫
To do with difficulty or to force.
倔强
Stubborn; unyielding.
How to tell them apart：Use qiáng in 强大, qiǎng in 勉强 and jiàng in 倔强.
Learning scope：Start with 强调 and 强烈; contrast 勉强 and 倔强 as whole words.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice节省、省份
To save; a province.
反省、省悟
To examine oneself or become aware.
How to tell them apart：节省 and 省份 use shěng; 反省 uses xǐng.
Learning scope：Start with 节省 and 省份; compare the meaning in 反省.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice相似、似乎
Similar; seemingly.
似的
Used in 似的 to mark a comparison.
How to tell them apart：相似 uses sì; 似 in 像……似的 uses shì.
Learning scope：Start with 相似; learn 似的 as a fixed construction rather than guessing from meaning alone.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice挑选、挑水
To select or carry on a shoulder pole.
挑战、挑起（事端）
To provoke, stir up or challenge.
How to tell them apart：挑选 uses tiāo; 挑战 uses tiǎo. Identify the meaning first.
Learning scope：Start with 挑战 and compare 挑选; 挑起 depends on action and context and is not tested in isolation.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice鲜明、新鲜
Distinct, bright or fresh.
鲜有、鲜为人知
Rare; few.
How to tell them apart：鲜明 uses xiān; 鲜有 means rarely found and uses xiǎn.
Learning scope：Start with 鲜明; 鲜有 and 鲜为人知 are formal extensions.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice计划、规划、划分
To plan, organize or divide.
划船、划算
To row; worthwhile.
How to tell them apart：计划 uses huà; 划船 uses huá.
Learning scope：Start with 计划 and compare 划船; do not infer pronunciation from the written shape.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice参加、参与
To take part in an activity.
人参、海参
Used in names such as ginseng and sea cucumber.
参差
Uneven in length or height, in 参差.
How to tell them apart：Learn the three whole words: 参加 cān, 人参 shēn and 参差 cēn.
Learning scope：Start with 参与; the other words extend the comparison and are not all claimed as Level 1 vocabulary.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice薄纸、很薄
Thin; commonly used as a standalone adjective.
薄弱、单薄
Weak or slight, commonly in compound words.
薄荷
The fixed reading in the plant name 薄荷 (mint).
How to tell them apart：Use báo for a thin sheet, bó in 薄弱 and bò in 薄荷.
Learning scope：Compare thinness with 薄弱; learn 薄荷 separately as a fixed word.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice市场、场合、现场
A place, site or setting.
场院、一场雨
A farmyard; a measure word for events such as rain.
How to tell them apart：市场 and 现场 use chǎng; 一场雨 uses cháng.
Learning scope：Rain provides a comparison; 一场比赛 uses chǎng, so the measure word is not always cháng.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice创造、创新、创作
To create, innovate or produce a work.
创伤、创口
A physical or psychological injury.
How to tell them apart：Creating uses chuàng; injury uses chuāng.
Learning scope：Start with creating and innovation; compare the injury sense.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice等待、对待
To wait or treat someone in a certain way.
待在家里、待一会儿
To stay somewhere; a conversational usage.
How to tell them apart：等待 uses dài; staying at home uses dāi.
Learning scope：Ask whether it means staying; the stay sense may also be written 呆.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice担心、承担
To worry or undertake responsibility.
担子、一担水
A carried load, a burden or a measure of a load.
How to tell them apart：担心 uses dān; the load measure in 一担水 uses dàn.
Learning scope：负担 is fùdān; a general idea of burden does not always imply dàn. 一担水 makes the contrast clear.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice奋斗、斗争
To strive or struggle.
北斗星、漏斗
Used in the Big Dipper and funnel names.
How to tell them apart：奋斗 uses dòu; 北斗星 uses dǒu.
Learning scope：Start with 奋斗; compare 北斗星 and 漏斗 without studying historical volume conversions.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice读书、读音、读者
To read; pronunciation; a reader.
句读
A traditional term for breaks within or between written clauses.
How to tell them apart：Reading uses dú; the classical-text term 句读 is jùdòu.
Learning scope：句读 is a classical-text extension; understand its meaning without treating it as compulsory beginner vocabulary.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice华人、中华、华丽
Related to China; splendid.
华山、姓华
Used in Mount Hua and the surname Hua.
How to tell them apart：华人 uses huá; Mount Hua and the surname use huà.
Learning scope：Learn the specific place and surname; not every place name containing 华 uses huà.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice角度、三角形
An angle, a corner or a viewpoint.
角色、主角
A role or a character in drama or life.
How to tell them apart：An angle uses jiǎo; a role or protagonist uses jué.
Learning scope：Focus on angles and roles; words such as 口角 need additional semantic distinctions.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice节目、节日、节省
A programme, festival or saving resources.
节骨眼儿
Colloquial: a critical point or moment.
How to tell them apart：节目 and 节日 use jié; learn colloquial 节骨眼儿 separately with jiē.
Learning scope：节骨眼儿 is a colloquial reference and is not scored in this round; prioritise common syllabus-related words.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice团结、结束、结果
To unite, finish, or the outcome of something.
结实、开花结果
Sturdy; a plant bearing fruit.
How to tell them apart：团结 and an outcome use jié; sturdy things and bearing fruit use jiē.
Learning scope：Context matters: a contest result is jiéguǒ; a tree bearing fruit is jiēguǒ.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice禁止、禁令
To prohibit; a ban.
禁不住、不禁
To withstand; to be unable to help a reaction.
How to tell them apart：Prohibiting uses jìn; being unable to help laughing uses jīn.
Learning scope：Distinguish prohibition from an involuntary response; 不禁 does not mean banning.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice数据、根据、证据
Data, a basis or evidence.
拮据
Short of money; financially constrained.
How to tell them apart：数据 and 根据 use jù; 拮据 is jiéjū.
Learning scope：拮据 is an extension to learn as a whole word, not by copying the sound from 数据.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice落叶、落地
To fall or come down.
丢三落四、落下东西
To omit or leave something behind.
落枕、落炕
A reading in particular colloquial expressions.
How to tell them apart：Falling leaves use luò; leaving an item behind uses là; 落枕 uses lào.
Learning scope：Distinguish falling from leaving something behind; 落枕 is a fixed-word extension.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice规模、模型、模仿
A form, scale, model or imitation.
模样、模具
Appearance; a mould used to shape objects.
How to tell them apart：规模 and 模型 use mó; 模样 and 模具 use mú.
Learning scope：模型 and 模具 are related in meaning but differ in pronunciation; learn the words separately.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice排队、排球、排列
To arrange or form a line; used in volleyball.
排子车
A type of handcart.
How to tell them apart：排队 and 排球 use pái; 排子车 uses pǎi.
Learning scope：排子车 is an uncommon object name for extension, not a benchmark for beginner attainment.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice动画片、照片、片段
A film, photograph or segment.
片儿、相片儿
A reading found in some colloquial, often erhua words.
How to tell them apart：动画片 and 片段 use piàn; some colloquial 片儿 forms use piānr.
Learning scope：piān is register-specific and does not apply to every word with 儿; only clear piàn contexts are scored here.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice切菜、切开
To cut something into parts.
亲切、密切、一切
Warm, close or all.
How to tell them apart：Cutting food uses qiē; 亲切 and 密切 use qiè.
Learning scope：Do not assume every verb uses qiē; compare literal cutting with the fixed words.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice圆圈、圈出
A circle; to mark with a circle.
羊圈、猪圈
An enclosure for livestock.
圈起来
To confine animals in an enclosure.
How to tell them apart：A circle uses quān; a sheep pen uses juàn; penning sheep in uses juān.
Learning scope：The third reading concerns confinement; circling key words still uses quān.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice特色、色彩、颜色
Colour or a distinctive feature.
色子、色儿
Used in the dice word 色子 and colloquial colour expressions.
How to tell them apart：特色 uses sè; 色子 meaning dice is shǎizi.
Learning scope：色子 is a vocabulary comparison, without game rules; colloquial 色儿 is not a single-answer test item.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice共同、同意、同样
Same, together or agreeing.
胡同
The dictionary tone in 胡同, a lane; conversational speech may weaken it.
How to tell them apart：共同 and 同意 use tóng; 胡同 has a dictionary tòng and neutral-tone tong in speech.
Learning scope：The source tòng is retained as a dictionary comparison; pronunciation materials also use hú tong. 胡同 is not scored, to avoid penalising neutral-tone usage.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice与他同行、赠与
With; and; to give.
参与、与会
To participate in an activity or attend a meeting.
How to tell them apart：The 与 of 我与你 is yǔ; 参与 is cānyù.
Learning scope：Start with 参与 and compare the linking word 与; classical particles are outside this card.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice记载、一年半载
To record; a year.
载客、装载、下载
To carry or load; used in downloading data.
How to tell them apart：记载 uses zǎi; 载客 and 下载 use zài.
Learning scope：Compare recording with loading; data-related words are not always zǎi—下载 uses zài.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice号码、信号、学号
A number, designation or signal.
号叫、号哭
To cry out or wail loudly.
How to tell them apart：Numbers use hào; loud crying uses háo.
Learning scope：Start with everyday numbers and compare crying out; distinguish 号 from 好.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice需要、重要、要去
To need; important; about to do something.
要求、要挟
To make a request; to coerce.
How to tell them apart：需要 uses yào; 要求 is yāoqiú.
Learning scope：要求 is yāoqiú even as a noun; part of speech alone is insufficient.
See related paper referencesBack to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice这里、这是、这个
Refers to something or somewhere near the speaker.
这个（口语）、这些（口语）
A colloquial contraction of 这一, limited to particular contexts.
How to tell them apart：Learn zhè first; you may hear zhèi in colloquial 这个, but zhè remains valid.
Learning scope：A reference card on colloquial contraction, without forced single-answer scoring. Learn 这里 and 这是 with zhè; do not generalise the variant.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice正确、正在、正常
Correct, normal or an action in progress.
正月
The fixed reading in the first lunar month.
How to tell them apart：正确 and 正在 use zhèng; the first lunar month is zhēngyuè.
Learning scope：正月 is the first lunar month, not January; learn its calendar meaning with its sound.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice服务、服装、服从
To serve; clothing; to obey.
衣服、舒服
A common neutral-tone syllable in fixed words.
一服中药
Specialised classifier for a dose of traditional Chinese medicine.
How to tell them apart：服务 uses fú; 衣服 is normally yīfu, with neutral-tone fu.
Learning scope：Common fú/fu words are practised. The source fù is retained as a specialised medicine classifier, for reference only and not claimed as required Level 1 vocabulary.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice经过、过马路、过年
To pass a place or spend a period of time.
去过、看过
An aspect particle after a verb indicating past experience.
姓过
The reading of the surname Guo.
How to tell them apart：Crossing a road uses guò; the experience particle in 我去过北京 is neutral-tone guo.
Learning scope：Only clear experiential particles are scored as neutral tone; not every post-verbal 过 is neutral. The source guō is retained for the surname, without scoring or a claim that it is required Level 1 vocabulary.
Back to character indexGo to or continue interactive practice还在、还有、还早
Still; also; an additional comment about degree.
还书、还钱、归还
To return something borrowed or repay money owed.
How to tell them apart：Returning books or repaying money uses huán; 还在, 还有 and 还早 use hái.
Learning scope：Paper-linked supplement: 还 is absent from both the 74-entry and 80-entry source lists. It is added from source-compared March and April compiled papers and counted separately.
See related paper referencesBack to character indexGo to or continue interactive practiceThese three entries also come from the source. They are explained separately and excluded from the character-card and scored-question counts. Distinguish lexical readings, neutral tones and connected-speech changes.
The citation tone is yī, retained when counting or in ordinals such as 第一. In connected speech, 一 normally becomes yí before a fourth tone (一次), and yì before a first, second or third tone (一天、一年、一本). It can be neutral in 看一看. These describe spoken tones; written pinyin generally keeps the citation tone.
No: yí cì, but yì nián. The following tone triggers the change; it is not a different lexical meaning.
The citation tone is bù. It stays bù alone and normally before a first, second or third tone, as in 不吃、不来、不好. Before a fourth tone it becomes bú in connected speech, as in 不是、不会. It may be neutral in questions such as 好不好. Dictionary bù and spoken bú describe different levels of pronunciation.
不是: bú shì, because 是 has a fourth tone. In 不来, it remains bù lái.
The source lists zhǐ and zhí. The Putonghua pronunciation table prescribes zhǐ throughout, for example in 指导、手指、指向. The source's second reading is therefore corrected rather than taught as a contrast.
No. Both use zhǐ.
Pronunciation references: Teaching notes on 一 and 不 (Chinese) · MOE Putonghua pronunciation table (Chinese)
These links compare our paper collection with retained source materials to show how a character occurs in pronunciation questions. Each reference states its source status. They do not establish official publication, human approval or exam frequency.
行业 versus 行走: distinguish háng and xíng.
Source status：Compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
长 in 长得真可爱; compare the same character in 长大 and 班长.
Source status：Revised compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
Pronunciation of 爱好; compare 爱好 with 友好 in this topic.
Source status：Revised compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
长 in 长得真漂亮; identify the meaning of growing or developing.
Source status：Compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
Pronunciation of 爱好; distinguish hào and hǎo.
Source status：Compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
还钱 versus 还在, 还有 and 还是: distinguish huán and hái.
Source status：Revised compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
要 in 要求 is yāo; compare yào in 要是 and other expressions.
Source status：Revised compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
还书 versus 还好, 还早 and 还快: distinguish huán and hái.
Source status：Compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
要 in 要求 is yāo; compare yào in 要是 and other expressions.
Source status：Compiled copy: AI-compared against page 1 of the local PDF; not authenticated as an official paper.
The full paper keeps its existing sign-in and access requirements.
Choose a 15-question set, one character or all questions. Use learning mode for immediate feedback or self-test to review at the end. No sign-in is needed; results are not saved to your account.
No timer or sign-in. Answers stay while this page is open; refreshing or leaving clears them. Option order changes each round.
This checks recall of the examples on this page, not transfer to unfamiliar contexts. Accuracy describes this round only, not an exam score or mastery.
Questions in this set: 15
Read or check any question without using the interactive exercise. The target character is bold and underlined. Try the question before expanding its answer.
Target character：系
Answer：B · jì
系鞋带 means tying shoelaces, so 系 is jì. It is xì in 关系 and 系统.
Review the character cardTarget character：重
Answer：B · chóng
重复 means repeating something, so 重 is chóng. It is zhòng in 重要.
Review the character cardTarget character：好
Answer：B · hào
喜好 means liking something, so 好 is hào. It is hǎo when meaning good.
Review the character cardTarget character：和
Answer：C · huó
和面 means mixing flour and water into dough, so 和 is huó. 和平 uses hé.
Review the character cardTarget character：长
Answer：B · zhǎng
班长 means class monitor, so 长 is zhǎng. Length uses cháng.
Review the character cardTarget character：乐
Answer：A · lè
快乐 describes happiness, so 乐 is lè. Music-related words use yuè.
Review the character cardTarget character：空
Answer：B · kòng
有空 means having free time, so 空 is kòng. 空间 and 天空 use kōng.
Review the character cardTarget character：分
Answer：A · fēn
分成 means dividing a whole into parts, so 分 is fēn. 充分 uses fèn.
Review the character cardTarget character：行
Answer：B · háng
行业 means an industry or trade, so 行 is háng. 行走 and 行动 use xíng.
Review the character cardTarget character：得
Answer：C · de
得 connects 跑 to its complement 真快 and is neutral-tone de. Obtaining uses dé; necessity uses děi.
Review the character cardTarget character：数
Answer：B · shǔ
数一数 means counting one by one, so 数 is shǔ. A number or data uses shù.
Review the character cardTarget character：看
Answer：B · kān
看门 means guarding the entrance, so 看 is kān. Watching and reading use kàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：中
Answer：B · zhòng
中奖 means winning a prize, so 中 is zhòng. 中间 and 高中 use zhōng.
Review the character cardTarget character：教
Answer：B · jiāo
教 is the action of teaching here, pronounced jiāo. 教师 and 教室 use jiào.
Review the character cardTarget character：种
Answer：B · zhòng
种白菜 means planting cabbage, so 种 is zhòng. 种类 and 种子 use zhǒng.
Review the character cardTarget character：行
Answer：C · 行走
行走 uses xíng; 银行, 行业 and 行列 all use háng.
Review the character cardTarget character：乐
Answer：A · 快乐
快乐 uses lè; 音乐, 乐队 and 乐器 all use yuè.
Review the character cardTarget character：长
Answer：C · 长短
长短 describes length, with cháng; 长大, 家长 and 班长 use zhǎng.
Review the character cardTarget character：空
Answer：C · 有空
有空 means having time, with kòng; 空间, 天空 and 空中 use kōng.
Review the character cardTarget character：重
Answer：A · 重复
重复 means repeating, with chóng; 重要, 体重 and 重大 use zhòng.
Review the character cardTarget character：处
Answer：C · 处理
处理 means handling something, with chǔ; 各处, 到处 and 住处 use chù.
Review the character cardTarget character：分
Answer：B · 充分
充分 is chōngfèn, with fourth-tone fèn; 分别, 分手 and 分数 use fēn.
Review the character cardTarget character：好
Answer：B · 爱好
爱好 expresses liking, with hào; 友好, 好人 and 好处 use hǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：教
Answer：A · 教书
教书 is the act of teaching, with jiāo; 教师, 教室 and 教育 use jiào.
Review the character cardTarget character：种
Answer：C · 种类
种类 means a type, with zhǒng; 种花, 种植 and 种地 mean planting, with zhòng.
Review the character cardTarget character：相
Answer：C · 相片
相片 refers to an image, with xiàng; 相同, 相信 and 互相 use xiāng.
Review the character cardTarget character：答
Answer：B · 答应
答应 uses dā; 回答, 答案 and 答谢 all use dá.
Review the character cardTarget character：调
Answer：C · 空调
空调 means air conditioning; 调 is tiáo. 调查, 声调 and 强调 use diào.
Review the character cardTarget character：间
Answer：C · 间隔
间隔 uses jiàn; 中间, 空间 and 民间 use jiān.
Review the character cardTarget character：少
Answer：C · 少年
少年 refers to youth, with shào; 减少, 少数 and 很少 refer to quantity, with shǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：系
Answer：A · xì
关系 means a connection, so 系 is xì. Tying a shoelace uses jì.
Review the character cardTarget character：重
Answer：B · zhòng
重要 means important, with zhòng; doing something again uses chóng.
Review the character cardTarget character：好
Answer：C · hǎo
友好 means friendly and uses hǎo; 爱好 uses hào.
Review the character cardTarget character：和
Answer：D · hé
和平 means peace and uses hé, unlike huó in kneading dough.
Review the character cardTarget character：和
Answer：A · hè
附和 means echoing an opinion without independent thought; 和 is hè in this word.
Review the character cardTarget character：和
Answer：B · huò
Mixing ingredients in a filling uses huò; kneading flour into dough uses huó.
Review the character cardTarget character：长
Answer：C · cháng
长度 is length, using cháng, unlike zhǎng for growth.
Review the character cardTarget character：乐
Answer：D · yuè
乐队 is a musical ensemble and uses yuè, unlike lè in 快乐.
Review the character cardTarget character：空
Answer：A · kōng
天空 means sky, with kōng; free time in 有空 uses kòng.
Review the character cardTarget character：分
Answer：B · fèn
充分 is chōngfèn, meaning sufficient; it does not use the fēn of dividing.
Review the character cardTarget character：行
Answer：C · xíng
行动 means to act, with xíng; an industry uses háng.
Review the character cardTarget character：得
Answer：D · dé
获得 means to obtain, with dé; the complement particle 得 is neutral de.
Review the character cardTarget character：得
Answer：A · děi
Here 得 means must or need to, pronounced děi.
Review the character cardTarget character：数
Answer：B · shù
数据 means data, with shù; the action of counting uses shǔ.
Review the character cardTarget character：看
Answer：C · kàn
看望 means to visit someone, with kàn; guarding uses kān.
Review the character cardTarget character：中
Answer：D · zhōng
中间 is a middle position, using zhōng, unlike zhòng for hitting a target.
Review the character cardTarget character：教
Answer：A · jiào
教室 is a classroom, with jiào; teaching someone a skill commonly uses jiāo.
Review the character cardTarget character：种
Answer：B · zhǒng
各种 refers to different kinds, with zhǒng; planting uses zhòng.
Review the character cardTarget character：处
Answer：C · chǔ
处理 means to handle or deal with something; 处 is chǔ.
Review the character cardTarget character：处
Answer：D · chù
住处 is a place where someone lives; 处 is chù.
Review the character cardTarget character：相
Answer：A · xiāng
相信 means to believe, with xiāng; 相片 (a photograph) uses xiàng.
Review the character cardTarget character：相
Answer：B · xiàng
相片 means a photograph; 相 is xiàng.
Review the character cardTarget character：答
Answer：C · dá
回答 means to answer, with dá; 答应 uses dā.
Review the character cardTarget character：答
Answer：D · dā
答应 means to agree or promise; 答 is dā.
Review the character cardTarget character：调
Answer：A · diào
调查 means to investigate; 调 is diào.
Review the character cardTarget character：调
Answer：B · tiáo
空调 is air conditioning, with tiáo.
Review the character cardTarget character：间
Target character：间
Answer：D · jiàn
间隔 means an interval in space or time; 间 is jiàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：少
Answer：A · shǎo
减少 means to reduce a quantity; 少 is shǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：少
Answer：B · shào
少年 refers to young people; 少 is shào.
Review the character cardTarget character：的
Answer：A · dí
的确 means indeed, with dí. 我的 uses neutral de, and 目的 uses dì.
Review the character cardTarget character：的
Answer：B · dì
目的 means purpose, with dì. 的确 uses dí; the particle uses neutral de.
Review the character cardTarget character：地
Answer：C · dì
地区 refers to an area, with dì; the particle in 认真地学习 is neutral de.
Review the character cardTarget character：地
Answer：D · de
地 links 认真 to 听 and is neutral de. 地位 uses dì.
Review the character cardTarget character：会
Answer：A · huì
开会 means holding a meeting, with huì; 会计 uses kuài.
Review the character cardTarget character：会
Answer：B · kuài
会计 is an accounting profession, with kuài; 会议 uses huì.
Review the character cardTarget character：大
Answer：C · dà
大声 means speaking loudly, with dà; 大夫 meaning doctor uses dài.
Review the character cardTarget character：大
Answer：D · dài
大夫 is a title for a doctor here, with dài; 大声 uses dà.
Review the character cardTarget character：当
Answer：A · dāng
相当 means comparable or equivalent, with dāng; 适当 uses dàng.
Review the character cardTarget character：当
Answer：B · dàng
适当 means appropriate, with dàng; 相当 uses dāng.
Review the character cardTarget character：发
Answer：C · fā
发表 means publishing a work, with fā; 发型 uses fà; 头发 is usually tóufa.
Review the character cardTarget character：发
Answer：D · fà
理发 means getting a haircut, with fà; 发表 uses fā.
Review the character cardTarget character：解
Answer：A · jiě
解释 means explaining a meaning, with jiě; 押解 uses jiè.
Review the character cardTarget character：解
Answer：B · jiè
押解 means escorting a prisoner, with jiè; 解决 uses jiě.
Review the character cardTarget character：累
Answer：C · lěi
积累 means accumulating over time, with lěi; 劳累 uses lèi.
Review the character cardTarget character：累
Answer：D · lèi
累 means tired here, with lèi; 积累 uses lěi.
Review the character cardTarget character：那
Answer：A · nà
那 stands alone as a demonstrative here, with nà. Spoken nèi is commonly used before a measure word and does not fit this sentence.
Review the character cardTarget character：说
Answer：B · shuō
小说 means a novel, with shuō; 游说 uses shuì.
Review the character cardTarget character：说
Answer：C · shuì
游说 means lobbying or persuading people to support a proposal, with shuì; 小说 uses shuō.
Review the character cardTarget character：应
Answer：D · yīng
应该 expresses what one should do, with yīng; 反应 uses yìng.
Review the character cardTarget character：应
Answer：A · yìng
反应 means a response to a stimulus, with yìng; 应该 uses yīng.
Review the character cardTarget character：子
Answer：B · zǐ
电子 in 电子邮件 is diànzǐ, with third-tone zǐ; 句子 has neutral zi.
Review the character cardTarget character：子
Answer：C · zi
子 is a neutral-tone noun suffix in 句子; 电子 uses zǐ.
Review the character cardTarget character：作
Answer：D · zuò
合作 means working together, with zuò; 作坊 uses zuō.
Review the character cardTarget character：作
Answer：A · zuō
The marked 作 is in 作坊, an artisan workshop, and is zuō; 制作 uses zuò.
Review the character cardTarget character：为
Answer：B · wéi
成为 means becoming, with wéi; 为了 uses wèi.
Review the character cardTarget character：为
Answer：C · wèi
为了 introduces a purpose, with wèi; 成为 uses wéi.
Review the character cardTarget character：称
Answer：D · chēng
称赞 means praising, with chēng; 称心 uses chèn.
Review the character cardTarget character：称
Answer：A · chèn
称心 means satisfying or to one’s liking, with chèn; 称赞 uses chēng.
Review the character cardTarget character：传
Answer：B · chuán
传播 means spreading, with chuán; 传记 uses zhuàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：传
Answer：C · zhuàn
传记 is a biography, with zhuàn; 传播 uses chuán.
Review the character cardTarget character：度
Target character：度
Answer：A · duó
审时度势 means assessing timing and circumstances, with duó; 角度 uses dù.
Review the character cardTarget character：卷
Answer：B · juàn
试卷 is an examination paper, with juàn; the action 卷起 uses juǎn.
Review the character cardTarget character：卷
Answer：C · juǎn
卷起来 means rolling something up, with juǎn; 试卷 uses juàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：济
Answer：D · jì
经济 uses jì; the place name 济南 uses jǐ.
Review the character cardTarget character：济
Answer：A · jǐ
济南 is the city Jinan, with jǐ; 经济 uses jì.
Review the character cardTarget character：率
Answer：B · shuài
率先 means taking the lead, with shuài; 效率 uses lǜ.
Review the character cardTarget character：率
Answer：C · lǜ
效率 means efficiency, with lǜ; 率先 uses shuài.
Review the character cardTarget character：强
Answer：D · qiáng
强调 means emphasizing, with qiáng; 勉强 uses qiǎng and 倔强 uses jiàng.
Review the character cardTarget character：强
Answer：A · qiǎng
勉强 means forcing oneself to do something difficult or unwillingly, with qiǎng; 强烈 uses qiáng.
Review the character cardTarget character：省
Answer：B · shěng
节省 means saving a resource, with shěng; 反省 uses xǐng.
Review the character cardTarget character：省
Answer：C · xǐng
反省 means examining one’s own thoughts or behavior, with xǐng; 节省 uses shěng.
Review the character cardTarget character：似
Answer：D · sì
相似 means similar, with sì; 似的 uses shì.
Review the character cardTarget character：似
Answer：A · shì
像小鸟似的 makes a comparison; 似 in the fixed structure 似的 is shì. 相似 uses sì.
Review the character cardTarget character：挑
Answer：B · tiāo
挑选 means selecting, with tiāo; 挑战 uses tiǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：挑
Answer：C · tiǎo
挑战 means a challenge and uses tiǎo; 挑选 uses tiāo.
Review the character cardTarget character：鲜
Answer：D · xiān
鲜明 describes vivid colors, with xiān; 鲜有 means rare and uses xiǎn.
Review the character cardTarget character：鲜
Answer：A · xiǎn
鲜为人知 means known to few people, with xiǎn; 鲜明 uses xiān.
Review the character cardTarget character：划
Answer：B · huà
计划 means a plan, with huà; 划船 uses huá.
Review the character cardTarget character：划
Answer：C · huá
划船 means rowing, with huá; 计划 uses huà.
Review the character cardTarget character：的
Answer：D · de
的 links the modifier 我昨天买 to the noun 书 and is neutral de; 的确 uses dí and 目的 uses dì.
Review the character cardTarget character：累
Answer：A · léi
累赘 means an unnecessary burden, with léi; 积累 uses lěi and 劳累 uses lèi.
Review the character cardTarget character：强
Answer：B · jiàng
倔强 means stubborn or unyielding, with jiàng; 强烈 uses qiáng and 勉强 uses qiǎng.
Review the character cardTarget character：参
Answer：A · cān
参加 means taking part, with cān; 人参 uses shēn.
Review the character cardTarget character：参
Answer：B · shēn
人参 names the ginseng plant and uses shēn, unlike cān in 参加.
Review the character cardTarget character：薄
Answer：C · báo
薄 describes the thin paper as a standalone adjective: báo, unlike bó in 薄弱.
Review the character cardTarget character：薄
Answer：D · bó
薄弱 means weak or insufficient, with bó; standalone thinness uses báo.
Review the character cardTarget character：场
Answer：A · chǎng
市场 is a marketplace; 场 is chǎng.
Review the character cardTarget character：场
Answer：B · cháng
The rain measure word here is cháng; a match uses chǎng in 一场比赛.
Review the character cardTarget character：创
Answer：C · chuàng
创作 means creating a work, with chuàng; 创伤 uses chuāng.
Review the character cardTarget character：创
Answer：D · chuāng
创伤 refers to an injury and uses chuāng.
Review the character cardTarget character：待
Answer：A · dài
等待 means waiting, with dài; staying somewhere uses dāi.
Review the character cardTarget character：待
Answer：B · dāi
Here 待 means staying indoors and is dāi, unlike dài in 等待.
Review the character cardTarget character：担
Answer：C · dān
担心 means worrying and uses dān; a load of water uses dàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：担
Answer：D · dàn
担 is a measure for a carried load of water here, pronounced dàn.
Review the character cardTarget character：斗
Answer：A · dòu
奋斗 means striving toward a goal and uses dòu.
Review the character cardTarget character：斗
Answer：B · dǒu
北斗星 names the Big Dipper, with dǒu; 奋斗 uses dòu.
Review the character cardTarget character：读
Answer：C · dú
Reading a passage uses dú; the technical term 句读 uses dòu.
Review the character cardTarget character：读
Answer：D · dòu
句读 is a traditional term for text pauses; 读 is dòu rather than the dú of reading.
Review the character cardTarget character：华
Answer：A · huá
华人 uses huá for Chinese people; Mount Hua uses huà.
Review the character cardTarget character：华
Answer：B · huà
The mountain in Shaanxi is Huàshān, with huà.
Review the character cardTarget character：角
Answer：C · jiǎo
角度 is a viewpoint here and uses jiǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：角
Answer：D · jué
角色 is a dramatic role, with jué; 角度 uses jiǎo.
Review the character cardTarget character：节
Answer：A · jié
节日 means a festival or holiday and uses jié.
Review the character cardTarget character：结
Answer：B · jié
结果 is the outcome of a contest here, with jié; bearing fruit uses jiē.
Review the character cardTarget character：结
Answer：C · jiē
Here 结果 means bearing fruit and uses jiē; an outcome uses jié.
Review the character cardTarget character：禁
Answer：D · jìn
禁止 means not allowing something and uses jìn.
Review the character cardTarget character：禁
Answer：A · jīn
禁不住笑 means being unable to help laughing, with jīn; 禁止 uses jìn.
Review the character cardTarget character：据
Target character：据
Answer：C · jū
拮据 means being short of money, with jū; 数据 uses jù.
Review the character cardTarget character：落
Answer：D · luò
The leaves are falling, so 落 is luò.
Review the character cardTarget character：落
Answer：A · là
The keys were left behind at home, so 落 is là rather than luò for falling.
Review the character cardTarget character：模
Target character：模
Answer：C · mú
模具 is a mould for shaping material and uses mú; 模型 uses mó.
Review the character cardTarget character：排
Answer：D · pái
排队 means lining up in order and uses pái.
Review the character cardTarget character：排
Answer：A · pǎi
排子车 names a handcart, with pǎi; it is an extension word.
Review the character cardTarget character：片
Answer：B · piàn
动画片 uses piàn; the piān of some colloquial words does not apply.
Review the character cardTarget character：切
Answer：C · qiē
Cutting a carrot into pieces uses qiē.
Review the character cardTarget character：切
Answer：D · qiè
亲切 describes a warm and approachable manner, with qiè.
Review the character cardTarget character：圈
Answer：A · quān
Marking words by drawing a circle uses quān.
Review the character cardTarget character：圈
Answer：B · juàn
羊圈 is an enclosure for sheep, with juàn; a drawn circle uses quān.
Review the character cardTarget character：色
Answer：C · sè
特色 means a distinctive feature and uses sè.
Review the character cardTarget character：色
Answer：D · shǎi
色子 means a die and uses shǎi; learn this extension as a whole word.
Review the character cardTarget character：同
Answer：A · tóng
同意 means agreeing and is tóngyì, with tóng.
Review the character cardTarget character：与
Target character：与
Answer：C · yù
参与 means participating and uses yù; with or and uses yǔ.
Review the character cardTarget character：载
Answer：D · zǎi
记载 means recording information and uses zǎi.
Review the character cardTarget character：载
Answer：A · zài
载客 means carrying passengers and uses zài; 记载 uses zǎi.
Review the character cardTarget character：号
Answer：B · hào
学号 is a student number and uses hào.
Review the character cardTarget character：号
Answer：C · háo
号叫 means crying out loudly and uses háo; a number uses hào.
Review the character cardTarget character：要
Answer：D · yào
需要 means needing something and uses yào; 要求 uses yāo.
Review the character cardTarget character：要
Answer：A · yāo
要求 means requesting a specific action and uses yāo.
Review the character cardTarget character：正
Answer：B · zhèng
正确 means correct and uses zhèng.
Review the character cardTarget character：正
Answer：C · zhēng
The first lunar month is 正月, pronounced zhēngyuè.
Review the character cardTarget character：服
Answer：D · fú
服务 is fúwù, with second-tone fú; 衣服 normally has neutral-tone fu.
Review the character cardTarget character：服
Answer：A · fu
衣服 is normally yīfu, with unmarked neutral-tone fu; 服务 uses fú.
Review the character cardTarget character：过
Answer：B · guò
过 means crossing the road here; as the main verb it is guò.
Review the character cardTarget character：过
Answer：C · guo
过 follows 去 to mark a past experience and is neutral-tone guo.
Review the character cardTarget character：参
Answer：D · cēn
参差不齐 means uneven in height or length; 参 is cēn, unlike cān in 参加 and shēn in 人参. This is an extension word.
Review the character cardTarget character：薄
Answer：A · bò
薄荷 is mint, with bò; standalone thinness uses báo and 薄弱 uses bó.
Review the character cardTarget character：落
Answer：B · lào
落枕 describes waking with a stiff, painful neck; 落 is lào. Learn this fixed expression as an extension.
Review the character cardTarget character：圈
Answer：C · juān
Here 圈 means penning sheep inside an enclosure, with juān. The sheep pen itself uses juàn; a drawn circle uses quān.
Review the character cardTarget character：还
Answer：A · hái
还在 means still being somewhere, so 还 is hái. Returning a borrowed book is 还书, huánshū.
Review the character cardTarget character：还
Answer：C · huán
The borrowed book must be returned to the library, so 还 is huán. Still, as in 还在学习, uses hái.
Review the character cardThe Chinese printable editions use the same exercises as this page. For screen readers or adjustable text size, use the web questions and explanations above.
No. This is a pronunciation learning topic. Use the official syllabus and vocabulary list to check the scope; no particular character is guaranteed to appear.
The official Humanities Chinese vocabulary list calls its first section “初级词汇（600 个）”, or introductory vocabulary (600 words). The supplied materials use “一级词汇”. We use the official name and distinguish vocabulary examples from additional readings; the entire polyphonic character list is not the official vocabulary list.
Return to the character card and compare the meanings and example words for each reading. Practise again later, using new words or sentences to check understanding rather than remembering option positions.
No. The exercises are edited learning materials. References to papers are listed separately with their source status; these two kinds of material are not counted together.
Apply pronunciation skills in a full paper and continue working on vocabulary, sentences and reading comprehension.
Browse Humanities Chinese past & mock papersSource table and original 30 exercises: 对外汉语 cherry. Later contextual exercises were newly written by CSCA Academy from the cards; they are not source-paper or past-paper questions. The original “Level 1” title is not an official vocabulary classification.
Source coverage: the standalone table contains 74 entries and the other handout adds six. 一 and 不 are explained as tone changes, 指 is corrected, and the other entries have learning cards. 还 is added from related papers. Covering the source material does not make every reading an official introductory requirement.
Editing and review: CSCA Academy edited the source and wrote additional exercises, using AI-assisted source comparison, language review and checks. This is not a sign-off by a named human teacher or education expert. Related paper records state their source status separately.