Things You'll Need:
- Calligraphy pen Bottle of India ink Rice paper or writing tablet Book of Chinese characters
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Step 1
Understand that Chinese characters are not letters, per se, but actual symbols with meanings. A good way to get a grasp on this is to pick up a book on beginner's Chinese at the bookstore or library. The book will also give you some characters you can start your practice with.
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Step 2
Learn to write Chinese characters using a calligraphy pen and inkwell instead of a regular ballpoint pen. Calligraphy pens are designed for the type of strokes you will need to make. Go to the local craft store and pick one up, and if you want to be really authentic, buy a pack of rice paper as well.
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Step 3
Don't just trace the pictures from a book. Learn the correct sequence in which to create each character. This will help you to write your characters quickly and properly each time without having to compulsively check the book. Always start on the left or the top. You want to move your pen across the page like you do when you are reading. That means you should make all of your horizontal strokes first and then the verticals.
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Step 4
The slight exception to this rule will be when you're drawing distinct shapes instead of simply lines. If you're making an enclosed shape, such as a box, start at the top left, but create the left edge first, then draw all but the bottom line without lifting your pen off your paper. Add any extra lines to the interior, and finally, finish the bottom. This will allow you to create the character without extending the lines outside the box, preventing it from looking sloppy.
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Step 5
Don't be upset if your letters aren't perfect the first few times you draw them. Remember, it took years for you to solidify your penmanship in English, so give yourself at least a couple weeks before giving up. Once you've gotten the hang of the characters, you can research further into how to group them together so that they have coherent meaning.
