For updating a character hint list based on a number of additional strokes, an apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed. The apparatus may include a touch-sensitive input panel for receiving handwritten character, a processor, and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The executable code may cause the processor to: determine a hint list based on the handwritten character, the hint list comprising at least one entry, receive at least one additional stroke relating to the handwritten character, and update the hint list based on a number of received additional strokes. The processor may identify a number of post-character strokes corresponding to each entry in the hint list and remove, from the hint list, each entry whose number of post-character strokes is less than the received number of additional strokes.