Learning the Chinese writing system is a massive undertaking, and achieving mastery can take years. For some, it may not seem like it’s worth the effort when typing exists as an easy alternative, but increased dexterity is not the only benefit of learning to write by hand. The process itself of learning to write characters is a tool that will increase your understanding of the Chinese language on both a linguistic and cultural level.

The thought of learning a new writing system may feel like looking up at Mt. Everest, but you’re not alone. This article will provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of Chinese handwriting and calligraphy, as well as strategies to help you improve your handwriting at any level.

If you’re ready to start, let’s talk about why learning this part of the language is so necessary.

• Why Is the Chinese Writing System Important?
• Components of the Written Chinese Language
• Learning to Write Chinese by Hand: The Tools You’ll Need
• Chinese Writing Practice for Beginner, Intermediate, And Advanced Learners
• A Personal Note: Learning to write Chinese if you’re left-handed
• The common characters practice sheets (PDF)

Why Is the Chinese Writing System Important?

Chinese handwriting is more than just a practical system for conveying information, the form of the characters themselves and the meaning embedded in each component provide insight into Chinese culture, history, and values.

Aesthetically, Chinese characters follow a flow that mirrors nature, a key theme in Chinese culture. The meticulously planned stroke order guides the brush smoothly from one end of the page to the other.

Furthermore, the cultural significance isn’t confined to artistic expression. The visual nature of the language allows the writing system to encapsulate historical perspectives and events. For example, looking at ancient script, the ancestor of the modern Chinese writing system, will allow you to view the world through the lens of the people who were first transcribed the world around them. You’ll see what they considered important, valuable, and beautiful.

Components of the Written Chinese Language

While many refer to Chinese as a pictographic script, only about 4% of characters are actually pictograms（象形字）. The remaining 96% consist of simple ideographs（指事字）, compound ideographs（会意字）, phonetic semantic compounds（形声字）, loanwords（假借字）, and derivative characters（转注字）. What does this mean for you as a learner? It means that written Chinese is a diverse ecosystem, where many different elements come together to create complex meanings and ideas. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the written language, you must first understand its basic components.

Developing an advanced understanding may seem daunting, but it takes time. There are many much smaller and much simpler steps you can take to put yourself on the right track. For example, while pictograms only make up a small number of characters in total, they constitute a significant portion of the characters beginners should learn first. From there, you can grow your vocabulary and build your understanding of the written language progressively.

Learning to Write Chinese by Hand: The Tools You’ll Need

First of all, you’ll need paper, but not just any blank paper. If you’re a beginner or you feel that your handwriting needs a lot of work, your best bet is to use character practice sheets, which provide larger, pre-sectioned boxes for you to write in. Once you can write more precisely and feel comfortable with smaller font, then it’s time to progress to graph paper. Office supply stores often carry graph paper with boxes as big as 1 centimeter each, or as small as ¼ inch each.

When it comes to writing utensils, there’s a major debate on whether pens or pencils are ideal. While pencils are more convenient because you can erase mistakes and try again, many argue that pens encourage you to write more diligently because each mark is permanent. You only have one chance to get it right. Ultimately, the choice will come down to your personal preference or your teacher’s requirement.

Thankfully, these tools are all readily accessible, and you likely already have everything you need at home. Once you have your supplies in front of you, let’s look at some key practice strategies for your level.

Chinese Handwriting Practice for Beginner, Intermediate, And Advanced Learners

Beginners and advanced learners alike can benefit from deliberate handwriting practice. The key is to find strategies that will develop your fine motor skills while also deepening your understanding of the language.

Practice tips for beginner learners

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the basics. Be sure to check out our quick guide to Chinese character stroke order, as it will provide you a clear map to follow. You may ask yourself why we need to bother with tedious things like stroke order. While it may feel quite foreign at first, with practice, you’ll find that writing Chinese characters is actually rather intuitive. The stroke order flows like a river, guiding you from each stroke to the next, and from each character to the next.

When it comes to selecting which characters to practice writing, you don’t need to overdo it. You can select a short list of words that contain all the elements you need to practice. As mentioned earlier, beginners can get ahead by focusing on pictographic characters and radicals.

For example, here is a list of 10 basic vocabulary words composed of the fundamental strokes that will no doubt come up countless times during your studies. Several of them, such as 人, 口, 日, and手, will also appear as radicals in other characters.

If possible, ask a teacher, friend, or language exchange partner to look at your writing and provide feedback. One of the best methods is to have your tutor watch you as you write each character, so they can make sure you’re following the proper order and direction for each stroke. You’ll also be able to correct yourself immediately and try again if they spot an error.

This early stage is crucial because it’s quite easy to develop bad habits that will be much harder to break later on. A bit of additional effort at the beginning can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Consider different resources you can use to practice:

• Chinese handwriting apps
• specialized character books
• writing-focused online courses – Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Characters.

Practice tips for intermediate learners

When you reach an intermediate stage, you’ll be required to write not only single-element characters, like the ones listed above, but also characters composed of multiple elements. This means paying additional attention to the proportions of each character and ensuring that your handwriting is balanced. While you may be tempted to switch to a smaller size of graph paper or stop using character practice sheets entirely, there are still benefits to writing larger. Start with a larger font, and as you gain confidence writing more complex characters, then begin to scale it down.

The intermediate stage is also when you can progress from intensive practice, focusing on being able to write a small set of characters perfectly, to extensive practice, focusing on being able to write a wide variety of characters well. Many learners find that they can recognize a lot more characters than they can write, and this is normal. Even native speakers sometimes have trouble recalling how to write certain characters, especially ones that come up rarely in everyday life.

When it comes to picking which characters to focus on, it’s logical to start with the characters that you’ll need to use most often, such as common nouns and verbs, grammar particles, and simple adjectives. These are the words that you’ll find on HSK vocabulary lists or Mandarin Chinese frequency lists below. From there, you can start to add words that are important to you specifically, such as terms from the industry you work in or words that are related to your hobbies and interests.

Beginners and intermediate learners should start writing Chinese characters systematically. Courses like the Zero to Hundred Characters Building-up Course help learners explore the characters, their creation, formation, and evolution into modern forms. In each lesson, learners break down characters, learn their origins, use common grammar patterns, and follow a stroke-by-stroke writing tutorial. This deepens your understanding of writing Chinese characters. If interested in writing Chinese characters, you can check the course for more details.

Practice tips for advanced learners

At the advanced stage, you’ve no doubt already become quite an autonomous learner, so this is where you can start to focus on your individual weaknesses and push yourself even further.

But how do you know where your weaknesses lie? Similar to beginners, seeking feedback from native speakers is paramount. The only difference is that you’ll likely need to ask them to look at a longer text written by you, as the errors may be few and far between. They may notice individual characters that need attention, or they may even pick up on larger patterns, such as frequently mixing up the line proportions for characters like 土(tǔ) and 士(shì).

The combination of integrating feedback and extensive practice is what will help you achieve mastery. One of the best ways to see your progress over time is to write every day, each time challenging yourself to write neatly at a steady pace. You can choose to write about a selected topic every day or keep a diary where you write about your daily life. Over time, you should feel your proficiency increasing, and when you look back at previous texts you wrote, you should see a visual difference in the quality of your writing as well.

If you’re already quite confident with your ability to write in standard print, you may want to begin challenging yourself in new ways. You can aim for accuracy by trying to write a 1,000-character text in pen with zero errors. You can also aim for speed, such as seeing how fast you can copy a text. If you want to test your recall abilities, try doing a dictation while listening to a complex piece of audio, such as from a podcast or news announcement.

Finally, the true way to take your Chinese handwriting to the next level is to study how native speakers write by hand, which can look quite different. They may take shortcuts, writing multiple strokes with a single continuous line or simplifying elements. This is how native speakers manage to write both fluidly and more quickly.

The fastest way to start writing like a native speaker is to imitate them. You can begin by watching others. There are many useful online resources, such as the Chinese Handwriting YouTube channel or the Chinese Handwriting community on Reddit, where you can see visual references or simple tutorials for writing in cursive script.

A Personal Note: Learning to write Chinese if you’re left-handed

If learning to write in Chinese is difficult for right-handed learners, it feels impossible for us lefties. As a young student, I was always the only left-handed person in my classes. I attended American public school, where it’s no longer considered acceptable to force left-handed students to use their right hand to write. However, I could tell that my Chinese teachers weren’t quite sure how to teach me proper Chinese handwriting.

I’ll admit that I found it discouraging initially. Training my hand to follow stroke order was a unique challenge because I wanted to write all of my horizontal strokes from right to left, instead of left to right. I also noticed that all of my characters were slanted, a consequence of how I was holding the pencil in my hand. My teachers would stand behind me and look over my shoulder as I wrote, trying to see if I was “cheating” or not.

When I was about three months into my studies, my mid-term exam was coming up, and I felt depressed because I felt that I was doomed to lose points on the handwriting section. I had to sit down with myself and say, “This is more difficult for me than the other students, and it’s not fair, but that doesn’t mean I have to give up. It only means that I need to work harder.”

From that point on, I sat down every day and practiced intentionally. I focused on writing the strokes and characters that felt most unnatural for me. After about a week, I started to see a difference in the quality of my handwriting. After three weeks, my teacher was writing positive notes on my worksheets about the improvement she saw in my writing.

So, if you’re also a leftie and you want to know if you can still learn to write in Chinese, I’m living proof that if you put in the work, it will come. It will be harder for you, and it’s not fair. But the only thing standing in the way is your doubt.

A Final Word

If you’ve made it this far, I commend you! The world of the Chinese writing system is so vast, and yet we’ve only scratched the surface here. There are so many cultural and linguistic nuances to explore, many of which are completely new to English speakers. While we do not have the time to look at them all together, I hope that this article encourages you to embark on your own journey. I encourage you to use the strategies laid out here to both help strengthen your connection to the language and improve your fluency at the same time. Keep studying, stay curious, and open yourself up to all that the Chinese language has to offer.

Here is the list of the 150 commonly used Chinese characters that you need to master. Learn to practice your handwriting by downloading the common characters practice sheets.

The post Chinese Handwriting Practice, One Stroke at A Time: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on .

But! You don’t have to do this all alone. There are also a variety of different classes and tutoring services at your disposal. We at DigMandarin have developed this brief guide to provide an overview of your options, rating them based on accessibility, flexibility, cost, quality of curriculum, and quality of learning environment.

Whether you’re just setting off on your Chinese journey, coming back to your studies after a break, or simply looking to make a change, this guide is for you. Selecting the right kind of Chinese class will not only help you make progress more quickly, but it will also help you stick to a structured routine. If you’re in a learning environment that makes you feel more engaged, then studying will also feel like less of a chore. Are you feeling ready to take the next step? Let’s get into it.

• Confucius Institute: The Best Classes for Chinese Language and Culture Immersion Learning
• Local Chinese Schools: The Most Immersive Learning Experience
• Local Private Chinese Tutors: The Highest Amount of Individual Attention
• Online Chinese Tutors and Classes: The Most Flexible Approach

Confucius Institute: The Best Classes for Chinese Language and Culture Immersion Learning

Named after the famous ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, this organization was established by the Chinese government to promote the Chinese language and culture overseas. You can expect their teachers to be extremely qualified, true experts in Chinese second language education. Its branches are usually connected to a university, meaning its courses are generally accessible for those living in major cities or university towns. Tuition costs can vary from location to location, but you can expect their offerings to be less expensive than credited university courses. Some of their classes can even be free.

Furthermore, because all branches are a part of the same organization, the curriculum and teaching style are rather uniform. The Confucius Institute is well known for its courses geared towards preparation for the HSK (汉语水平考试), the official Chinese language proficiency exam, and the BCT (Business Chinese Test). If you have professional or academic aspirations, then these courses can help you make major strides towards your goals. However, their curriculum extends far beyond that and includes courses in cultural arts such as calligraphy, painting, and Tai Chi. They offer many different enrichment opportunities spanning from on-campus activities to group outings and even overseas trips.

The Confucius institute is an excellent option for students who benefit from a well-structured approach. The traditional classroom setting can be pretty hit or miss. Some people find that it helps them remain focused, while others find it bores them. The established course content is very comprehensive, at the cost of flexibility. Even though the Confucius Institute offers classes for all levels, the standardized curriculum focuses on general fluency and may not help you learn about niche topics that interest you. There’s also a lack of schedule flexibility. The classes that you want to attend may not be held at a time that’s convenient for you.

Overall, the Confucius Institute is best suited to students who are interested in following a standard curriculum, live near a university, and enjoy a traditional classroom setting.

• Accessibility: ★
• Flexibility: ☆
• Courses: ★★★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★★★★
• Pricing: ★★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★★★★★

You can explore the list of Confucius Institutes worldwide to find one that is near your location.

Local Chinese Schools: The Most Immersive Learning Experience

As an alternative to universities, local Chinese schools may offer a similar quality of curriculum at a lower price point and in a more immersive learning environment. These schools are generally established by diaspora communities to provide cultural and linguistic education. Naturally, you’re more likely to find these schools in your area if you’re located in a region with a higher population of Chinese people, such as a major city or certain suburbs.

Many of these schools provide daily classes for children and offer classes for adults on a less frequent basis. So again, the schedule may or may not work for you. The true benefit of local schools is the level of immersion that they provide. Each school is its own community, and you’re going to connect with a lot of native speakers and other students to practice with.

In comparison with the Confucius Institute, you can expect a very standard curriculum that will focus more on general education than test preparation. The quality of the teaching methods may vary from school to school, but local Chinese schools also tend to hire teachers with strong qualifications and experience in teaching Chinese as a second language. If you have multiple Chinese schools in your area, you may have to visit more than one to find the right fit for you. To gain insights into the quality and reputation of schools in your area, consider checking review platforms such as Trustpilot, which feature reviews and ratings from past and current students.

You can also expect the cost to vary. In some regions, local Chinese schools may be less expensive than coursed with the Confucius Institute, while in other regions the opposite may be true. It’s generally worthwhile to compare your own school’s prices to those of the Confucius Institute to find the most cost-effective option.

Overall, local Chinese schools are best suited to students who are looking to connect with a community, have a flexible schedule, and may have a relatively limited budget.

• Accessibility: ★★☆
• Flexibility: ★★
• Courses: ★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★★★
• Pricing: ★★★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★★★★

Local Private Chinese Tutors: The Highest Amount of Individual Attention

There are many reasons why you may decide to go with private tutoring instead of a group class setting. You may not have access to any local schools or Confucius Institute branches. Perhaps you find that the traditional classroom setting doesn’t click with you. Or maybe your goals fall outside of a standard curriculum. Naturally, this option costs quite a bit more than group classes, but the benefits may well outweigh the costs for you.

First, let’s discuss the kinds of private tutors that may be available to you. They generally fall into two categories: teachers with training in Chinese second language education and native speakers who are offering their insight. Obviously, the level of professionalism and lesson curriculum have a high variability, which is why it’s essential to find a tutor who can meet your specific learning needs. Beyond that, you’ll find that those who have more teaching credentials will charge quite a bit more than those who are just starting out, so you should consider what kind of learning experience you’re looking for: do you want a fully fleshed out Chinese course, or are you just looking for conversation practice to complement your independent studies?

Fortunately, private tutors can offer the most specialized curriculum. When you’re in a one-on-one context, your tutor can prepare lessons that will both provide you with the foundation you need but also focus on topics and skills that are most relevant to you. You’ll also find that a private tutor will give you more specific feedback, so your fluency will increase at a much faster rate.

Why go to the trouble of finding someone local? Well, a local tutor can provide in-person sessions either at your home or in public, which can be more engaging and help you form a stronger personal connection. But beware, it’s important to choose a location where you can remain focused during your lessons. If you have kids running around your house or get distracted by the hustle and bustle of a café, it may be time to move somewhere else.

Given the fact that the quantity and quality of local tutors available change drastically from place to place, it’s important to do your due diligence. Many teachers who have their own websites will post testimonials from previous students, and some online platforms will rank tutors based on their credentials and reviews. If you’re meeting someone from a less regulated platform like Craigslist, for example, be sure to always meet the person in public before going somewhere private. Safety first!

Overall, local private tutors are most suited to students who are looking for a flexible curriculum and schedule and who have a little more budget to dedicate to their Chinese studies. If this sounds like you, but there aren’t any suitable tutors available in your specific area, stay tuned for the next section. We’ve got you covered!

• Accessibility: ★★★
• Flexibility: ★★★★
• Courses: ★★☆
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★
• Pricing: ★★★★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★★☆

Online Chinese Tutors and Classes: The Most Flexible Approach

While the kinds of classes available can change depending on if you live in New York City or rural England, rest assured that you can still get the same kind of structure and support from purely online options. Being connected to the internet means being connected to the largest worldwide network of Chinese teachers, courses, and other learning resources. Online classes offer the highest level of flexibility, so they’re an excellent option for busy students, full-time workers, or parents.

Online classes with private tutor

First, let’s talk about private online tutors. There are a variety of services online that can connect you with qualified tutors around the world. iTalki and Preply are two such options that allow you to search through a catalogue of registered teachers to find one who suits your needs, including budget, schedule, learning goals, and preferred teaching style. However, it can take a long time and a lot of effort to figure out if someone is the right fit based on their online profile. If you’re willing to put in the work, these can be the most flexible and cost-effective options.

• Accessibility: ★★★★★
• Flexibility: ★★★★★
• Courses: ★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★
• Pricing: ★★★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★

One-on-one Chinese classes

Otherwise, there are exclusively Chinese-focused options like Touch Chinese, which can match you with tutors that they have personally vetted for quality of curriculum and teaching style. These services may cost a little more, but the quality of their lessons is guaranteed. You can have confidence that you’ll be working with an experienced teacher who knows how to help you achieve your goals. Because there is a smaller number of tutors available, the schedule may be somewhat limited compared to the vast catalogue available on freelance websites.

• Accessibility: ★★★★★
• Flexibility: ★★★★
• Courses: ★★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★★★
• Pricing: ★★★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★★★

Video Chinese classes

Then, let’s talk about online classes. There are asynchronous online classes, such as the ones we provide here at DigMandarin, which can provide a strong foundation in the Chinese language. These kinds of courses are extremely accessible because you can log in to them anytime, anywhere. Another advantage is that most asynchronous courses have a pay once, access forever structure. When you find that you have a little extra cash, it’s a worthwhile investment to pay for a course that you can choose to start at any time. You can also start a course, take a break for a while, and resume whenever you’re ready to get back on the horse. Online courses provide a structured curriculum that can help you work towards specific goals, such as HSK preparation or mastering pronunciation. A winning combination is using an asynchronous online course as a foundation paired with private tutoring sessions to address specific goals and practice speaking.

• Accessibility: ★★★★★
• Flexibility: ★★★★★
• Courses: ★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★★★
• Pricing: ★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★

Real-time online Chinese group classes

Beyond that, there are also real-time online Chinese group classes. Generally speaking, these will cost less than private sessions but follow a more general curriculum. Some learners prefer group classes because having a scheduled class every week keeps them accountable. However, just like with local Chinese schools and the Confucius Institute, you’re at the mercy of their schedule. For example, small group classes with the well-known online teacher ShuoShuo Chinese are extremely popular because of their excellent curriculum and friendly learning environment, but if you live outside of her time zone, it’s possible that her classes take place in the middle of the night for you.

• Accessibility: ★★★
• Flexibility: ★★★★
• Courses: ★★★
• Teacher Professionalism: ★★★
• Pricing: ★
• Learning Atmosphere: ★★

Overall, online tutors and classes are best suited to students who live far away from major cities, are looking for a more personalized approach, or are looking to supplement other learning methods. The amount of online classes and tutors is so vast, it’s truly a build-your-own Chinese education model.

Where to go from here

There’s a lot of information to process here! Don’t worry, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. To help you find your footing and establish your next steps, here’s a simple exercise:

Grab a piece of paper (or your notes app on your phone) and write out a few points.

• Location
• Schedule
• Cost
• Curriculum
• Environment

And from there, rank them from most important to least important based on your personal needs and priorities. Looking at this list should give you an idea of which options on this list will work best for you. For example, if being in an immersive environment is high on your list, but your schedule is flexible, then seeking out a local school is probably a good idea. If having your own custom curriculum is more important to you than cost, you may choose to go the private tutoring route.

This guide is merely a starting point, and while we can provide our own insights and experience, you are a unique individual with unique needs and goals. We can’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all learning plan, and in fact, we’d like to hear from you too. What are your experiences with previous Chinese classes and tutors? Did you love some and hate others? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Chinese Classes Near Me: How to Find the Best Chinese Classes and Tutors appeared first on .

“Are you sure you want to do that? It’s going to take forever.”

“I could never learn such an intimidating language.”

These are all things that teachers, family members, and friends said to me when I started to learn Mandarin Chinese at the age of 16. Yet despite all the comments I heard about the “extreme difficulty” of the language, I always felt that it was actually quite intuitive to pick up. As much as I would love to pretend to be a genius with an innate gift for Chinese fluency, the fact of the matter is that many people perceive Mandarin Chinese to be more complex and difficult than it really is.

It’s true that there are numerous challenges for native English speakers to overcome when learning Chinese, such as learning a new writing system and mastering the phonetic differences between the two languages. However, there are also a lot of aspects of the Chinese language that make it less complex than English. In this article, I will reveal the features of the language that make it easy to pick up, but I will also address the parts that make it difficult and how you can overcome those obstacles using tried-and-true tools and strategies.

If you’re ready to get started, let’s begin with the reasons why Chinese is quite an easy language to learn.

Three Reasons Why Mandarin Chinese is Easy for English Speakers

1). Mandarin Chinese verbs never change based on context

For native English speakers, verb conjugation is something we do without even thinking about it. We grew up learning to modify verbs based on their subject, for example “I have” or “she has,” but in Chinese, verbs will always remain the same no matter what the subject or object is. Going back to the previous example, in Chinese you can just say 我有(wǒ yǒu, I have) and 她有(tā yǒu, she has), no change required.

Verbs in English also have tense, meaning that the verb’s spelling and pronunciation will change based on the time when something happened, such as “I have” and “I had.” Verb tense also doesn’t exist in Chinese; the language uses syntax or other markers to indicate when something happened.

When it comes to learning a new verb in Chinese, you only need to learn one character and one pronunciation. On the other hand, a native Chinese speaker studying English would have to memorize multiple verb forms based on who is doing the action and when it’s happening. This is just one example of how Mandarin Chinese can be simpler than English.

2). Imperfect pronunciation will not prevent you from being understood

Chinese is a tonal language; words change meaning based on the tone you use while saying them. You’ll often hear that if you mispronounce one word, suddenly you’re saying something completely different than what you meant (oftentimes something wildly inappropriate or silly). However, the missing key here is context. When having a conversation, you can have imperfect pronunciation and incorrect tones, but the person listening will still understand you based on the other words you’re saying and the overall conversation you’re having.

Take the example of the difference between 妈 (mā, mother) and 马 (mǎ, horse). It’s true that the tone is the only thing that differentiates these two words when spoken aloud, but nobody is going to think that you went to your horse’s house last night for dinner.

Accurate pronunciation is a key part of fluency and is something that we should strive for as learners, but many people let the fear of being misunderstood prevent them from even beginning to learn the language. The truth is that tone mastery comes with intentional practice and time. Nobody, except for maybe a lucky few, uses tones like a native from the get go, and that’s perfectly okay!

3). You don’t need to learn to write Chinese characters to use them

Another factor that many English speakers find intimidating is learning to write characters by hand. It can seem like a massive undertaking to train your hand to trace different lines and memorize correct stroke order. It’s like going back to kindergarten and starting from scratch. If you feel that learning to write Chinese characters takes too much time and effort, I have great new for you: you don’t have to!

Similar to English, most people are more comfortable typing in Chinese than actually writing, and this is true of native speakers and learners alike. Learning to type Chinese characters is quite simple and can be as easy as typing the pronunciation and selecting the character from a list. Nowadays, there are very few situations that would require you to write characters by hand, such as sitting for a written Chinese exam.

There are several benefits to practicing handwriting, including improving your ability to memorize new vocabulary words, better understanding the structure of Chinese characters, and making it easier to use Chinese dictionaries and various typing input methods. But being unable to write characters by hand won’t prevent you from being able to reach fluency and communicate in Mandarin.

Part 2: Three Reasons Why Mandarin Chinese is Hard for English Speakers and How to Overcome Them

1). There is a significant learning curve for beginners

There are many factors that make Chinese so different from English, including the writing system, tones, pronunciation, and grammar. Rather than looking at them all individually, let’s step back to see the big picture. When approaching Mandarin Chinese for the first time, there’s a lot of new information to process, and that can intimidate new learners before they even begin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that new concept quickly become familiar, and your fluency will grow exponentially once you get over the initial hump.

How do you get past that point, though? For many languages, not just Chinese, taking time to intentionally concentrate on the foundations of the language will have a massive payoff both in the short and long term. For example, learning the different components of Chinese characters will massively speed up your progress in reading and writing. Familiarizing yourself with the sounds of the language will help you better pick out different words and tones while listening and can boost your speaking skills significantly.

2). Mandarin Chinese has an extremely vast amount of vocabulary to learn

Thinking about the number of Chinese characters required to achieve a high level of fluency can make your head spin. Most native speakers know around 8,000 characters. The highest level of the HSK 3.0, the standard exam used to measure Chinese fluency, requires over 10,000 characters. While it’s true that expanding your Chinese vocabulary will improve your ability to read complex texts, express yourself eloquently, understand complicated speech, and write like a native speaker, in reality, you can know a much smaller number of characters and still function in the language.

For example, by learning the 100 most common Chinese characters, you’ll be able understand almost half of everyday conversations. If you learn the 1,000 most common characters, that number will increase to almost 90%. Taking the time to learn three characters a day could help you reach that level in less than a year.

Learning a new language is always a marathon, not a sprint. But it can be extremely motivating to know that you can make great strides by growing your vocabulary in consistent, small doses.

3). Native Chinese speakers can be very difficult to understand

Mandarin Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Having so many native and non-native speakers from around the world also means that there are many different accents and dialects, each with their own phonetic nuances and particular vocabulary. In fact, the Beijing Mandarin accent is referred to as 儿化 (érhuà) to describe the way that speakers excessively add the 儿(ér) sound at the end of words, sometimes making their speech unintelligible to outsiders.

While there is a whole wide world of accents to attune your ears to, they share many of the same phonetic bases. And like all things, the ability to listen and understand comes with time and targeted practice. If you feel intimidated thinking about how many different accents there are, know that you don’t need to learn them all. You only need to learn the ones that are relevant to you, such as the accent spoken in a region you plan to visit or the dialect that your relatives speak. The internet offers a wealth of resources for standard Mandarin and almost every variation you can think of.

If you find yourself intimidated by the vastness of the language, breaking things down into smaller pieces and focusing on the most essential things first will help you get your bearings and gradually guide you towards mastery.

A Final Word

While my own Chinese experience began with others telling me that I couldn’t do it or it wasn’t worth it, I proved them wrong because I decided to tread my own path.

For many others, that negative voice can come from inside. There may be that part of you that says “oh, that seems too complicated” or “I’m really out of my comfort zone here.” It’s important to question if those thoughts are coming from preconceived notions you have about the challenge ahead or about your own abilities. The difference between thought and reality can be striking.

If you’re interested in starting your Chinese learning journey, but you hear that little voice telling you that you can’t do it, give yourself permission to try. Sometimes we discover that we’ve been standing in our own way.

I hope that this article has shown you that Mandarin Chinese is a unique language with its own challenges but also a language that you can adapt to easily if you approach it with thoughtfulness and openness.

The post Is Chinese Too Hard to Learn? Confronting the Biggest Myths About Mandarin appeared first on .

Among these courses is the AP Chinese Language and Culture course, a unique program that combines Chinese language skills with cultural understanding. This course not only aims to enhance students’ Chinese language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but also immerses them in the cultural, social, and historical aspects of Chinese-speaking communities. The course aims to enhance language proficiency through a variety of authentic resources and real-world tasks. It’s an ideal choice for students interested in deepening their understanding of Chinese language and culture and gaining valuable skills for global communication, all while earning college credit.

• AP Chinese Course Objectives
• AP Chinese Course Content and Learning Resources
• AP Chinese Exam Format
• Preparing for the AP Chinese Course and Exam
  • Prerequisites for AP Chinese Course
  • Tips for Preparing for the AP Chinese Exam
  • Recommended platforms for AP Chinese exam preparation
  • Recommended books for AP Chinese exam preparation

AP Chinese Course Objectives

The AP Chinese Language and Culture course is designed with specific objectives to enhance students’ Mandarin Chinese proficiency and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. The primary goal is to develop strong language skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, aiming to reach a high level of fluency.

AP Chinese’s Four Key Language Skills

In addition to the language skills, cultural understanding and communication goals are central. Students are immersed in learning about Chinese traditions, societal norms, and cultural practices, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives. Furthermore, the course emphasizes the importance of effective and appropriate communication within Chinese-speaking environments. By engaging with various real-life contexts and interactive activities, students improve their ability to express themselves clearly in Mandarin. Preparing for the AP exam is also a key focus, as the course equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

AP Chinese Culture Goals

Through this comprehensive approach, the AP Chinese Language and Culture course aims to prepare students not only for academic success but also for meaningful engagement with the Chinese-speaking world.

AP Chinese Course Content and Learning Resources

A wide range of topics are covered in the AP Chinese Language and Culture course, each designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of various aspects of Chinese society and culture. Topics include contemporary life, where students explore current issues and trends in Chinese-speaking communities; families and communities, which explores family structures, social relationships, and community values; science and technology, focusing on advancements and their impact on society; and global challenges, where students discuss environmental, political, and social issues facing the world today.

In terms of materials, the course utilizes a diverse array of texts and resources to support learning. Students engage with authentic materials such as newspaper articles, literary works, and online media, providing a real-world context to their studies. Audio and video materials, including news broadcasts, films, and interviews, are also integral to the course, offering students exposure to various dialects and aspects of spoken Chinese.

Additionally, immersive activities and multimedia presentations are used to enhance language skills and cultural understanding. Interactive tools like language learning apps and online platforms play a significant role in enhancing listening and speaking skills. Websites offering Chinese news, cultural articles, and language exercises are commonly used for up-to-date and relevant content. For writing practice, students might use blogs or forums to engage in discussions in Chinese.

Online resources like Quizlet offer flashcards and study games for vocabulary building, while websites like MandarinBean.com, Du Chinese and BBC Chinese provide additional reading and listening practice.

These varied resources ensure that students not only learn the language but also gain a comprehensive insight into the Chinese-speaking world.

AP Chinese Exam Format

The AP Chinese Language and Culture exam is divided into two main sections: Multiple Choice and Free Response. Each section assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. It is designed to assess students’ ability to understand and use Chinese in a range of contexts, mirroring the kind of proficiency expected in real-world situations.

Preparing for the AP Chinese Course and Exam

Prerequisites for AP Chinese Course

To better prepare for the challenges of the AP Chinese Language and Culture course, allowing students to fully engage with and benefit from the advanced material, some prerequisites are necessary.

1). Chinese language foundation

A solid foundation in Mandarin Chinese is essential. Students should have skills equivalent to at least two to three years of high school Chinese study. This includes a strong grasp of basic grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to comprehend and communicate simple ideas in Chinese.

As this course involves extensive reading and writing, at least 1,000 to 1,500 Chinese characters are required.

The course also includes audio materials in various dialects and accents. Therefore, students should also be able to engage in basic conversations and express their thoughts in spoken Chinese.

2). Cultural Understanding

A basic understanding of Chinese culture, traditions, and societal norms is beneficial. This knowledge supports the cultural components of the course and helps in understanding context.

3). Study Skills and Motivation

The AP Chinese course is rigorous. Students should have strong study habits, time management skills, and a high level of motivation to learn and excel in the course. Actually, this is not only a must for AP Chinese, but for all courses.

Tips for Preparing for the AP Chinese Exam

1). Practice regularly

Consistency is key in language learning. Dedicate time each day to practice various skills like listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

For vocabulary expansion, regularly learn new words and phrases, utilizing tools like flashcards, apps, or online platforms for effective memorization.

Listening skills can be sharpened by engaging with Chinese audio materials, starting with simpler, slower content and gradually progressing to more complex, faster-paced dialogues.

Speaking practice is equally important. Joining language exchange groups or conversation clubs can greatly improve fluency, as regular interaction with native speakers or fellow learners offers practical speaking experience.

2). Use authentic materials

Engage with materials used by native speakers, such as Chinese newspapers, films, TV shows, and podcasts. This exposure helps in understanding real-world language use and cultural nuances.

3). Do more mock exams

Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and time constraints of the AP exam. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and easing your test anxiety.

4). Immerse yourself in Chinese culture

Learn more about Chinese culture, history, and current events, not only from textbooks, but more from media, podcasts, newspapers, movies, etc.

5). Use study guides

Utilize AP Chinese study guides and textbooks that specifically prepare students for the exam format and content.

6). Seek feedback

For a more structured approach, consider working with a professional Chinese tutor. Regularly ask Chinese teachers or native speakers for feedback on your language use, pronunciation, and grammar. This approach is equally effective when it comes to writing.

Recommended platforms for AP Chinese exam preparation

Many platforms provide a range of comprehensive resources and tools beneficial for students preparing for the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam.

• Albert

Albert’s AP Chinese Language exam prep focuses on developing an understanding of Chinese language, culture, and contemporary society. It’s a resource for practicing and enhancing language proficiency along with cultural understanding.

• Stanford Online High School

This site offers a variety of print and online text and audio-visual materials to examine aspects of both traditional and modern Chinese culture. It’s useful for students looking to acquire vocabulary and characters and to sharpen listening, speaking, and composition skills.

• CTY

This resource provides a college-level challenge, covering topics typically found in a university course. It’s geared towards students in Grade 9 and above, offering extensive preparation for the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam.

• Aralia

Aralia focuses on strategies and knowledge necessary to attain a target score on the AP exam. It aids in developing proficiency in reading, translating, speaking, and analyzing Chinese, as well as quickly comprehending and responding to questions.

Recommended books for AP Chinese exam preparation

These books provide comprehensive coverage of the AP curriculum with exercises tailored to exam preparation.

• Integrated Chinese

• Barron’s AP Chinese Language and Culture Premium

• 5 Steps to a 5: AP Chinese Language and Culture

• Strive for a 5: Preparing for the AP Chinese Language and Culture Examination

Final Remarks

The AP Chinese Language and Culture course offers significant value and importance for students. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to earn college credit and achieve advanced standing in universities, potentially saving time and money. Beyond academic benefits, the course significantly enhances language proficiency. Students develop comprehensive skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese, which is invaluable in an increasingly globalized world.

Furthermore, the course deepens students’ understanding of Chinese culture, history, and societal norms, enriching their cultural knowledge and global awareness. This cultural immersion aids in fostering better communication and understanding in diverse environments. Additionally, mastering Chinese through this course opens doors to various career opportunities in international business, diplomacy, and more, as China plays a pivotal role in global affairs. The AP Chinese course, therefore, not only prepares students academically but also equips them with vital skills and insights for personal and professional growth in a multicultural world.

The post AP Chinese: A Comprehensive Course and Exam Overview appeared first on .

In this article, we will present a handpicked selection of Mandarin Chinese phrasebooks, each carefully chosen to cater to different learning objectives and styles. From comprehensive guides for serious learners to colorful and interactive books for those seeking a more engaging learning experience, this list offers something for everyone. Our focus is not just on the breadth of phrases and vocabulary but also on the context and usage, ensuring that you can communicate effectively and authentically in various Mandarin-speaking settings.

Join us as we explore these varied phrasebooks, each a unique window into the world of Mandarin Chinese, and find the perfect fit for your Chinese learning journey.

• Chinese Phrasebooks for Travelers & Expats
• Chinese Phrasebooks for Beginners and Casual Chinese Learners
• Chinese Phrasebooks for Serious Chinese Learners
• Chinese Phrasebooks for Fun and Creative Chinese Learning

Chinese Phrasebooks for Travelers & Expats

Lonely Planet Mandarin Phrasebook

This is a comprehensive guide designed to enrich cultural experiences for travelers in China. The book is widely acclaimed for its relevance and utility, offering a vast array of Mandarin phrases and vocabulary that cater to various travel needs. Users appreciate its practicality, noting how it helps in ordering authentic street food, engaging in local games like mah jong, and even bargaining in markets. Its popularity is underscored by its status as a product of the world’s leading travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet, renowned for its reliable and user-friendly travel resources.

One of the standout features of the phrasebook is its inclusion of cultural tips and etiquette advice. The book also contains a comprehensive food section, which is particularly beneficial for travelers looking to explore China’s rich culinary landscape.

It is also available in an auditory format with a CD. This is especially beneficial for mastering pronunciation and understanding the spoken language’s nuances. The audio components assist travelers in ordering dishes, asking for directions, and engaging in conversations with locals, thereby deepening their immersion into the Chinese culture and language.

Rough Guide Mandarin Chinese Phrasebook

This is a comprehensive phrasebook tailored for travelers in China. It stands out for its user-friendly approach, providing clear guidelines on Mandarin pronunciation and tones, crucial for effective communication. The book also explores cultural nuances, offering dos and don’ts that are invaluable for travelers navigating diverse social situations in China. This focus on etiquette and cultural tips makes it more than just a language guide; it’s a window into understanding Chinese culture.

Beyond the basics, it contains over 5,000 words, covering a wide array of scenarios that a traveler might encounter – from booking hotel rooms to interacting in local markets. The Rough Guide series is known for its quick key word referencing, making it easy for users to find the phrases they need swiftly. The inclusion of practical information on making phone calls, using ATMs, and other travel essentials further adds to its appeal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Chinese life and language. The audio is also free for readers to download and use.

DK Eyewitness Travel Phrase Book Mandarin Chinese

This practical phrasebook is packed with common Mandarin phrases and essential vocabulary, tailored for both leisure and business trips. Its organization by subjects like transportation, dining, shopping, and healthcare makes it incredibly user-friendly, allowing quick access to the information needed in various situations.

What sets this book apart is its blend of utility and visual appeal. It not only provides essential phrases for scenarios ranging from hotel stays to restaurant visits but also enhances the learning experience with word lists and vivid photographs. This approach not only simplifies the process of learning basic Mandarin phrases but also makes it more enjoyable. It is a highly recommended resource for anyone planning to navigate Mandarin-speaking environments, be it for travel or general language acquisition.

Survival Chinese (phrasebook & dictionary)

Authored by Boye Lafayette De Mente and Jiageng Fan, this phrasebook has been well-received for its user-friendly format and effectiveness. It stands out for its straightforward approach, offering the essential vocabulary and phrases necessary for various situations. It is especially useful for travelers and beginners in Mandarin who need to communicate effectively without in-depth knowledge of the language.

The book is designed to alleviate the stress and fear often associated with language barriers. Overall, “Survival Chinese” is more than just a phrasebook; it’s a companion for anyone looking to overcome the challenges of communicating in Mandarin, offering a blend of practical language tools and cultural insights​.

Instant Chinese: How to Express 1,000 Different Ideas with Just 100 Key Words and Phrases!

This book’s central concept is straightforward yet effective: by mastering just 100 carefully selected words and phrases, a learner can express a vast array of ideas, essentially communicating 1,000 different things. It seems an innovative approach to learning Mandarin Chinese. This method, crafted by author Boye Lafayette De Mente, is particularly beneficial for beginners or travelers who need to quickly pick up essential Mandarin without the complexity of learning a vast vocabulary.

The author’s selection focuses on words that are frequently used in everyday conversation, ensuring that learners spend their time effectively by focusing on practical and commonly used language. This approach not only simplifies the learning process but also accelerates the learner’s ability to communicate in Mandarin. The book’s premise is grounded in the belief that a small, well-chosen vocabulary is the key to effective communication, especially in situations where learners need to speak Mandarin instantly and with confidence.

Chinese Phrasebooks for Beginners and Casual Chinese Learners

BBC Mandarin Chinese Phrasebook and Dictionary

This resource is part of the BBC’s renowned series of phrasebooks and is available in various formats, including a Kindle edition and paperback. Its straightforward presentation and organization make it easy for users to quickly find and learn the phrases they need.

The phrasebook’s coverage of basic Mandarin words and phrases for common situations is designed to be accessible and practical. With a focus on real-world application, the guide ensures that users can communicate effectively in Mandarin in a range of settings, from asking for directions to ordering food. The book includes a small but comprehensive two-way dictionary, a pronunciation guide, and a menu reader, enhancing its usefulness for non-native speakers.

Chinese Phrases For Dummies

This is an accessible and practical guide for anyone looking to quickly pick up essential Chinese phrases. It is an excellent addition to the “Chinese for Dummies” series by Dr. Wendy Abraham  but stands strong as an independent resource. It’s tailored to offer hundreds of useful phrases right at the reader’s fingertips, enabling them to speak Chinese instantly in various everyday situations. The approach is straightforward and user-friendly, catering particularly to beginners who need to communicate effectively in Mandarin without delving into complex grammar or extensive vocabulary.

The phrasebook is well-received by its readers, who appreciate its simplicity and direct approach to language learning. It’s formatted in a way that’s easy to navigate, making it a handy tool for quick reference.

Easy Chinese Phrase Book

The “Easy Chinese Phrase Book: Over 1500 Common Phrases for Everyday Use and Travel” by Lingo Mastery is recognized for its practicality and effectiveness. This book caters particularly to beginners and travelers. It compiles more than 1,500 common phrases that are essential for daily communication and travel situations, making it an ideal tool for those new to Mandarin or those who have previously found language learning to be challenging.

What sets this phrase book apart is its focus on phrases that are most relevant and useful in real-life scenarios. This makes it not just a learning tool but also a handy companion for communication with Chinese speakers in various contexts – whether it’s mingling with friends, interacting with colleagues, or dealing with clients. Lingo Mastery has designed the book with the goal of helping language learners find the best expressions for everyday use in China.

It is available in multiple formats, including an Audible audiobook, making it accessible for different types of learners.

Crash Course Chinese

“Crash Course Chinese: 500+ Survival Phrases to Talk Like a Local” is an essential guide for anyone looking to quickly grasp essential Mandarin phrases. Authored by Celine Li, the book focuses on providing over 500 survival phrases that enable learners to communicate effectively in Mandarin, as if they were locals. This approach is particularly beneficial for beginners who need to speak Chinese confidently in a short period. The book promises to teach the reader to speak Chinese in hours, using phrases taught by a native speaker.

The phrasebook has garnered positive reviews from users who appreciate its straightforward, practical approach. It is designed to simplify the learning process, making it accessible for people with little to no background in Mandarin. This makes “Crash Course Chinese” a valuable resource for rapid language acquisition, especially for those who aim to speak Mandarin fluently and naturally in everyday contexts​.

Chinese Phrasebooks for Serious Chinese Learners

2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context

“2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context: Get Fluent & Increase Your Chinese Vocabulary with 2000 Chinese Phrases” is a comprehensive Mandarin Chinese language learning tool that stands out for its practical approach to vocabulary acquisition. This book is centered around the idea that mastering the most frequently used 2000 words in a language can significantly enhance learners’ understanding of it. According to studies mentioned in the book, knowing these words allows learners to comprehend a vast majority of what is used in everyday speech, as well as in non-fiction and fiction literature.

The book is highly praised for its inclusion of examples and the use of Pinyin, making it easier for learners to grasp pronunciation and usage. With its focus on the most essential vocabulary, the book is designed to be an effective learning tool for beginners and intermediate students of Mandarin. By concentrating on the most critical words and phrases, it offers a practical and efficient path to language mastery​.

Essential Mandarin Chinese Phrasebook & Dictionary

This phrasebook and dictionary combo aims to boost the confidence of its users in speaking Mandarin by providing practical language tools. It includes a variety of significant sentences for common situations such as meeting people, starting conversations, and responding to questions, making it a resource for both beginners and intermediate learners.

The book also features a basic guide to Chinese grammar and pronunciation, which is instrumental for learners to start speaking Mandarin effectively. The inclusion of both phrases and a dictionary component ensures that users have a comprehensive resource at their fingertips for navigating various conversational scenarios. Overall, it stands out as an essential tool for anyone looking to communicate with confidence in Mandarin, offering a blend of practical phrases and foundational language knowledge.

Chinese Phrasebooks for Fun and Creative Chinese Learning

Making Out in Chinese (Revised Edition)

This is a dynamic and engaging phrasebook that offers a unique perspective on learning Mandarin Chinese. This book is part of the “Making Out” series, which is known for its fun and accessible approach to language learning, particularly focusing on how languages are spoken on the street. It is specifically designed for informal situations, such as bars, parties, or any setting where understanding and using slang is beneficial.
The phrasebook is an excellent guide to contemporary Chinese that  is actually spoken in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Singapore. It serves as a perfect introduction to everyday interactions in Chinese-speaking countries, encompassing not just standard phrases but also colorful slang that can enliven conversations and help learners sound more like a local. It is appreciated for its ability to make the learning process both enjoyable and comprehensive.

Dirty Chinese: Everyday Slang from “What’s Up?” to “F*%# Off!”

Authored by Matt Coleman, a University of Queensland Chinese Language graduate with six years of experience in China, this is a unique phrasebook that introduces the informal and street language of modern Chinese. It is tailored for those who wish to grasp the everyday slang that you wouldn’t typically learn in a formal language class. It covers a range of expressions from cool slang and funny insults to explicit terms and raw swear words, providing a real taste of how the language is used colloquially on the streets of China.

While the book is celebrated for its presentation of real-life slang usage in Mainland China and its effectiveness in enhancing communication in both professional and community settings, some readers have pointed out its structural shortcomings. The book is noted to provide words within sentences but lacks substantial context and a detailed explanation for each term, which some learners might find limiting in terms of gaining a deeper understanding of the language. It’s particularly useful for travelers, expatriates, or anyone interested in gaining a more holistic and street-level understanding of Mandarin Chinese.

Chinese Slanguage  / More Chinese Slanguage

“Chinese Slanguage: A Fun Visual Guide to Mandarin Terms and Phrases” by Mike Ellis is an innovative and engaging guide designed to make learning Mandarin Chinese fun and accessible. The book employs a unique method: it uses visual prompts and encourages readers to read English words aloud, which surprisingly transform into Mandarin phrases. This approach simplifies the language learning process and makes it more enjoyable, especially for casual learners.

This book goes beyond basic conversation to include phrases for medical or legal emergencies and terminology for hotels and airports. This wide range of content makes it a handy companion for travelers and anyone interested in getting a quick grasp of Mandarin for everyday situations.

But don’t take the pronunciation it presents seriously. If you really want to learn this language with a serious attitude, then choose formal resources that are  more reliable. Overall, this guide offers a fresh and enjoyable way to start speaking Mandarin, appealing to those who want to learn the language in a more relaxed and less formal manner​.

Chinese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book

This is a distinctive and engaging resource for learners of Mandarin, suitable for all ages. With over 1500 Chinese words and phrases, this book offers a creative and visual approach to language learning. The unique feature of this dictionary is its interactive design, combining language learning with coloring activities. As learners color the illustrations, they can simultaneously learn Mandarin words, presented in simplified Chinese characters and Pinyin, accompanied by English translations. This hands-on method is particularly appealing to visual learners and children, making language learning a more playful and enjoyable experience.

Users have appreciated the book’s ability to merge learning with an enjoyable activity, making it a fun way for both adults and children to learn Mandarin.

Mandarin Chinese Picture Dictionary: Learn 1,500 Key Chinese Words and Phrases

This is an innovative language learning tool that covers 1,500 of the most useful Mandarin Chinese words and sentences. Each entry is presented in Chinese characters, accompanied by Hanyu Pinyin pronunciation and English definitions, making it accessible for learners at all levels. The words are thoughtfully grouped into 38 different themes and topics, which help in contextual learning and make it easier for learners to remember and apply the vocabulary in relevant situations.

This resource is designed to make language learning more engaging than traditional phrasebooks. It is particularly suitable for beginners of all ages, including those preparing for AP and HSK exams, as the book includes online audio that complements the written material. The visual and auditory components combined make this picture dictionary a unique and effective tool for learning Mandarin Chinese. Its combination of visual illustrations, audio support, and thematic organization makes it a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning Mandarin, whether for academic purposes, personal interest, or practical use​.

A Final Word

The world of Mandarin Chinese is vast and diverse, just like the range of phrasebooks available to guide you through it. Each book in our list offers a unique approach to learning and using Mandarin, whether your goal is to navigate the streets of China with confidence, enrich your language skills for academic purposes, or simply enjoy the process of learning a new language in a creative and engaging way.

Remember, the key to mastering Mandarin, or any language, lies in finding resources that resonate with your personal learning style and objectives. By selecting a phrasebook that aligns with your needs, you’re setting yourself up for a more enjoyable and effective learning experience. So, whether you’re a visual learner drawn to picture dictionaries, a traveler in need of a practical guide, or a student preparing for a proficiency exam, there’s a phrasebook out there tailored just for you. Happy learning!

The post The Ultimate Mandarin Chinese Phrasebook Collection: From Basics to Slang appeared first on .

As you read this list, think about how you would feel in each learning environment and ask yourself a few questions:

• Do I like being in a big group class where I can practice and socialize with other students, or do I feel anxious or distracted when there are so many people?
• This class takes place at night. Do I really have energy for studying after spending the whole day at work? Is there a weekend option instead?
• Online classes seem really convenient, but will I find it easier to focus when I’m face-to-face with my teacher?
• I really like the idea of a personal tutor, do I have enough money to pay for a lesson each week? Can I do a lesson every two weeks instead?

When there are so many different factors to keep track of, think of the things that are going to have the highest impact on your learning experience. For example, if your budget is really limited, but your schedule is more flexible, then you can focus on the options that meet those requirements.

1. The Confucius Institute in Montreal

Named after the famous ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, this organization was set up by the Chinese government to promote the Chinese language and culture overseas. Its branches are usually connected to a university, in Montreal being Dawson College. However, because they are a part of the same organization, the curriculum and teaching style is rather uniform. Due to the rigid structure, I would recommend these classes for anyone wanting to see what it’s like learning the language or wanting to pick it up again. They also offer HSK preparation classes. The HSK exam is the official government-recognized Chinese proficiency test; it is highly recommended to take it if you want to work or study in China.

While the course descriptions and other information about the Institute is available on the Confucius Institute in Quebec website, the course schedule for each session will be posted on the continuing education section of the Dawson College website. With a price tag of $240 CAD per 30 hours of instruction each semester, these courses are quite budget friendly compared to the cost of private tutoring.

2. Local Montreal Chinese Schools

If you’re looking for a learning experience that goes beyond linguistic knowledge and helps you become more engaged with Chinese culture, look no further than Montreal’s own local Chinese schools. Here you’ll find a more immersive learning environment than anywhere else. Each school is like its own community, making it an ideal space for not only studying the language and culture but actually engaging with it as well. These schools are an excellent option for families as they have classes available for both children and adults. Thanks to the fact that these schools are non-profit, they are often more affordable than other options as well.

A) The Montreal Chinese School 蒙城中華語文學校

This non-profit school was established over 40 years ago, in 1983, with the aim of promoting overseas Chinese linguistic and cultural education. Located in Saint Laurent, it’s accessible via public transportation, but it is a far more convenient trip if you drive a car. All of their classes are held on Sundays, making them a practical option for adults with full-time work or studies as well as busy families. Classes are held for two hours each week, and you can expect to pay around $250-$300 CAD for each semester, making this one of the most cost-effective options on this list.

Their course offerings for children are very diverse, covering not only Chinese language and culture but also other school subjects including math, English, and French. One of the unique things about their Chinese classes for children is that there are classes intended for both native and non-native speakers, meaning that your child can come and learn even if they do not speak Mandarin at home already.

For adults, they offer conversational Chinese classes for both lower and upper levels. While they don’t offer the same variety of courses that they have for younger learners, the adult conversation courses are available both in the morning and afternoon, meaning that you can likely find a timeslot that works for your schedule. Plus, it can be a convenient opportunity for you to take classes at the same time as your children.

B) JiaoHua School 佳华学校

Located on the same campus as Dawson College, the JiaoHua School is another non-profit Chinese school offering a huge variety of courses for school-age children and a smaller selection of conversational classes for adults. What sets it apart from The Montreal Chinese school mentioned above is that they offer weekday evening classes and even online classes. The tuition cost can vary greatly, with adult classes starting at approximately $120 CAD and some weekday children’s programs costing around $360 CAD.

Their course offerings for children include Mandarin Chinese classes for both native and non-native speakers, other academic subjects, and fine arts. Their adult Chinese courses take place both in-person and online on Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 11:20am. Bear in mind that registration for each school year begins well in advance, with in-person and online registration for the fall semester beginning as early as April. I would also recommend this school for parents who are looking to learn alongside their children or who may be looking for extracurricular activities for their children.

C) Learn Chinese with Anna

While formal Chinese schools and university programs offer a more structured learning experience, sometimes they can be too rigid in terms of both schedule and curriculum. This is where going with a personalized tutor may be more your speed. While hiring a tutor will generally cost more than the previously mentioned courses, you may see that you feel more engaged and progress faster when you can focus on the content that is most relevant to you. A one-on-one or small group approach will also ensure that you receive more individualized attention and feedback, which can be crucial for helping you reach your learning targets.

With an overflowing list of positive reviews and a history of collaboration with major Montreal organizations, including Desjardins and UQÀM, Anna has earned her stellar reputation. Her qualifications cannot be overstated: she has a master’s degree in second language education and over 20 years of teaching experience. What I find truly excellent is that your lessons with her can be whatever you need them to be. Anna offers one-on-one lessons, small group sessions, and large group classes. She is also ready to adapt to whatever your learning needs and goals are, including HSK preparation, business Chinese, daily conversation, and travel. She also nails the convenience factor because she holds her lesson in-person, online, and even by telephone if need be. When it comes to pricing, there is a high variability that depends on class size, lesson length, and other factors. Anna herself will provide you with an individualized quote when you get in contact. I think it’s pretty clear that Anna offers a true one-stop-shop for Chinese lessons, where she’ll act as your personal tailor.

3. Online Chinese Tutors

When learning a global language like Chinese, sometimes you need to consider that the best teacher for you may not currently be in Montreal. If you think that might be the case for you, no worries, we’ve still got you covered. Online tutors from all around the world can offer even more flexibility in terms of schedule and price point, but you may have to put in more research to find the right person to help you reach your learning goals.

A) iTalki

iTalki is an online foreign language tutoring platform that offers one-on-one sessions with thousands of tutors from all around the world, including over 1,300 tutors for Mandarin Chinese. The biggest selling point of this service is its level of flexibility: flexible schedule, pricing, and lesson types. As opposed to other tutoring services, you are not assigned a specific tutor. You’re in the driver’s seat and have complete control over which tutors you’d like to reach out to and try a lesson with. Many tutors on iTalki offer discounted trial lessons, which allows you to get a feel for their teaching style before committing to more classes.

       One downside to having so much control is that it can take a lot of time and effort to research tutors, checking their qualifications, reviews, availability, and prices. You can search for tutors based on specific criteria, such as teaching credentials and whether or not they’re a native speaker of Chinese. Another thing that can help you select a suitable tutor is through video introductions that you can find on each tutor’s profile. It’s amazing how quickly you can tell if someone is a good match just based on the vibes from their video clip.

B) Touch Chinese

Touch Chinese is a completely different experience from iTalki for a few reasons. Namely, Touch Chinese is exclusively focused on providing the best quality tutoring experience specifically for Mandarin Chinese. They very carefully vet all of their teachers to ensure that they have the necessary teaching experience and provide an engaging experience for students. You can read all of their teachers’ profiles and request a specific one, or you can allow them to match you with someone who fits your schedule and learning needs. They offer free trial classes to ensure that you’re paired with the teacher who is right for you.

While initially this may seem like a very formal approach, I’ve found that Touch Chinese’s tutors are always ready to adapt to my unique learning needs. They can offer more structured classes for HSK preparation and business Chinese, or they can provide conversation practice with specific feedback. While Touch Chinese’s services may cost a little more than independent tutors on iTalki, there’s a much higher standard of quality.

BONUS: Language Meetups in Montreal for Practicing Chinese

Just one of the many great things about living in Montreal is that it’s a lively city full of activity. As a global hotspot for linguists and polyglots, there are several free meetups all over the city where you can come and sharpen your language skills.

1) Mundo Lingo Montreal

Mundo Lingo is an event held in many different cities around the world, from Nanjing and Osaka to New York and even Montreal. Essentially, it’s a free meetup held once or twice a week in a bar where people gather to practice their various languages. Typically, everyone wears flag stickers to indicate which languages they speak to facilitate finding a partner.

Mundo Lingo Montreal posts updates on their Facebook group regularly. As of 2023, the event is held every Wednesday at 7pm at Clébard in the Plateau and every Friday at 7pm at Abreuvoir in the Quartier Latin. Keep in mind that these events are 18+, and since they are held in a bar, it is generally polite to order at least one drink or food item. In my own experience, it’s a very fun and lively atmosphere that allows you to get out of your comfort zone. If you’ve been studying Chinese for a while and want to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment, Mundo Lingo could be a good match for you.

2) Community Culture Exchange

If the party atmosphere of Mundo Lingo feels like a bit too much, Community Culture Exchange might be more your speed. Held every third Wednesday of the month at 1pm, this Chinese-English/French language exchange event welcomes learners of all levels and backgrounds. In small groups, participants play games and have friendly conversation first speaking only in Chinese and then speaking in only English or French. This event is held at Chez Alexandre downtown, making it extremely accessible. You can RSVP to this event in advance on their Meetup page.

That’s a lot of information! Where do I go from here?

With so many different learning formats and options available, it can be difficult to process and figure out how to proceed. Ultimately, you are the only person who is going to know what the best choice for YOU is. When you read this list, were there any options that really piqued your interest? Did you see anything that really excited you? That’s usually the best starting point.

An easy way to begin is to pick two options that interest you the most and take the time to personally look at their websites or reach out to them for more information. You may find that one of them simply works better for your needs. If you’re having trouble deciding, you may even want to consider a hybrid approach! For example, you can supplement in-person or online Chinese courses with one-on-one tutoring to help you progress even faster.

The path to learning Chinese is a long one, so taking the time to find an approach that makes you feel engaged and happy is extremely worthwhile.

If you’re based in Montreal yourself, have you checked out any of these options before? Are there any that we missed? Leave us a comment down below, and we’d love to what you have to say!

The post Learn Chinese in Montreal: Which Classes and Tutors are Right for You? appeared first on .

Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on brute memorization to expand your vocabulary and meet your learning goals. You can rely on the writing system’s surprisingly intuitive structure, expertly developed learning strategies, and even more creative approaches to associating characters with their corresponding pronunciations and meanings.

In this article, we’ll look at ways to establish a strong foundation and then build from there to help you develop a vocabulary that is both rich and authentic. While a lot of this content is geared towards helping beginners find their way to get over the initial hurdle of adapting to a new writing system, the learning strategies and resources provided below are suitable for learners of all levels, especially those aiming to expand their vocabulary and enhance their ability to memorize Chinese characters effectively.

• Step One: Learn How the Chinese Writing System Works
• Step Two: Build Your Chinese Vocabulary Through Repeated Exposure and Practice
• Step Three: Test Your Knowledge Regularly
• Key Resources for Learning Chinese Characters

Step One: Learn How the Chinese Writing System Works

The first major step to solving these little puzzles is to understand the different components they’re made of and how those components are arranged. This may sound like a major investment of time and energy, but it’s a lot easier than it seems at first glance.

While we already have a quite comprehensive article on the fundamentals of character structure and how to write them, I really want to emphasize the importance of two common components: radicals and phonetic components.

Radicals, also known as 部首(bùshǒu), are the most essential part of understanding the meaning of characters. Take 女(nǚ) for example; by itself, it means “woman” or “female” but can be combined with other pieces to create words like 妈妈(māmā, mother)，姐姐(jiějiě, older sister)，and 妹妹(mèimèi, younger sister). There are 189 radicals in simplified Chinese, but Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is fluency. You can focus on the most common, most fundamental radicals and still see major payoff in your studies.

The next key piece of the puzzle is phonetic components. Going back to the three words we looked at earlier, you’ll notice the pieces added to the radical, 马(mǎ, horse), 且(qiě, even/moreover), and 未(wèi, not), have nothing to do with the meaning, BUT the pronunciation does match closely or exactly. These phonetic components do not add anything to the definition of the character, but rather they provide a clue to indicate how you should say it out loud.

This is just a taste of what the Chinese writing system looks like when you break it down, but can you already see the mystery of these characters starting to dissipate? If you want to keep going more in-depth, you can also check out these two courses that provide an in-depth overview of the writing system to help you find your footing and become more confident both reading and writing Chinese characters.

Once you feel you have a solid foundation, then it’s time to start building.

Step Two: Build Your Chinese Vocabulary Through Repeated Exposure and Practice

This is the stage where you can start to have more independence when it comes to choosing both the content that you want to study and the strategies you want to use. This is the stage in my own learning journey where I felt lost at sea, adrift with no real direction and nobody to help me. And while I can’t tell you exactly what to study and how, I can provide some of my own insights to set you off on the right path.

Let’s first answer the question of WHAT to study. The answer here is going to look very different depending on your learning level. Quite frankly, for beginners, there’s a very straightforward answer: learn the words that are used most often. Chinese character frequency lists will provide you with the characters you hear most often in daily life, or you can always refer to the classic HSK vocabulary lists.

As you become more advanced and feel confident with the words you hear on a daily basis, you may need to look at specializing based on your own interests and learning goals. For example, if you’ve been learning business Chinese for several years and you plan on putting that knowledge to use working with a software company, then naturally it would serve you to learn the specialized terminology of your field. Or if you don’t have any professional aspirations, you can merely focus on areas of interest. If you’re a literature fanatic, then you may even choose to learn some archaic Chinese words to help you understand classical works and poetry. The only limit here is your imagination.

Next comes an even bigger question. Once you have a list of words you want to learn, HOW do you learn them without feeling like your brain is completely overloaded? The first key is based on the Chengyu 锲而不舍(qiè ér bù shě)，persevere, and keep chipping away at it. The second key is to find the learning strategies that work for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways to make memorizing Chinese characters easier.

– Strategy 1: Flashcards and Spaced Repetition

We all know them, and we all have a love-hate relationship with them. Flashcards have remained one of the most common strategies for character memorization because they allow you to quickly check whether or not you can remember the meaning of a character. It’s also quite easy to find a spare 10 minutes for flashcards as opposed to sitting down for an intensive study session.

However, just doing flashcards doesn’t always guarantee results. It’s also hard to know how many times you should study a card before moving on, and what happens if you forget a word that you previously studied? This is where the concept of spaced repetition comes in.

Spaced repetition is an evidence-based study technique that is used by linguists, medical professionals, law school students, and more. This system is based around the concept of studying new terms more frequently and familiar terms less frequently. It focuses your attention on the words that are less familiar but still prompts you to return to words that you’ve already study, which strengthens your recall and makes you less likely to forget it.

While spaced repetition systems (SRS) can be difficult to manage with hand-made flashcards, many popular flashcard apps, such as Anki, already have an SRS baked into their code, making this strategy readily accessible to anyone.

– Strategy 2: Visual Cues

Do you consider yourself a visual learner? Then why not take advantage of the fact that many Chinese characters are based on pictograms. Radicals such as 口(kǒu) and 目(mù) pictorially represent the mouth and eyes, so they serve as visual cues to remind you of the meaning of words like 喝(hē, to drink) and 眼睛(yǎnjing, eyes). I’ve always found that making visual associations strengthens my memory more than anything else.

You can choose to draw these connections by yourself during your regular reading and writing practice, or you can do intentional visual association using an established guide, like Chineasy, designed to help visual learners memorize characters more effectively.

– Strategy 3: Storytelling and Mnemonics

Another strategy that is based around making external connections is storytelling. By creating a narrative around a new word, it can help you more effectively remember its meaning and importance in the language. You don’t have to write a novel. Even just writing a few short sentences can help your brain grasp a foreign term more strongly and more quickly.

This strategy is extremely effective for learning Chengyu, four-character idiomatic phrases that are often based on traditional fables. Learning the story behind these complex expressions makes a world of difference, and it’s truly inspiring to be able to learn more about Chinese history and culture while also expanding your practical knowledge of the language.

Mnemonic devices are a slightly more abstract strategy to remember the pronunciation and meaning of characters. These are often personal ideas or opinions that we assign to a specific character because it helps us recall more effectively and faster. Let’s look at one example together. I’ve been trying to learn the word 单独(dāndú, alone, singlehanded), and I have a coworker named Dan who recently quit. So now, when I see this character, I think of the fact that due to Dan, I now need to handle my work alone.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this strategy because sometimes it can be very difficult to find a way to meaningfully link a character to a phrase in my native language. However, when you do find a solid mnemonic device, it can be extremely effective in helping you recognize the character later on.

– Strategy 4: Learning in Context

Sometimes the most effective way to pick up new terms is through learning on the job, which means learning new characters when you come across them while reading. Many linguists would say that this lines up with the strategy called Comprehensible Input, which is currently one of the most popular methods of learning a new language.

The reason why learning in context is so important is that it exposes you to the characters you will need most often in your day-to-day life, plus it adds additional insights about the word’s usage and cultural implications. Learning characters in isolation can teach you how to recognize and write them, but learning through real-life scenarios will help you turn passive understanding into active usage, which has a much higher impact on your fluency.

This strategy is one of the easiest to implement into your studies because it can be applied to any scenario where you are reading Chinese characters as part of a larger story or conversation, such as texting friends, reading books or manhua, and browsing social media.

When you come across a character that you don’t recognize, it’s important that you take note of its structure and components, plus the pronunciation and meaning. Thankfully, many popular reading apps like MandarinBean, DuChinese allow you to see a word’s pinyin and definition by tapping on it, or you can install a browser extension that will allow you to do the same on any website.

Step Three: Test Your Knowledge Regularly

No matter how you choose to go about memorizing characters, you need to ensure that you’re actually retaining the knowledge over time if you want to get the maximum benefit. There are a few different ways you can go about testing to see if you really remember all those words you studied.

– Test 1: Reading Comprehension

The first test is the easiest because reading only relies on recognizing characters and remembering their meaning. If you’re studying HSK-related vocabulary, then look at reading materials or mock tests that are aimed at your current level (or the one above!) and see if you are able to read through a passage smoothly, or if you feel like you’re hitting speedbumps in every sentence. Perhaps some words come back to you immediately, others you can figure out by looking at them for a minute, and some won’t come back to you at all. If you want to give yourself a grade, you can count how many characters fall into each of those three categories, but I find that you can most often intuitively get a sense of your performance just by going through the passage.

– Test 2: Written Expression

Now comes the real challenge. Can you both think of the character you want to use and then remember how to write it? If you’ve been studying vocabulary around a specific topic, such as how to order food, writing business emails, or describing a movie you saw, you can try to write a short paragraph or dialogue to demonstrate your knowledge. This will not only reinforce your knowledge of characters but also all of the grammar points you have studied. Don’t worry if you can write fewer characters than you can recognize, that’s completely natural and is even true of native speakers.

If you want to try this test but feel like your writing skills aren’t up to par, you can also consider typing your text. Different typing input methods can test your character recognition in different ways, such as inputs based on pronunciation, radicals, or stroke order. It isn’t as rigorous as handwriting everything, but it will still allow you to see if you’re retaining the information that you studied.

Key Resources for Learning Chinese Characters

Having the right tools to support your practice can often make the difference between finding success or falling short. This is a curated collection of apps, books, and courses designed to boost your Chinese vocabulary in ways that are extremely helpful, streamlined, and fun.

DigMandarin’s Chinese Character Courses

These courses are an extremely valuable resource for any student looking to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of Chinese characters. I found that the instructor broke down complex concepts into digestible pieces, allowing me to learn without feeling overwhelmed. They’re also extremely affordable, and the format allowed me to access the course when it was convenient for me.

Pleco

Pleco is by far the best Chinese dictionary app you will ever use. It offers an extremely comprehensive database of terms and phrases. You can also use any input method you want: Chinese, English, Pinyin, handwriting, or simply taking a picture. Certain add-ons can be purchased to add additional features, such as a flashcard system, but they are very low-cost and are a one-time purchase instead of an ongoing subscription.

Anki

Anki is an extremely well-known SRS (spaced repetition system) app used to create and manage flashcard decks. While its interface is still stuck in the 90s, it can be learned fairly quickly and lends itself to being used creatively. You can create your own flashcards and add supplements like audio and images to improve retention, or you can download existing flashcard decks created by other users. I’m currently using this extensive HSK 3.0 vocabulary deck, which includes writing and stroke order practice.

Chineasy

This series originally hit the scene as a book with an innovative take on learning Chinese characters through drawings, and it now one of the most popular methods for learning characters intuitively. They also now have an app that makes it even more accessible.

Du Chinese

This app was a key piece for me when it came to learning characters in context. The interface is extremely intuitive, and it makes reading practice more engaging by offering a huge variety of content at different HSK levels. The premium subscription is quite expensive, but the free version is still very high quality.

Mandarin Bean

The website offers graded reading material organized by HSK levels, all available for free. Each article features a variety of types, including news, business, stories, fun, and culture, among others. The selection of vocabulary lists tailored to each level is an exceptionally convenient method to learn words that match your proficiency. Engaging and progressively challenging content ensures a stimulating and effective learning experience.

Final Thoughts

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, let alone tackling a new writing system with its own extensive history and specific nuances. However, many have treaded this path before you and are ready to offer their expertise and tips to help you navigate the language with both curiosity and a hunger for learning.

Characters are the most basic foundation of the Chinese language, and learning them, especially how to memorize Chinese characters, is a unique task that challenges your brain to think in new ways. We are all unique individuals, and we learn in different ways. I invite you to try the strategies laid out in this article and see if they spark something new for you. It may just be the thing that ignites your passion.

The post Rise to the Challenge: How to Memorize Chinese Characters Like A Pro appeared first on .

The theory of Comprehensible Input comes from the famous linguist Stephen Krashen, and to put it in the simplest terms, it’s the idea that if you consume a lot of content (i.e. listen a lot and read a lot) then there will be major payoffs for your fluency. Learners of all levels can take advantage of this strategy, and thanks to the massive explosion of Comprehensible Input content across the web, it’s easy to find resources that will suit your specific needs.

You may think, “Great! Sign me up. I’ll watch 1,000 hours of Chinese dramas and be fluent in no time!” Well, let’s put on the brakes for a second. This strategy can do a lot for you, but it can’t do EVERYTHING for you.

To help break down the complexities of this topic, we’ll go over the basics of Krashen’s input hypothesis, the benefits and drawbacks of Comprehensible Input, and how to effectively incorporate it into your Chinese learning strategy for optimal results.

Where does the term ‘Comprehensible Input’ come from?

To give a brief history, Professor Stephen Krashen first published his theory of second language acquisition in the late 1980s. This included his extremely popular input hypothesis, which states that students progress when they receive target language input that is just above their current level. This gives birth to the term ‘Comprehensible Input,’ referencing the kind of content that learners can still follow and understand even if they haven’t learned every vocabulary word and grammar structure. Krashen’s method is quite similar to how children learn a language through natural exposure instead of sitting down and studying grammar rules and vocabulary lists.

“Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill.” – Professor Stephen Krashen

Sounds like a dream come true right? One of the reasons why Comprehensible Input has become such a popular learning strategy is because it rejects the idea that the only way to achieve a high level of fluency is to spend years studying nitty gritty grammar rules. Krashen opens the door to a new experience, where you can achieve the same result by simply spending time immersed in the language.

Let’s take a moment to discuss a few key points about finding the right kind of input for you:

• You have to be able to understand most of what you’re reading or listening to. In order to help you learn and grow, the content has to be slightly above the level you’re currently at. If you can understand 100% of it, then you’ll never learn anything new. If you can only understand about half of it, then there will be too much friction, and it will be nearly impossible for you to follow. Most people recommend choosing content that you can understand about 95-98% of.
• The content should be meaningful and relevant to you. Just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. By nature, we’re more likely to pay attention to and learn from things that we are personally interested in. When considering whether or not to invest your time and effort in something, consider if it supports your specific learning goals or if it truly sparks your interest.

Can Comprehensible Input make me fluent in Chinese?

Short answer: Yes. Comprehensible input can succeed in doing what many textbooks and courses fail at, which is teaching how the language is actually used.

Popular Youtuber Grace Mandarin Chinese has a particularly interesting video on the concept of contracted sentences, just one example of how native speakers will sound quite different from what you hear in a classroom setting. If you find that you can understand dialogues in a textbook but feel completely lost when listening to a real-life conversation between native speakers, then Comprehensible Input may just be the missing secret ingredient.

This strategy encourages exposing yourself to a wide variety of input sources, which will help you understand speakers who may have different accents, cadence, and vocabulary. For written content, consistent exposure can help you understand everything from street signs and text messages to newspaper articles and even poetry.

Ready to throw your copy of New Practical Chinese Reader out the window? Don’t be so hasty. We still have to address some of the shortcomings of Comprehensible Input.

Why can’t I use Comprehensible Input as my only learning method?

Problem 1: You can’t skip the fundamentals

While it may be tempting to put all your eggs into one basket, let’s take a moment to consider that Comprehensible Input has a prerequisite: you need to have at least some foundation in the language if you are going to meaningfully engage with the content.

This is especially relevant when learning Chinese because if you want to start reading native sources, you have to learn how to read first. In fact, learning about character construction and stroke order is key to understanding how the language functions, and you won’t get far without it.

The same goes for listening. When you’re being exposed to a completely new language, you need to have at least a basic understanding of the different tones and how they are used. It may be possible to pick up on some subtleties of pronunciation, like tone sandhi, through Comprehensible Input. But overall, establishing a foundational understanding of how the language works is key to success.

If you’re looking to establish a strong foundation that will then allow you to start your Comprehensible Input journey, consider taking an online course like the ones available at DigMandarin, which offer a structured introduction to Mandarin Chinese fundamentals.

Problem 2: Comprehensible Input can discourage learning how to speak and write

“These methods do not force early production in the second language, but allow students to produce when they are ‘ready’, recognizing that improvement comes from supplying communicative and comprehensible input, and not from forcing and correcting production.” – Professor Stephen Krashen

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that Krashen is discouraging his students from learning how to speak and write. Listening and reading are actually key pieces of learning how to speak and write like native speakers. However, if we place a very strong emphasis on input, then many students tend to neglect their output.

Comprehensible Input is a low-anxiety and low-stress approach, but sometimes it’s necessary to embrace the discomfort of putting yourself out there.

In many ways, Comprehensible Input helps build confidence in a second language, but it can be hard to leave that comfort zone. When learning a new language, we’re bound to make mistakes, many mistakes! Krashen encourages students to start producing when they feel ‘ready.’ This differs from the opinion of many teachers who encourage their students to produce from day one. There are benefits and drawbacks to each approach. But if you’re going to follow a Comprehensible Input model for your studies, know that your production skills may lag behind if you ignore them for too long.

One important factor to consider is your ‘why’ for learning Chinese. Many students are learning because they want to engage with other people, including family members, romantic partners, colleagues, or friends. If you find yourself neglecting your speaking or writing skills, then you may be missing out on valuable relationships and personal connections.

Let’s consider another quote from Krashen himself:

“In the real world, conversations with sympathetic native speakers who are willing to help the acquirer understand are very helpful.”

This pulls back the curtain a bit and shows us that Krashen’s hypothesis proposed back in the 80’s doesn’t exactly match what we see in our modern internet-based society. Conversing with a native speaker is by far the most immersive and active way to engage with the language, but you can’t simply sit back and listen to them talk. Try to be an active participant and you’ll see just how quickly your skills can improve.

How to use Comprehensible Input in combination with other learning methods

Finally, let’s take a look at how you can put the Comprehensible Input method into practice without falling victim to the pitfalls we just mentioned.

Keep in mind that becoming fluent in a language requires you to master a lot of different skills, so it’s natural that there isn’t one clear path to follow. The best approach is one that is balanced and tailored to your specific needs and your current fluency level.

As mentioned above, the newer you are to learning Chinese, the more you’ll benefit from starting with a more structured approach, either in a formal class, with an online Chinese course, or one-on-one tutor.

If you’ve already been on your Chinese language journey for a bit, you likely already have the foundation you need and probably feel ready to jump in the deep end. Your next step, then, is to find the content that is both meaningful and comprehensible to you. Obviously, this will vary a lot based on your current level and interests, but here are a few resources to get you started:

• DigMandarin’s review of popular Chinese podcasts
• Heavenly Path’s guide to Comprehensive Reading
• DigMandarin’s guide to Chinese graded readers
• Comprehensible Chinese, a YouTube channel with Comprehensible Input stories for all levels

A Final Word

While Comprehensible Input has certainly earned its popularity as one of the best methods for learning a new language, you want to make sure that you’re consuming content from a wide variety of sources. Think of it like your diet. Protein is a vital nutrient, but if you only ever eat meat, you certainly won’t be in good health. The longer you spend ignoring your other needs, the harder it will be to catch up in the end.

Even if you’re completely sold on Krashen’s input hypothesis, consider how supplementing with other resources, such as courses, tutoring, or practicing with friends, could help you reach your fluency goals. In the end, your Chinese learning journey is as unique as you are. It’s up to you if you want to follow a map or tread a new path entirely.

What are your favorite Chinese resources to listen to and read? Do you have a favorite TV show or reading app to share? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Comprehensible Input for Mandarin Chinese: Develop an Accelerated Learning Plan appeared first on .

Equally important in this learning process is choosing the right learning material. A well-chosen book can significantly impact your learning progress. It’s essential to select a book that aligns with your learning objectives, whether it’s passing a Chinese proficiency exam, improving conversational skills, doing business with Chinese people, or understanding Chinese culture. The right book is often well-structured and systematic. It not only guides you through the complexities of the language but also keeps you engaged and motivated throughout your learning journey.

• Understanding Different Learning Levels
• Top Books for Beginner Chinese Learners
• Top Books for Intermediate Chinese Learners
• Top Books for Advanced Chinese Learners
• Specialized Chinese Learning Books for Different Needs
• Learning Strategies and Tips

Understanding Different Learning Levels

Usually, different levels of Chinese learners have distinct needs, and learning books cater to these varying requirements. But how do you choose the good ones?

For beginners, the foundation is always about understanding the basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, mastering pronunciation, and acquiring vocabulary. Beginners need books that introduce basic grammar and vocabulary in a simple, engaging way. Take pronunciation as an example, some books only include one lesson on it, if you don’t have a tutor to do more intensive extra practice, it’s definitely not enough. Usually, no matter if it’s for self-learning or learning with a teacher, a beginner’s book should include detailed pronunciation instructions and practice exercises. The content should present it in small, manageable sections to prevent overwhelming the learner.

For intermediate learners, vocabulary and grammar are the most vital parts. Make sure the grammar points are well explained and the vocabulary is truly at the intermediate level.  Some books might include many unnecessary advanced words. Books for intermediate learners should offer authentic texts, which introduce nuances of the language and encourage reading without Pinyin.

For advanced learners, reading and writing in paragraphs is highly valued. So the variety of topics and richness of the content should be considered carefully when choosing learning books. Advanced books often focus on specific aspects of the language, like formal writing or business communication. There’s less emphasis on language rules and more on usage, idioms, and style.

If there is a certain aspect you need to improve, such as speaking, writing, test preparation, or business conversations, then choose a book that focuses on that point. There are books that place emphasis on certain skills across all levels. For example, if you want to improve your reading level, then your target book should offer texts of increasing complexity, with exercises to improve comprehension. You can always find a book that caters to your needs.

Top Chinese Books for Beginners

For complete beginners, traditional textbooks are the most common pick because it offers the most structured and systematic approach. Books like “Integrated Chinese,” “HSK Standard Course,” and “New Practical Chinese Reader” are popular choices, each with their unique and effective approaches to teaching essential pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

HSK Standard Course Series

These books are tailored for learners preparing for the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Chinese proficiency tests. They align closely with the HSK exam’s structure, covering the vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension required at each level. They offer systematic and in-depth training with exercises and mock tests that mimic the actual exam format, enabling learners to track and improve their proficiency. HSK Standard Course also progressively introduces Chinese characters, helping beginners transition from Pinyin to reading and writing characters.

Integrated Chinese

This series is known for its balanced approach to teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. It introduces vocabulary and grammar in a contextual manner, focusing on language use in everyday situations. The lessons are structured to gradually build up language proficiency, starting from basic phrases and sentences to more complex structures. Integrated Chinese uses a mix of Pinyin and characters from the start, encouraging learners to familiarize themselves with Chinese script early on.

New Practical Chinese Reader

This series, which is designed to develop communicative competence, is often used in schools. It starts with basic vocabulary and grammar, presented through thematic lessons that reflect real-life situations. The New Practical Chinese Reader series includes cultural notes and background information to enhance students’ understanding. It uses a combination of Pinyin and characters, with a gradual shift towards more character-based content as the learner progresses. The books include a variety of exercises focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

To complement this series, we’ve developed a video course tailored to the New Practical Chinese Reader textbooks, enhancing the learning experience.

Oxford Beginner’s Chinese Dictionary

This is a resource for those starting to learn Chinese. Designed for easy use, it features clear entries with Pinyin, essential vocabulary tailored for beginners, and practical grammar and usage tips. Unique to this dictionary are the cultural insights, enriching the learning experience by connecting language with its cultural context. Additionally, it often includes thematic word lists and may offer digital resources for an enhanced learning experience. This dictionary is more than just a language tool; it’s a comprehensive guide for beginners getting deeper into both the language and culture of China.

Top Books for Intermediate Chinese Learners

Developing Chinese

This series is comprehensive and is often used in academic settings. It systematically introduces vocabulary and grammar concepts, with each lesson building on the previous one. The books use real-life dialogues and texts to provide context for the language elements being taught. They emphasize practical usage and include a variety of exercises to reinforce learning. The series also integrates cultural elements, helping learners to not only prepare for the exams but also gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and its linguistic nuances, which is especially beneficial for intermediate learners. Alongside the comprehensive course, this series also includes listening, speaking, and writing courses at each level, which make it a one-stop-shop for Chinese learners.

Complete Mandarin Chinese

This is a comprehensive guide recommended for learners aiming to reach an intermediate level in Mandarin. This book stands out thanks to its thorough coverage of essential language skills, including advanced vocabulary, complex grammar structures, and practical conversation scenarios. It focuses on real-life language use, enabling learners to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a balanced manner. With its clear explanations, varied exercises, and cultural notes, “Complete Mandarin Chinese” is an ideal resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the language and progress beyond the basics.

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar 

This book offers a clear and detailed overview of complex grammar structures in Mandarin. It is a comprehensive guide, blending traditional and function-based approaches to Mandarin Chinese grammar in one volume. The book is split into two parts: Part A focuses on grammar categories like phrase order and different usages, while Part B centers on language functions such as communication strategies and expressing regrets. Both parts are interlinked with detailed cross-references, enriching the understanding of grammatical patterns with a functional perspective. The grammar points are illustrated with examples emphasizing contemporary usage. Ideal for learners from beginners to intermediate, this book doesn’t require previous grammar knowledge. It includes a glossary of terms and pairs with a separate workbook for exercises. This makes it a comprehensive reference and learning tool for Mandarin Chinese.

A New China: An Intermediate Reader of Modern Chinese

Now in a revised single-volume format, this book has established itself as a key textbook for intermediate Chinese language learning. This updated edition integrates the previous two-volume set, reflecting significant changes in China over the past decade. The book, written from the viewpoint of a foreign student newly arrived in China, offers contemporary lessons and materials on China’s evolving landscape. It starts with the student’s initial experiences in Beijing, covering everything from airport arrival to university dorm life. The new edition includes lessons on everyday activities like laundry and haircuts, along with cultural experiences at the zoo, night markets, and the Great Wall. Later sections address China’s current social and political topics, such as divorce and urban traffic challenges. “A New China” is comprehensive, with detailed grammar instructions, extensive vocabulary, and exercises. It also presents content in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters.

Top Books for Advanced Chinese Learners

Advanced Reader of Contemporary Chinese Short Stories: Reflections on Humanity

This collection of contemporary short stories is a great resource for advanced learners. It helps in understanding complex sentence structures, offers insights into Chinese society and culture, and introduces the advanced student to some of the most important Chinese writers. The stories are followed by detailed explanations of difficult phrases and comprehensive language activities. This book is suitable for learners at a high intermediate or advanced level who already have a good grasp of Chinese characters. However, if you find character recognition challenging, the vocabulary lists included will be particularly beneficial.

Eyes on China: An Intermediate-Advanced Reader of Modern Chinese

This is an ideal learning resource for intermediate to advanced Chinese language learners. This book offers a deep view into modern Chinese through a collection of compelling and contemporary readings. Covering a wide range of topics, from cultural trends to social issues, it provides learners with an authentic glimpse into China’s current affairs and everyday life. The book is designed to enhance language skills, particularly reading and comprehension, by presenting complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary. Each article is accompanied by thorough explanations and vocabulary lists, making it an effective tool for improving both language proficiency and cultural understanding. “Eyes on China” is a valuable asset for learners aiming to achieve a higher level of fluency and a deeper insight into modern Chinese society.

All Things Considered: Revised Edition

This is a thoroughly revised textbook that effectively transitions learners from intermediate to advanced Chinese. Addressing contemporary and stimulating topics relevant to Chinese society, such as wealth disparity, environmental challenges, and evolving views on marriage and sex, the book fosters student engagement and discussion. The first twelve lessons are presented in dialogue form, while the rest feature articles from Chinese newspapers and magazines, exposing students to both spoken and written Chinese. This structure not only provides diverse content but also reinforces learning through repetition of topics in different formats. The new edition of “All Things Considered” presents an improved, user-friendly layout with text and vocabulary on adjacent pages and updated grammar explanations and exercises, making it an ideal resource for advanced Chinese language learners seeking a comprehensive and relevant learning experience.

Specialized Chinese Learning Books for Different Needs

Books to Help Improve Chinese Speaking Skills

New Target Chinese Spoken Language

This series is an innovative set of textbooks specifically designed for learners aiming to enhance their spoken Chinese skills. These books cater to a range of levels, from beginner to advanced, focusing on practical, everyday language use. The series adopts a conversational approach, with each book structured around real-life scenarios that learners are likely to encounter, from basic introductions to more complex social interactions. This method not only helps in building a robust vocabulary and understanding of grammar in a conversational context but also aids in developing listening and speaking skills. The lessons are complemented by cultural insights, making the learning process both comprehensive and engaging. This series is an excellent choice for learners who want to focus primarily on improving their oral communication skills in Mandarin Chinese.

Conversational Chinese 301

This is a widely acclaimed textbook designed for learners aiming to develop practical communication skills in Mandarin Chinese. Renowned for its focus on real-life conversational scenarios, the book comprises 40 lessons, each structured around common daily interactions and dialogues. This setup allows learners to quickly grasp essential vocabulary and sentence structures relevant to everyday situations. The fourth edition updates outdated texts to reflect current social life, adding terms like “high-speed rail,” “express delivery,” and “WeChat.” The lessons are concise yet comprehensive, making them ideal for both classroom use and self-study.

Resources to Help Improve Chinese Listening Skills

China Focus – 《中国微镜头：汉语视听说系列教材》

The “China Focus” series is a comprehensive set of language textbooks specifically designed for Chinese audio-visual courses. The series utilizes a wide array of audio-visual materials drawn from contemporary Chinese society, including documentaries, news, situational dramas, interviews, entertainment programs, short films, advertisements, and songs. It leverages an abundance of online video resources to create a classroom teaching environment based on natural language use. The series is categorized into six levels according to the difficulty of the audio-visual materials and covers various themes such as society, economy, culture, education, life, love, and art. Each theme is further divided into several topics, with each topic compiled into a separate volume. The language component of the series encompasses common communicative functions and scenarios across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, making it an ideal resource for learners seeking to enhance their listening skills in Mandarin.

Developing Chinese: Listening Course

• Elementary Listening Course 1
• Elementary Listening Course 2
• Intermediate Listening Course 1
• Intermediate Listening Course 2
• Advanced Listening Course 1
• Advanced Listening Course 2

This series is excellent for beginner to advanced learners, offering a range of listening exercises that cover various topics and situations. It’s designed to improve comprehensive listening skills and includes recordings of native speakers.

Resources to Improve Chinese Reading Skills

Chinese Breeze

“Chinese Breeze” is a well-regarded graded reader series designed to enhance the reading skills of Chinese language learners. Tailored for beginner and intermediate learners, the series offers a variety of engaging stories, each written using a limited number of unique Chinese characters. This controlled vocabulary approach makes the stories accessible and enjoyable for learners, helping them to build confidence and fluency in reading Chinese. The series covers a wide range of genres, from mystery to romance, providing cultural insights and language learning in an entertaining format.

Mandarin Companion

The “Mandarin Companion” series is a collection of graded readers specifically designed for Chinese language learners. This innovative series reimagines classic Western and Chinese stories, adapting them into simplified Chinese using a controlled vocabulary suitable for beginner and intermediate learners. The unique approach of the “Mandarin Companion” series makes reading in Chinese more accessible and enjoyable, helping learners to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary in a context-rich environment. The series is acclaimed for its ability to seamlessly blend language learning with engaging storytelling, offering stories in various genres that captivate readers while simultaneously enhancing their Mandarin skills.

Bonus e-based reading resource

Mandarin Bean

Mandarin Bean’s graded reading content is an excellent resource for learners looking to improve their Chinese reading abilities. It offers a diverse selection of stories from ancient to modern China, suitable for learners of all levels. The website features Chinese folktales, idioms, news, jokes, stories from the Three Kingdoms period, and fun modern narratives, providing a rich and engaging learning experience. With Mandarin Bean, learners can build and expand their vocabulary, master Chinese sentence patterns, and immerse themselves in iconic parts of Chinese history and legends. Each article is structured to aid learning while being entertaining, featuring bilingual text in simplified Chinese, Pinyin, and English. A Chinese-only version for self-assessment, key vocabulary lists, sentence patterns with contextual examples, and engaging exercises are also available. The content is enhanced with learning tips and cultural insights and includes free audio recordings by native speakers to aid in listening and speaking practice. This approach makes Mandarin Bean’s graded reading content a valuable tool for learners exploring an exciting adventure in Chinese language learning.

Chinese History and Culture: Idioms, Legends, and Literature

Chinese Stories for Language Learners

This is a great resource for passionate Mandarin learners at an intermediate level, who are looking to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Chinese stories. This bilingual book offers a rich selection of 31 stories, ranging from ancient folktales and proverbs to tales of historical figures and modern narratives. It’s a comprehensive tool for expanding essential vocabulary and mastering over 60 Chinese sentence patterns, all contextualized within engaging stories. The book provides a unique insight into iconic Chinese history, legends, and wisdom, including witty idioms and proverbs with their original stories, enhancing cultural knowledge. Each story is presented in simplified Chinese, Pinyin, and English, with a Chinese-only version for self-assessment. Key vocabulary lists, sentence patterns with contextual examples, engaging activities, and learning tips ensure a well-rounded educational experience. “Chinese Stories for Language Learners” is more than just a learning resource; it’s a companion for an enjoyable and insightful journey into Chinese language and culture.

Chinese Stories for Language Learners: A Treasury of Proverbs and Folktales in Bilingual Chinese and English

This is a captivating book that presents 22 classic Chinese proverbs and the traditional tales behind them, ideal for intermediate and advanced Mandarin learners. Each story is bilingual, with Chinese and English text on facing pages, accompanied by explanations of the proverbs’ current usage, cultural notes, vocabulary, and discussion questions. The book includes audio recordings by native speakers, enhancing pronunciation and comprehension skills. The book features proverbs like “画龙点睛” “守株待兔” and “水至清则无鱼,” explaining their rich cultural and historical contexts. These stories offer insights into ancient Chinese wisdom and its relevance today. This collection serves as both an educational tool and an engaging way to expand vocabulary and deepen understanding of the Chinese language, whether in a classroom setting or for self-study.

Dream of the Red Chamber – 《红楼梦》

For those interested in classical Chinese literature, this novel is a treasure trove of advanced vocabulary and classical sentence structures. It’s both challenging and rewarding for advanced learners, offering a deep dive into the richness of the Chinese language and its literary heritage.

Learning Strategies and Tips

To make the most out of Chinese learning books and enhance your learning experience, consider incorporating these strategies.

1.   Learn actively and regularly

Engage actively with your learning materials. Reading is not enough. Pick up your pencil and try to write down new Chinese characters and phrases, create your own sentences, then use them in context. This active engagement helps reinforce what you’ve learned.

Consistent practice is vital in language learning. Dedicate a regular time for practice every day, even if it’s just for a short duration. This strategy will make you digest the knowledge more effectively

2.   Repetition

Many learners love to learn new knowledge and are eager to progress very fast. Never forget to repeat the content you’ve learned previously. It’s not a fun process, but very helpful. There is always something new you can find and understand in the second or third time you review the content.

3.   Build your learning net

Sometimes you may find that memorizing a single character or grammar pattern is very challenging. That’s because you don’t have a large learning net. Always put the words and patterns in context. This would involve associating characters or patterns with usages and meanings, which is much easier for you to remember and understand.

You may also find that a word or grammar point may have different meanings or uses, but at different levels. You should learn each meaning one at a time, as they come up for you. You will get a clearer understanding of each unique use. There are numerous grammar collections or word usage summaries you can read. We will put a reference at the end of this article for you.  

4.   Seek feedback

Most learners hate tests, but it’s actually a really important part of the learning process. Think of it not as seeking insult but knowing your learning status. You can have your writing checked by a teacher or a native speaker. Or have a quiz after each learning stage or lesson. It’s an easy way to know the areas you need to improve and understand your mistakes.

5.   Incorporate different skills

A holistic approach to Chinese learning can significantly enhance your overall proficiency. You can integrate various language skills, including reading, speaking, listening and writing, into your study routine. For example, if you’re learning Chinese writing, you could read Chinese newspapers or books to see how words are used in context, engage in conversations with native speakers to improve your fluency and pronunciation, and listen to Chinese podcasts or songs to enhance your comprehension and listening skills. Each skill complements and reinforces the others, leading to a more comprehensive and effective learning experience.

Conclusion

Choosing books that align with your learning style and objectives is crucial, as the right resources can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of the language. Alongside this, embracing diverse and effective learning strategies—such as incorporating various language skills, utilizing spaced repetition, and engaging with native content—will exponentially boost your language proficiency. With the right learning materials and a committed approach, the journey of learning Chinese can be as rewarding as it is transformative.

Reading References

• A Collection of Resources for Learning Chinese Characters– Books, Videos, Courses, Apps, Tools
• Recommended Chinese Textbooks
• Recommended Business Chinese Textbooks For Different Levels
• Where To Find the Best Chinese Graded Readers
• Chinese: Sentence Structures & Exceptions
• Chinese Speaking Practice Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced learners
• Chinese Listening Practice Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Learners
• Chinese Reading Practice: A Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced learners
• The Most Recommended Online Chinese Courses
• Most Recommended Resources
• Specialized Textbooks Geared Toward K12 Students
• Amazing Books for Kids Learning Chinese
• The Best Chinese Picture Books for your Kids

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Learning Books appeared first on .

For some learners, these can present a challenge as it’s not always clear which preposition should be used in each unique situation. Though they might seem tricky at first, this article is here to guide you. Chinese prepositional phrases are generally formed by placing a preposition before nouns, pronouns, or corresponding phrases.

They often function as adverbials in a sentence, conveying aspects of time, location, targets, reasons, and more. It’s a little overwhelming!

To make things easier, we’ve gathered a collection of the most common and most useful prepositions to help you gain a clear understanding. Ready to go? Let’s get started!

• When? Chinese Prepositions for Time
• Where? Chinese Prepositions for Location and Direction
• What About? Chinese Prepositions For Targets and Recipients
• How? Chinese Prepositions for Methods
• Why? Chinese Prepositions for Reason and Purpose
• What’s Different? Chinese Prepositions For Exclusion and Comparison

When? Chinese Prepositions for Time

自 vs 从 vs 自从

自(zì)，从(cóng), and 自从(zìcóng) are like the English words “from” or “since”. They tell us when something started. These three terms are rather similar, but their usage differs slightly.

1. 自(zì) is commonly found in written Chinese. It expresses that something has been happening for some time now and is still going on. It can be combined with other words like 起(qǐ), 至今(zhìjīn), 以来(yǐlái) and 以后(yǐhòu), and so on. We also see it in phrases like 自始至终(zì shǐ zhì zhōng) and 自古以来(zì gǔ yǐlái).

For example:

自古以来大家都在这一天出去放鞭炮。(Zì gǔ yǐlái dàjiā dōu zài zhè yī tiān chūqù fàng biānpào.)
Since ancient times, everyone has gone out on this day to set off firecrackers.

他们自2008年以后就再也没见过面了。(Tāmen zì èr líng líng bā nián yǐhòu jiù zàiyě méi jiànguo miàn le.)
They haven’t seen each other since 2008.

自下个月起我们将调整上班时间。(Zì xià gè yuè qǐ wǒmen jiāng tiáozhěng shàngbān shíjiān.)
Starting from next month, we will adjust our working hours.

2. 从(cóng) is a versatile preposition used in various contexts. When used with time words, it tells us when something began. 从(cóng) is often paired with words like 起(qǐ), 到(dào), 以后(yǐhòu), and so on.

For example:

从明天起我要开始打太极拳。(Cóng míngtiān qǐ wǒ yào kāishǐ dǎ tàijíquán.)
Starting tomorrow, I will start practicing Tai Chi.

从8点到11点，他们一直在上汉语课。(Cóng bā diǎn dào shíyī diǎn, tāmen yīzhí zài shàng Hànyǔ kè.)
They have been attending Chinese class from 8 to 11 am.

我们从现在开始要改变作息时间。(Wǒmen cóng xiànzài kāishǐyào gǎibiàn zuòxī shíjiān.)
Starting now, we need to change our work and rest time.

3. 自从(zìcóng), the combination of 自(zì) and 从(cóng), is used to describe when something started in the past. It can be used with 后(hòu), 之后(zhīhòu), or 以后(yǐhòu).

For example:

自从去年见过一面后，我们再也没见过了。(Zìcóng qùnián jiànguò yīmiàn hòu, wǒmen zài yě méi jiànguò le.)
Since we met last year, we haven’t met again.

自从他出国以后，我们就断了联系。(Zìcóng tā chūguó yǐhòu, wǒmen jiù duànle liánxì.)
Since he went abroad, we’ve lost contact.

自从他来了后，大家都变得很开心。(Zìcóng tā lái le hòu, dàjiā dōu biàn de hěn kāixīn.)
Since he arrived, everyone has become very happy.

当

当(dāng) means “when,” “while,” or “during” in English. It can be used with 时(shí) or 的时候(de shíhòu).

For example:

当你不想吃了，就别吃了。(Dāng nǐ bù xiǎng chī le, jiù bié chī le.)
When you don’t want to eat anymore, then don’t eat.

当太阳升起的时候，就是我们出发的时间。(Dāng tàiyáng shēngqǐ de shíhòu, jiù shì wǒmen chūfā de shíjiān.)
When the sun rises, it’s time for us to depart.

当她爱你时，你是她的一切。(Dāng tā’ài nǐ shí, nǐ shì tā de yīqiè.)
When she loves you, you are her everything.

趁

趁(chèn) means to use a special opportunity or chance to do something. It can be combined with a variety of other words, including 时(shí), 的时候(de shíhòu), 期间(qījiān), 工夫 (gōngfu), 空挡(kòngdǎng), 前/后(qián/hòu), and so on.

For example:

趁他们还没回来，我们先吃点儿零食。(Chèn tāmen hái méi huílái, wǒmen xiān chī diǎnr língshí.)
While they haven’t come back yet, let’s eat some snacks first.

他们趁有人在的空挡帮忙打扫了房间。(Tāmen chèn yǒurén zài de kòngdǎng bāngmáng dǎsǎo le fángjiān.)
While someone was present, they helped clean the room.

最近这里有很多人被枪杀了，趁天黑前赶紧回家。(Zuìjìn zhèlǐ yǒu hěn duō rén bèi qiāngshā le, chèn tiānhēi qián gǎnjǐn huí jiā.)
Many people have died in shootings recently, so hurry back home before it gets dark.

在

在(zài) indicates the time at which an action or event occurs. It can be combined with words like 时(shí), 的时候(de shíhòu), 前 (qián), 之前(zhīqián), 后(hòu), 之后(zhīhòu), and so on.

For example:

他们会在这个月底举办婚礼。(Tāmen huì zài zhège yuèdǐ jǔbàn hūnlǐ.)
They will hold a wedding at the end of this month.

我们在妈妈回来前要把这里打扫干净。(Wǒmen zài māmā huílái qián yào bǎ zhèlǐ dǎsǎo gānjìng.)
We need to clean up here before Mom returns.

小华在家里休息的时候，把《红楼梦》读完了。(Xiǎo Huá zài jiālǐ xiūxí de shíhòu, bǎ Hónglóumèng dú wán le.)
While resting at home, Xiao Hua finished reading Dream of the Red Chamber.

Where? Chinese Prepositions for Location and Direction

从

As mentioned above, 从(cóng) is quite a versatile preposition. So, when it is followed by a location, it can tell us where something starts. The most commonly used structure is 从(cóng)……到(dào)…….

For example:

我们从这里走。(Wǒmen cóng zhèlǐ zǒu.)
Let’s walk from here.

从我家到学校开车要一个小时。(Cóng wǒ jiā dào xuéxiào kāichē yào yī gè xiǎoshí.)
It takes an hour to drive from my house to school.

从我们公司去图书馆很远。(Cóng wǒmen gōngsī qù túshūguǎn hěn yuǎn.)
Our company is very far from the library.

在

In addition to indicating time, 在(zài) can also tell us where someone is or where something happens, not just when.

For example:

小华现在在家里洗衣服。(Xiǎo Huá xiànzài zài jiā lǐ xǐ yīfú.)
Xiao Hua is currently washing clothes at home.

我们在图书馆复习汉语。(Wǒmen zài túshūguǎn fùxí hànyǔ.)
We are studying Chinese at the library.

这个桌子放在哪里？(Zhège zhuōzi fàng zài nǎlǐ?)
Where should this table be placed?

往 vs 向 vs 朝

往(wǎng), 向(xiàng) and 朝(cháo) all show which direction something is moving towards, and they can be used interchangeably in this context.

For example:

这条河往/向/朝东流。(Zhè tiáo hé wǎng/xiàng/cháo dōng liú.)
This river flows to the east.

我们往/向/朝前走，再往/向/朝左转。(Wǒmen wǎng/xiàng/cháo qián zǒu, zài wǎng/xiàng/cháo zuǒ zhuǎn.)
Let’s go straight and then turn left.

这边很危险，往/向/朝里靠。(Zhè biān hěn wēixiǎn, wǎng/xiàng/cháo lǐ kào.)
It’s very dangerous over here, so please move inside.

However, there are some small distinctions to pay attention to.

往(wǎng) and 向(xiàng) can be used after motion words, like 开(kāi), 驶(shǐ), 飞(fēi), 送(sòng), and 运(yùn) while 朝(cháo) can’t be used this way.

For example:

这辆车开往昆明。(Zhè liàng chē kāi wǎng Kūnmíng.)
This car is driving towards Kunming.

这些快递要运向北方。(Zhèxiē kuàidì yào yùn xiàng běifāng.)
These parcels need to be transported to the north.

我看到那只鸟飞向了蓝天。(Wǒ kàn dào nà zhī niǎo fēi xiàngle lán tiān.)
I saw that bird flying toward the blue sky.

向(xiàng) and 朝(cháo) can indicate the goal of an action, whereas 往(wǎng) doesn’t have this particular usage.

For example:

小华朝我笑了笑。（Xiǎo Huá cháo wǒ xiàole xiào.）
Xiao Hua smiled at me.

看到妈妈回家了，他朝妈妈走了过去。（Kàndào māmā huí jiāle, tā cháo māmā zǒu le guòqù.）
When he saw Mom coming home, he walked over to her.

你不应该向小孩子发火。（Nǐ bù yīnggāi xiàng xiǎoháizi fā huǒ.）
You shouldn’t get angry with children.

沿着 vs 顺着 vs 沿

沿着(yán zhe) and 顺着(shùn zhe) tell us the path someone or something takes. However, 沿着(yán zhe) often implies moving alongside something that doesn’t move and is sometimes even used in an abstract context. 顺着(shùn zhe) is used to describe actions that follow something already in motion or the path along which things naturally move.

For example:

你顺着/沿着这条路走就能看食堂了。(Nǐ shùn zhe/yán zhe zhè tiáo lù zǒu jiù néng kàn shítáng le.)
You walk along this road and then you will see the cafeteria.

汗水顺着他的头发流了下来。(Hànshuǐ shùn zhe tā de tóufa liú le xiàlái.)
Sweat flowed down his hair.

就让小船自己顺着河流走吧。(Jiù ràng xiǎo chuán zìjǐ shùn zhe hé liú zǒu ba.)
Let the little boat go along with the river on its own.

晚上他喜欢沿着小溪散步。(Wǎnshàng tā xǐhuān yán zhe xiǎoxī sànbù.)
He enjoys walking along the stream in the evening.

他们沿着昨晚得出的新思路继续做实验。(Tāmen yán zhe zuówǎn dé chū de xīn sīlù jìxù zuò shíyàn.)
They are continuing the experiment following the new idea they came up with last night.

Furthermore, 沿(yán) can be used with monosyllabic words such as 路(lù), 河(hé), 岸(àn), 线(xiàn), and 途(tú) to indicate a place. In this case, 着(zhe) can be omitted.

For example:

沿路都是电动车。(Yán lù dōu shì diàndòng chē.)’
Along the road, there are electric vehicles everywhere.

这条河沿岸开了很多酒店。(Zhè tiáo hé yán‘àn kāi le hěnduō jiǔdiàn.)
Many hotels have been opened along the bank of this river.

今年去旅游，发现这里沿途种了很多树。(Jīnnián qù lǚyóu, fāxiàn zhèlǐ yán tú zhòng le hěnduō shù.)
When I traveled this year, I noticed that many trees have been planted along the road here.

What About? Chinese Prepositions For Targets and Recipients

给

给(gěi) as a preposition is used to indicate the recipient of an action, similar to “to” or “for” in English. It can be used with a verb, such as 送(sòng), 递(dì), 寄(jì), etc..

For example:

他给我买了一件外套。(Tā gěi wǒ mǎi le yī jiàn wàitào.)
He bought a coat for me.

把这些橘子寄给他。(Bǎ zhèxiē júzi jì gěi tā.)
Send these oranges to him.

妹妹生日的时候，我送给她一本书。(Mèimei shēngrì de shíhòu, wǒ sòng gěi tā yī běn shū.)
I gave my younger sister a book on her birthday.

对 vs 对于

对(duì) and 对于(duìyú) both show the target of an action. The structure  “对/对于(duì/duìyú)……来说(láishuō)” is commonly used to stress a point or opinion.

For example:

对/对于这件事你有什么看法？(Duì / Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, nǐ yǒu shénme kànfǎ?)
What is your take on this matter?

对大多数人来说，找个稳定的工作非常重要。(Duì dà duōshù rén lái shuō, zhǎo ge wěndìng de gōngzuò fēicháng zhòngyào.)
For most people, getting a stable job is very important.

对于你来说，现在最重要的是学习本领。(Duìyú nǐ lái shuō, xiànzài zuì zhòngyào de shì xuéxí běnlǐng.)
For you, the most important thing right now is to acquire skills.

However, there are a few differences between them:

1. 对(duì) can be used to stress a unidirectional action, impact or relationship between the subject and object. It can be thought of as the equivalent of  “to” in English. Modal verbs or adverbs can be placed before it.

Modal Verb / Adverb + 对

For example:

我想对他表示感谢。(Wǒ xiǎng duì tā biǎoshì gǎnxiè.)
I want to express my gratitude to him.

这次的失误对我们的项目影响很大。(Zhè cì de shīwù duì wǒmen de xiàngmù yǐngxiǎng hěn dà.)
This mistake has a significant impact on our project this time.

他对数字非常敏感。(Tā duì shùzì fēicháng mǐngǎn.)
He is very good with figures.

2. 对于(duìyú) often introduces a particular topic and stresses the subject’s opinions and attitudes about that topic. It can be translated as “regarding,” “with respect to,” or “as for.”. 对于(duìyú)  can be placed before or after the subject but cannot be used after modal verbs or adverbs. When it’s put before the subject, a comma is required.

对于 + Subject， ……
Subject + 对于 ……
 Modal Verb / Adverb + 对于

For example:

对于去不去敦煌，他们还在考虑。(Duìyú qù bù qù Dūnhuáng, tāmen hái zài kǎolǜ.)
They are still considering whether or not to go to Dunhuang.

对于这个语法的用法，大家还不太明白。(Duìyú zhège yǔfǎ de yòngfǎ, dàjiā hái bù tài míngbai.)
Regarding the usage of this grammar point, people still don’t quite understand it.

对于持有不同意见的成员，我们应该要积极去听取各方意见。(Duìyú chíyǒu bùtóng yìjiàn de chéngyuán, wǒmen yīnggāi yào jījí qù tīngqǔ gèfāng yìjiàn.)
For members who hold different opinions, we should actively listen to their views.

关于

关于(guānyú) is quite similar to 对于(duìyú). Both of them can introduce a particular topic, and both can generally be translated to “regarding” or “with respect to” in English.

However, there is a slight difference in how they are used. 关于(guānyú) usually starts with the topic, then adds more info. It’s closer to “about” in English.

Additionally, 关于(guānyú) can be combined with 的(de), forming the structure “关于……的” (guānyú……de), which provides more information about the object. This structure functions as an attributive in a sentence, something 对于(duìyú) cannot do.

For example:

关于玩手机游戏，他比我厉害。(Guānyú wán shǒujī yóuxì, tā bǐ wǒ lìhài.)
He is better than me at playing mobile games.

我买了一本关于中国夏朝的书。(Wǒ mǎi le yī běn guānyú Zhōngguó Xiàcháo de shū.)
I bought a book about the Chinese Xia Dynasty.

我想知道关于他的一切。(Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào guānyú tā de yīqiè.)
I want to know everything about him.

和 vs 跟

The prepositions 和(hé) and 跟(gēn) both mean “with” in English. Most of the time, they are interchangeable. 一起(yìqǐ) and 一样(yíyàng) are often used with them to form the structures “跟/和……一起”(together with) and “跟/和……一样”(same as). Additionally, when you need to introduce the target or recipient of a separable verb, then和(hé) or 跟(gēn) should be used.

For example:

我跟/和你说一句话。(Wǒ gēn/hé nǐ shuō yī jù huà.)
I’ll have a word with you.

他不想跟/和我们一起去沙漠。(Tā bù xiǎng gēn/hé wǒmen yīqǐ qù shāmò.)
He doesn’t want to go to the desert with us.

你说的跟/和他说的是一样的意思。(Nǐ shuō de gēn/hé tā shuō de shì yīyàng de yìsi.)
What you said has the same meaning as what he said.

昨天他跟/和小华见面了。(Zuótiān tā gēn/hé Xiǎo Huá jiànmiàn le.)
He met up with Xiao Hua yesterday.

我明年要和/跟小明结婚。(Wǒ míngnián yào hé/gēn Xiǎo Míng jiéhūn.)
I will get married to Xiao Ming next year.

However, if you want to show a clear order or direction, only use 跟(gēn).

For example:

跟我读！(Gēn wǒ dú!)
Read after me!

弟弟跟我借了两本书。(Dìdi gēn wǒ jiè le liǎng běn shū.)
My younger brother borrowed two books from me.

你一直跟我说你的想法也没用。(Nǐ yīzhí gēn wǒ shuō nǐ de xiǎngfǎ yě méiyòng.)
It’s useless to keep telling me your ideas.

把 vs 被

把(bǎ) and 被(bèi) are vital prepositions in Chinese, but they’re often quite challenging for learners to master.

1. 把(bǎ) is one of the most common Chinese prepositions. It is used to place emphasis on the object, the recipient of an action. The most basic structure is:

Subject(Doer) + 把 + Object(Receiver) + Verb + Other elements

 It’s important to note that since 把(bǎ) shifts the focus of the sentence onto the object, usually noting the effect of the verb or a change of state, the object cannot be abstract. When using this structure, any negation words, modal verbs, or other adverbs should be placed before 把(bǎ).

For example:

可以把书放在墙边。(Kěyǐ bǎ shū fàng zài qiáng biān.)
You can place the book by the wall.

请把灯关掉。(Qǐng bǎ dēng guān diào.)
Please turn off the light.

你把这些水果都吃了吧。(Nǐ bǎ zhèxiē shuǐguǒ dōu chī le ba.)
Go ahead and eat all these fruits.

他们没有把房间打扫干净。(Tāmen méiyǒu bǎ fángjiān dǎsǎo gānjìng.)
They didn’t clean the room well.

我想把这个小电风扇送给你。(Wǒ xiǎng bǎ zhège xiǎo diànfēnshàn sòng gěi nǐ.)
I want to give you this small electric fan.

2. The preposition 被(bèi) is a little different from 把(bǎ) because it is used to form the passive voice and places the object at the very beginning of the sentence, even before the subject. See here:

Object (Receiver) + 被 + Subject (Doer) + Verb + Other elements

The 被(bèi) sentence structure stresses that an action was done to the object by the subject, usually having a notable and definite result.. The marker 被(bèi) can be used alone because in some cases the subject is unimportant, obvious, or unclear for both the speaker and the listener Similar to 把(bǎ) sentences, any negation words, modal verbs, or other adverbs should be put before被(bèi).

For example:

杯子被妹妹打碎了。(Bēizi bèi mèimei dǎ suì le.)
The cup was broken by the younger sister.

我的饺子全被他吃了。(Wǒ de jiǎozi quán bèi tā chī le.)
He ate all of my dumplings.

听说他的车被偷了。(Tīngshuō tā de chē bèi tōu le.)
I heard that his car was stolen.

小偷被人抓到了。(Xiǎotōu bèi rén zhuā dào le.)
The thief was caught by someone.

小华没有被选为班长。(Xiǎo Huá méiyǒu bèi xuǎn wéi bānzhǎng.)
Xiao Hua was not chosen to be the class monitor.

他们都想被邀请参加晚会。(Tāmen dōu xiǎng bèi yāoqǐng cānjiā wǎnhuì.)
They all want to be invited to the party.

How? Chinese Prepositions for Methods

靠

The preposition 靠(kào) is used to express that something relies on someone or something else in order to happen. It can also be used to indicate that something is close to or adjacent to something else.

For example:

这件事就靠你们去解决了。(Zhè jiàn shì jiù kào nǐmen qù jiějué le.)
It’s relying on you to resolve this matter.

在家靠父母，出门靠朋友。(Zài jiā kào fùmǔ, chūmén kào péngyǒu.)
We rely on our parents while at home but rely on our friends while away..

你们靠墙站好。(Nǐmen kào qiáng zhàn hǎo.)
You stand by the wall.

通过

通过(tōngguò) as a preposition emphasizes the manner or method used to achieve something, and it can be put before or after the subject in a sentence.

For example:

我们通过小华联系到了他。(Wǒmen tōngguò Xiǎo Huá liánxì dào le tā.)
We contacted him through Xiao Hua.

通过他的视频，我们了解了这次事的起因。(Tōngguò tā de shìpín, wǒmen liǎojiě le zhè cì shì de qǐyīn.)
We knew the cause of this incident after watching his video.

这份文件不能通过私人邮箱发送。(Zhè fèn wénjiàn bùnéng tōngguò sīrén yóuxiāng fāsòng.)
This file cannot be sent via a personal email.

按照 vs 根据 vs 据

按照(ànzhào) and 根据(gēnjù) can both be translated to “according to” in English, and most time they are interchangeable. But take note of these differences between them:

1. 按照(ànzhào) stresses that someone is explicitly following what someone else said, a procedure, or formula. There is no need for the speaker to express their own point of view.

For example:

我是按照你说的做的，为什么错了？(Wǒ shì ànzhào nǐ shuō de zuò de, wèishéme cuò le?)
I did as you said, but why is it wrong?

你要按照学校的要求去完成实习。(Nǐ yào ànzhào xuéxiào de yāoqiú qù wánchéng shíxí.)
You should complete the internship according to the school’s requirements.

这件事你们想按照什么原则去处理？(Zhè jiàn shì nǐmen xiǎng ànzhào shénme yuánzé qù chǔlǐ?)
What principles do you want to follow to handle this matter?

2. 根据(gēnjù) allows the speaker to make a judgement, conclusion, or decision based on something.

For example:

做事情的方法要根据情况去变化。(Zuò shìqíng de fāngfǎ yào gēnjù qíngkuàng qù biànhuà.)
The method of doing things should change according to the situation.

我们会根据大家的意见总结出最好的方法。(Wǒmen huì gēnjù dàjiā de yìjian zǒngjié chū zuì hǎo de fāngfǎ.)
We will summarize the best method based on everyone’s opinions.

根据公司的规定，明天可以穿汉服上班。(Gēnjù gōngsī de guīdìng, míngtiān kěyǐ chuān Hànfú shàngbān.)
According to the company’s regulations, we can wear traditional Chinese clothing to work tomorrow.

3. Another thing about 根据(gēnjù) is that it can be shortened to 据(jù) alone, but its usage differs slightly from 根据(gēnjù). Generally speaking, 据(jù) should be followed by monosyllabic words, including说(shuō), 闻(wén), 悉(xī), 传(chuán) or 报道(bàodào, which is an exception), while 根据(gēnjù) should be used with words that have two or more syllables. 据(jù) is also more frequently used in written Chinese.

For example:

据说，他们后天要结婚啦。(Jù shuō, tāmen hòutiān yào jiéhūn la.)
It is said that they are going to get married the day after tomorrow.

据报道这次的比赛将推迟到下周。(Jù bàodào zhè cì de bǐsài jiāng tuīchí dào xiàzhōu.)
According to reports, this competition will be postponed to next week.

据悉，这是此公司第一次获得该奖项。(Jù xī, zhè shì cǐ gōngsī dìyī cì huòdé gài jiǎngxiàng.)
It is known that this is the first time this company has received this award.

凭借

凭借(píngjiè) is an advanced word to express relying on something, which is usually used in written Chinese. We can opt to place 着(zhe) after it, and there is no impact on the meaning.

For example:

他凭借勇气和经验获得了这次机会。(Tā píngjiè yǒngqì hé jīngyàn huòdé le zhècì jīhuì.)
He obtained this opportunity by his courage and experience.

小华凭借着自己的才华赢得了评委的认可。(Xiǎo Huá píngjiè zhe zìjǐ de cáinéng yíngdéle píngwěi de rènkě.)
Xiao Hua won the recognition of the judges because of her talent.

小明凭借以前学到的知识解决了这个问题。(Xiǎo Míng píngjiè yǐqián xué dào de zhīshi jiějuéle zhège wèntí.)
Xiao Ming solved this problem by using the knowledge he had learned before.

Why? Chinese Prepositions for Reason and Purpose

因为 vs 因 vs 由于

因为(yīnwèi) and 由于(yóuyú) both can be used to describe the reason for an action or event, similar to “because” in English, but in fact, their usage differs quite a bit.

1. Compared to “because” in English, 由于(yóuyú) is closer in meaning to “due to.” It can be used in conjunction with 因此(yīncǐ), 因而(yīn’ér) and 所以(suǒyǐ), while 因为(yīnwèi) can only be used with 所以(suǒyǐ). When 由于(yóuyú) is used, it implies that the situation is unfortunate, while 因为(yīnwèi) doesn’t have any negative connotation.

For example:

由于天气的原因，航班取消了。(Yóuyú tiānqì de yuányīn, hángbān qǔxiāole.)
The flight was canceled due to the weather.

由于时间紧张，因此他们要加班完成这个项目。(Yóuyú shíjiān jǐnzhāng, yīncǐ tāmen yào jiābān wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.)
Due to the insufficient time, they have to work overtime to complete this project.

因为他不喜欢吃鱼，所以我们打算去吃烤羊。(Yīnwèi tā bù xǐhuān chī yú, suǒyǐ wǒmen dǎsuàn qù chī kǎo yáng.)
Because he doesn’t like to eat fish, we plan to go and have roasted lamb.

2. A clause introduced by 由于(yóuyú) cannot be positioned after the result in a sentence, whereas clauses introduced by 因为(yīnwèi) offer more flexibility. Additionally, when responding to a WHY question using the term 为什么(wèishéme), we should use 因为(yīnwèi)  rather than 由于(yóuyú).

For example:

（√）由于他们的失误，我们的计划不得不推迟。(Yóuyú tāmen de shīwù, wǒmen de jìhuà bùdé bù tuīchí.) Due to their mistake, our plan had to be postponed.

（×）我们的计划不得不推迟，由于他们的失误。(Wǒmen de jìhuà bùdé bù tuīchí, yóuyú tāmen de shīwù)

（√）因为外面下雨了，我们就没去爬山。 (Yīnwèi wàimiàn xiàyǔ le, wǒmen jiù méi qù pá shān.) Because it was raining outside, we didn’t go mountain climbing.

（√）我们就没去爬山，因为外面下雨了。 (Wǒmen jiù méi qù pá shān, yīnwèi wàimiàn xiàyǔ le)
We didn’t go mountain climbing because it was raining inside.

A：为什么迟到了？(Wèishéme chídào le?) Why are you late?

（√）B：因为路上堵车了。(Yīnwèi lùshang dǔ chē le) Because there was a traffic jam on the way.
（×）B：由于路上堵车了。(Yóuyú lùshang dǔ chē le)

2. 因(yīn) is a shortened form of 因为(yīnwèi) which is used to introduce reasons with a somewhat formal tone. It’s commonly used  in written Chinese in fixed expressions, and it can be combined with 而(ér) or 故(gù) to convey a result.

For example:

这个世界因你而精彩。(Zhège shìjiè yīn nǐ ér jīngcǎi.)
You make this world wonderful.

这件事因人而异。(Zhè jiàn shì yīn rén ér yì.)
This matter varies from person to person.

因设备故障，故本次直播取消。(Yīn shèbèi gùzhàng, gù běncì zhíbò qǔxiāo.)
Due to equipment failure, this livestream has been canceled.

为了 vs 为

When expressing the purpose of an action, 为了(wèi le) and 为(wèi) are typically interchangeable , similar to “for” or “for the sake of” in English. Words, phrases, and clauses can all be placed after 为了(wèi le), whereas 为(wèi) is generally followed by nouns or nominal phrases. They can both be combined with 而(ér) to form “为了/为……而……” (wèi le/wèi… ér). Following this structure, 为了(wèi le) can be used to connect two verbs with opposite meanings, but 为(wèi) cannot be used in the same context.

For example:

为了赚学费，他每天打三份工。(Wèile zhuàn xuéfèi, tā měitiān dǎ sān fèn gōng.)
To earn tuition money, he works three jobs every day.

人人都想为/为了理想而奋斗。(Rénrén dōu xiǎng wèi/wèile lǐxiǎng ér fèndòu.)
Everyone wants to strive for their ideals.

他为了了解中国文化而学习中文。(Tā wèile liǎojiě zhōngguó wénhuà ér xuéxí zhōngwén.)
He studies Chinese in order to understand Chinese culture.

为了尽快把这个地方建设好，他们想尽了办法。(Wèile jǐnkuài bǎ zhège dìfang jiànshè hǎo, tāmen xiǎng jìnle bànfǎ.)
In order to develop this place quickly, they have gone to every possible length.

为了进攻而先后退是一种有用的战术。(Wèile jìngōng ér xiān hòutuì shì yīzhǒng yǒuyòng de zhànshù.)
Retreating before attacking is a useful tactic.

What’s Different? Chinese Prepositions For Exclusion and Comparison

除了

The preposition 除了(chúle) can be used to show what is included or excluded much like “except for” or “besides” in English. It can be paired with 以外(yǐwài) or 之外(zhīwài), and its meaning varies depending on the information that follows it.

Structure 1: 除了……(以外/之外)，Subject + 都(dōu)……

This structure points out a single exception within a larger group or scope, while the rest share a common feature. It’s more like “except for” in English.

For example:

除了小华，大家都去游泳。(Chúle Xiǎo Huá, dàjiā dōu qù yóuyǒng.）
Everyone will go swimming except for Xiao Hua.

除了我哥哥以外，其他人都不喜欢吃这个蛋糕。(Chúle wǒ gēge yǐwài, qítā rén dōu bù xǐhuān chī zhège dàngāo.)
Except for my older brother, no one else likes to eat this cake.

除了这三本书，其他的书都不是我的。(Chúle zhè sān běn shū, qítā de shū dōu bù shì wǒ de.)
Besides these three books, the others are not mine.

Structure 2: 除了……(之外/以外），Subject + 也(yě)/还(hái)……

This structure indicates that besides a particular person or thing, there are other elements that the subject is concerned about. It’s more like “besides” or “in addition” in English.

For example:

除了橘子，我还喜欢吃葡萄。(Chúle júzi, wǒ hái xǐhuan chī pútao.)
Besides oranges, I also like to eat grapes.

除了历史类的书之外，我也有很多语言方面的书。(Chúle lìshǐ lèi de shū zhīwài, wǒ yě yǒu hěn duō yǔyán fāngmiàn de shū.)
Besides the books related to history, I also have many books on language.

除了说“不知道”，他还喜欢说“不明白”。(Chúle shuō “bù zhīdào,” tā hái xǐhuan shuō “bù míngbái”.)
Besides “I don’t know”, he also likes to say, “I don’t understand.”

比

When talking about making comparisons in Chinese, it’s impossible to overlook the essential preposition 比(bǐ). It is used to note a difference between two objects. Translating 比(bǐ) directly into English is a little tricky because it is similar to “than,” but that’s not the full story. Let’s look at some examples to better explain how 比(bǐ) is used.

Structure 1: A + 比 + B + Adjective

For example:

他比我高。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.)
He is taller than me.

今天比昨天热。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè.)
Today is hotter than yesterday.

苹果比西瓜贵。(Píngguǒ bǐ xīguā guì.)
Apples are more expensive than watermelons.

If we want to use a specific number when describing the difference between two objects, we have another structure:

Structure 2: A + 比 + B + Adjective + Specific Number

For example:

他比我高五厘米。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo wǔ límǐ.)
He is five centimeters taller than me.

苹果比西瓜贵八毛。(Píngguǒ bǐ xīguā guì bā máo.)
Apples are eight cents more expensive than watermelons.

哥哥比弟弟大三岁。(Gēge bǐ dìdi dà sān suì.)
The older brother is three years older than the younger brother.

If we just want to express an approximate degree, we can use:

Structure 3: A + 比 + B + Adjective + 一点儿(yīdiǎnr )/一些(yīxiē)/得多(de duō)/多了(duō le)

For example:

红色的裙子比蓝色的裙子贵一点儿。(Hóngsè de qúnzi bǐ lán sè de qúnzi guì yīdiǎnr.)
The red dress is a little more expensive than the blue one.

这个饭店比旁边的饭店安静一些。(Zhège fàndiàn bǐ pángbiān de fàndiàn ānjìng yīxiē.)
This restaurant is somewhat quieter than the one next door.

今天比昨天热得多。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè de duō.)
Today is much hotter than yesterday.

他说汉语比之前流利多了。(Tā shuō Hànyǔ bǐ zhīqián liúlì duō le.)
He speaks Chinese much more fluently than he did before.

If we want to express the degree of A is even higher than that of B, we can use:

Structure 4: A + 比 + B + 更(gèng) + Adjective

For example:

我很高，我哥哥比我更高。(Wǒ hěn gāo, wǒ gēge bǐ wǒ gèng gāo.)
I am tall, and my older brother is even taller than me.

昨天很冷，今天比昨天更冷。(Zuótiān hěn lěng, jīntiān bǐ zuótiān gèng lěng.)
It was very cold yesterday, and today is even colder than that.

左边的人很帅，右边的人比他更帅。(Zuǒbiān de rén hěn shuài, yòubiān de rén bǐ tā gèng shuài.)
The person on the left is handsome, and the person on the right is even more handsome.

Final words

As we wrap up our journey through this collection of Chinese prepositions it’s clear that these small words play a big role in shaping the meaning of sentences. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding these prepositions can unlock deeper insights into the Chinese language and help you express your ideas with more precision. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon you’ll find these words becoming second nature in your conversations.

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