Stroke (Chinese character)

Each Chinese character is written in sequences of strokes by pen or brushes. Stroke sequence is set and not changeable. The order of the strokes is from top-left to bottom right. Characters written not following the established sequence a deformed shape. The deformation is most visible in calligraphy. (See Eight Principles of Yong)

A radical, a component of characters, is generally classified in order of stroke number.