Chinese characters may look complex on paper, but they are typically made up of smaller, easily recognizable figures. These figures are written above and below each other, side to side, or as one figure encompassing another. As long as certain rules are followed regarding where to start and end, writing a Chinese character is not as difficult as it may appear.
Divide a character into main parts and sides. Sides are written only to the left of the main character and there are only a small number of them. The main characters is written first.
Start from the top and left. A left vertical line comes first, if applicable. If there is not a left vertical line, start with strokes at the top. In the case of a vertical line flanked by two smaller strokes (wings), write the vertical line first.
Write the next stroke, proceeding down and to the right. Continue until the main body of the character is completed.
Begin writing the character's side, if applicable, in the same manner as steps 1-3
Follow steps 1-3 for the side of the character until finished. This completes the character.
