First 100 Chinese Characters: Simplified Character, Quick & Easy Method to Learn the 100 Most Basic Chinese Characters (Chinese Edition)

This is the Chinese calligraphy instructional book for which I have been searching for 50 years (on and off, of course). It provides not only the sequence of each stroke, but also the direction with which to make the stroke properly. The book teaches 100 relatively easy characters, then uses each of these with other characters to teach one nearly 800 Chinese words/concepts. You begin to understand the thinking used to produce both simple and complex ideas. Furthermore, the characters chosen by the authors familiarize you with the subordinate graphic patterns used to create various characters. You begin to learn the underlying logic of Chinese writing. You are taught to see order in what otherwise would seem to be random scribbles.

I recently started to learn Mandarin through the Duolingo app. Unfortunately you can't write the characters, so I started looking for a workbook to help me out and this book was the answer for me. It is a great beginners book for people who are starting out or self teaching. It does only have one page dedicated to the characters, a total of 64 boxes to practice, not enough for me. So before writing your characters I would recommend making copies of the pages and practice on those or buy a tian zi ge workbook with this book.

before i bought this book, i was intimidated by Chinese characters. As soon as i looked at each character i would see only a blur of busy-lines that made no sense to me. Since i have begun working with the book, and drawing 3-4 new characters every day, my eyes are suddenly SEEING Chinese character as they truly are. I am beginning to see them as often small combinations of other characters, the radicals of certain characters are leaping out at me; and no matter what, i am having a very much improved ability to look up characters in an index or dictionary. I am actually teaching myself (no teacher, i'm afraid) but the language of Mandarin is becoming more rational and sensible, the longer i study the writing of the characters and reading bi-lingual children's books with the pinyin (yes! children's books are VERY helpful!). I definitely recommend Laurence and Allison Matthews books. shalom! - Julia.

I recommend this book for reference in addition to some sort of class or course. This is not suitable for people who are trying to self teach, however it is great in looking up words and practicing. The book is formatted by having a basic character at the top of the page and guided how-to strokes for each, then it gives you space to write your own. In addition, it has a list of phrases for every character that go along with it. In the back of the book there are several methods of translation from characters, radicals, pinyin, and English translations.

I am using this as a supplement to a textbook for learning Mandarin, and it is a very good addition. It shows you clearly how to draw the characters, gives character combinations, and is filled with large-ruled paper for practicing. The boxes are actually too big for adults (would be suitable for children), I think. I want to make the characters "normal handwriting" sized, so I tend to make two lines in a box. This is okay, I fit twice as much practice in!

This is a fun way to learn the language. It's not as boring as it might seem, and even though it's a primitive way to learn, it's helpful. Use it as a way to back up your other Chinese study habits - not great to do it it's the only thing in your playbook. Also, get a separate radicals dictionary. If used in tandem they help speed up character recognition.

The good thing about this very well designed book is that it starts just like an educative game and it actually ends up giving you a strong envy to discover or learn another extra 100 characters! Perhaps even to start learning Mandarin in earnest. You will never go to a Chinese restaurant like ever before... as after working out with this book for a while Chinese characters in the menu will make sense to you! Of course just the easiest ones. A real handy language book.

Great introduction into Chinese Characters. I am trying to self teach myself Chinese characters as I am planning on moving to China in the next couple of years so I thought this would be a great workbook and introduction. It breaks each character down and gives plenty of space to practice on each character!