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 .

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 .

But what exactly is 儿化(érhuà)? Why do certain words undergo this transformation? And when should you use it yourself? Relax, we’re going to walk you through the various uses of the suffix 儿(ér) and peel back the curtain to explore some of the cultural nuances that come with it.

• What are Erhua
• Why do we use Erhua
• When do we use Erhua
• How to learn Erhua

What are Erhua?

儿化词 (érhuà cí) is a phonetic phenomenon that occurs in Mandarin Chinese and certain dialects, such as Beijing Hua. It involves adding the suffix 儿(ér) to a word, combining it with the preceding syllable. This creates a new word known as a 儿化词(érhuà cí). For instance, 花儿 is pronounced /huār/, not /huā’ér/.

Why do we use Erhua？

We use 儿化(ér huà) in situations where its presence or absence can affect the meaning or usage of a word. Let’s explore some examples:

1. Meaning change

• 眼(yǎn) eyes – 眼儿(yǎnr) small hole
• 头(tóu) head – 头儿(tóur) leader
• 信(xìn) letter – 信儿(xìnr) information
• 天(tiān) day – 天儿(tiānr) weather
• 托(tuō) hold in hand – 托儿(tuōr) shill

2. Different part of speech

• 尖(jiān) as an adjective – 尖儿(jiānr) as a noun

这支笔很尖。(Zhè zhī bǐ hěn jiān.) This pen is very sharp.

你看，这支笔的尖儿坏了。(Nǐ kàn, zhè zhī bǐ de jiānr huàile.) Look, the tip of this pen is broken.

• 错(cuò) as an adjective – 错儿(cuòr) as a noun

我的作业有很多错题。(Wǒ de zuòyè yǒu hěnduō cuò tí.) My homework has many incorrect answers.

对不起，这是我的错儿。(Duìbùqǐ, zhè shì wǒ de cuòr.) I’m sorry, it’s my fault.

• 画(huà) as a verb – 画儿(huàr) as a noun

你能画一幅画儿吗？(Nǐ néng huà yī fú huàr ma?) Can you draw a picture?

• 盖(gài) as a verb – 盖儿(gàir) as a noun

请盖上那个大的锅盖儿。(Qǐng gài shàng nàgè dà de guō gàir.) Please cover that big pot lid.

• 乐(lè) as an adjective – 乐儿(lèr) as a noun

快乐 (kuàilè) Happiness

喜剧演员喜欢逗乐儿。(xǐjù yǎnyuán xǐhuān dòu lèr.) Comedians enjoy entertaining and bringing laughter.

3. Affection expression

a) Expressing smallness, lightness, thinness, weakness, or lesser degree:

• 小孩儿(xiǎo hair) kid
• 牙签儿(yá qiānr) toothpick
• 皮筋儿(pí jīnr) rubber band
• 一会儿(yí huìr) a moment/for a while
• 一下儿(yí xiàr) after verb to express times/a short time
• 一块儿(yí kuàir) together
• 一点儿(yì diǎnr) a little
• 玩玩儿(wán wanr) play
• 使劲儿(shǐ jìnr) try hard
• 打盹儿(dǎ dǔnr) nap

b) Expressing feelings of love or endearment:

• 花儿(huār) flower
• 鸟儿(niǎor) bird
• 画儿(huàr) painting
• 好玩儿(hǎo wǎnr) funny

In Chinese culture, people use 儿(ér) to express endearment or cuteness when referring to words related to children.

For example:

• 宝贝儿 (bǎobèir) baby or young children
• 小孩儿 (xiǎo hair) children
• 女孩儿 (nǚ hair) girl
• 男孩儿 (nán hair) boy

Additionally, it is common, especially among older Chinese individuals, to show affection by calling someone using one of their given name’s characters + 儿(ér). For instance, if your name is 李小明 (Lǐ Xiǎomíng), they might call you 明儿 (Míngr). Similarly, if your name is 张芳 (Zhāng Fāng), it can be “芳儿” (Fāngr).

c) Expressing attitude with scorn or mockery:

• 小偷儿(xiǎo tōur) thief
• 撒酒疯儿(sǎ jiǔ fēngr) get drunk and act crazy
• 说瞎话儿(shuō xiā huàr) plain lie

When do we use Erhua?

To be honest, even some native Chinese speakers find it challenging to determine when to use 儿(ér) in words. So, unless you specifically aim to master 儿化词(ér huà cí) or pursue a professional certificate in  Mandarin Chinese, you don’t have to worry too much about it. As mentioned earlier, whether a word has 儿(er) or not often does not impact its meaning. During the initial stages of learning Chinese, feel free to omit 儿(er) from most words unless they are in a fixed expression or have altered meanings. For example, words like 一会儿 (yíhuìr, a moment/for a while), 这儿 (zhèr, here), 那儿 (nàr, there), 哪儿 (nǎr, where), and 盖儿 (gàir, lid) are fixed expressions with 儿(er). On the other hand, words like 头儿 (tour, leader/boss) and 托儿 (tour, shill) have completely different meanings due to the presence of 儿(er).

How to learn Erhua？

If you wish to expand your vocabulary and learn more 儿化词(ér huà cí), consider the following options:

1) Textbooks

Regardless of the textbooks you use, they likely contain examples of 儿化词(ér huà cí). These systematically designed resources expose you to them in different contexts. Try creating a summary of the 儿化词(ér huà cí) you encounter in your textbooks and practice using them appropriately.

2) Dictionaries

Use a reliable Chinese dictionary to accelerate your progress. We recommend two apps:

Pleco

Pleco is a popular Chinese-English dictionary with helpful features like flashcards, tests, word card import/export, and OCR. You can search using pinyin, Chinese characters, or English words. If you’re unsure whether to use 儿(er) or not, simply input the word and let the app check for you.

Hanping Lite

Another Chinese-English dictionary with a range of practical and engaging features. Tags make it easier to locate word clusters. For instance, by selecting the “HSK exam” tag, you can access six levels of vocabulary. It is an excellent app to verify 儿化词(ér huà cí), and you can even import your own vocabulary file to personalize your tags.

3) Video sources

If you prefer visual learning, videos are an excellent option. Many professional Chinese teachers, learners, enthusiasts, and native speakers have created short videos explaining why, how, and when to use 儿化词(ér huà cí), making them accessible and engaging for learners. Check out these videos for more information and insights.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xcZAIGr77s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4frIxff6j8g
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RWfK6rzlc4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6qZ6wyiEAs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4rzW7iRcIs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FIiWmX5-u4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SddgBN5Mzew
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Ze8WfHPSA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljjCphu5Q2c
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyJq5C6_lMY

Remember, 儿化词(ér huà cí) is not merely a linguistic quirk, but a gateway to cultural connection and eventual fluency. As you continue your Mandarin Chinese journey, embrace the opportunity to encounter and use 儿化词(ér huà cí) in your own conversations.

Through textbooks, dictionaries, and the rich resources available online, continue expanding your repertoire of 儿化词(ér huà cí). Exploring regional variations and unique expressions will help you to get in touch with Chinese culture and form more genuine connections with the native speakers you meet.

As you interact with them, listen attentively to their use of 儿化词(ér huà cí) and embrace their guidance. Let the words flow naturally from your lips, gradually incorporating the charm and authenticity that 儿化词(ér huà cí) brings to the language. Embrace the affectionate nuances, the subtle shifts in meaning, and the cultural echoes embedded within each expression.

Keep exploring, keep learning, and let the discovery of new linguistic tidbits guide you on the path to mastery.

The post Mastering the Suffix 儿: A Guide to “Erhua” in Mandarin Chinese appeared first on .

• What is the BCT?
• Why should I take the BCT?
• BCT levels and content
  • The BCT(A) structure
  • The BCT(B) structure
  • The BCT (Oral iBT) structure
  • BCT, HSK and YCT
• How to register for the BCT?
• BCT dates and registration deadlines
• BCT passing scores and report
• How to prepare for the BCT?
• Conclusion

What is the BCT?

The Business Chinese Test (BCT) is an internationally standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native Chinese speakers in business-related communications or working environments. The BCT focuses on real business settings, and its content pertains more to practical language use, rather than professional business knowledge.

Why should I take the BCT?

As a standardized test, the BCT can provide several intuitive benefits, as follows:

• Improving employment opportunities: If you plan to work in a Chinese-speaking business environment, taking the BCT can help you stand out as a qualified candidate. More and more companies and organizations require Chinese language proficiency and may prefer or require candidates with a BCT certificate.
• Demonstrating proficiency in Chinese and business communication: The BCT assesses practical language skills necessary for conducting business, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By taking the test and achieving a high score, you can demonstrate both your language proficiency and your ability to communicate effectively in a business setting.
• Improving business relationships: In preparation for doing business with Chinese companies or clients, taking the BCT can help you better understand Chinese business practices, communication styles, and cultural norms. This can not only enhance your language skills and cultural awareness, but also help you more easily engage with Chinese people, ultimately building stronger relationships.

BCT levels and content

The BCT is made up of two independent parts: a writing test and a speaking test. The writing test is divided into two levels: the BCT (A) and the BCT (B).

 The BCT(A) Structure

The BCT (A) is conducted on paper or online. It includes three sections: listening, reading, and writing. The test consists of 70 questions in total and is based on a reference vocabulary of 600 words.

*The entire test will take approximately 70 minutes, including 5 minutes for filling out personal information.

Description:

• Listening：

Part 1: 10 questions. Each clip is played twice. Test takers should determine whether the words or phrases heard match the pictures provided.

Part 2: 10 questions. Each clip is played twice. Test takers will listen to a sentence and should then choose the corresponding picture from three options. Part 3: 10 questions. Each clip is played twice. Test takers will listen to a short dialogue and should then choose the corresponding answer from three options.

• Reading:

Part 1: 10 questions. For the first 5 questions, test takers are provided with a few sentences or a short dialogue, and they should choose the correct answer to complete the sentence. For the remaining 5 questions, there are 5 blanks in a chart or short essay, and test takers should choose the correct options to fill them.

Part 2: 20 questions. Test takers will be provided with reading materials, such as pictures, charts, short paragraphs, or articles. Each example will have one to three corresponding questions. Each question will have three answer options to choose from.

• Writing:

10 questions. Test takers should write the correct Chinese characters based on the Pinyin provided in each sentence.

The BCT(B) structure

BCT (B) is conducted on paper or online. It includes three sections: listening, reading, and writing. It consists of 92 questions in total and is based on a reference vocabulary of 4,000 words.

* The entire test takes approximately 145 minutes, including 5 minutes for filling out personal information.

Description:

• Listening：

Part 1: 20 questions. Each question is based on a two-sentence dialogue, which is played once. Test takers should choose the correct answer from four options.

Part 2: 15 questions. Each question is based on a four-sentence dialogue, which is played once. Test takers should choose the correct answer from four options.

Part 3: 15 questions. There are five dialogues, each played once. After each dialogue, several questions will be provided, and test takers should choose the corresponding answer from four options.

• Reading:

Part 1: 20 questions. Test takers will be provided with reading material, such as  a picture, chart, paragraph, or article. Each example will have several questions. Test takers should choose the correct answer from four options for each question.

Part 2: 10 questions. This section contains two short articles with five blanks each. Test takers should choose the correct answers based on the context from seven sentences provided under each article.

Part 3: 10 questions. Four examples and several questions or sentences will be provided. Test takers should match the questions or sentences with the corresponding materials.

• Writing:

2 questions. In the first part, test takers must write a short article of at least 80 characters according to the provided materials and requirements. In the second part, test takers must write a short article of at least 150 characters based on the provided materials and requirements.

The BCT (Oral iBT) Structure

The BCT (Oral iBT) is a language proficiency test designed to evaluate the speaking ability of non-native speakers of Chinese. It is conducted entirely online and is based on a reference vocabulary of 4000 words.

Test takers are provided with a detailed report of their speaking proficiency, which can be used to assess their language skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes.

Description:

Part 1: 4 questions. Each clip can be heard once, with an additional opportunity to rehear. For each clip, there is a question and a corresponding picture. Test takers should answer the question based on the picture.

Part 2: 4 questions. Each clip can be heard once, with an additional opportunity to rehear. Test takers should answer each question according to the requirements of each clip.

Part 3: 3 questions. Each clipcan be heard once, with an additional opportunity to rehear. For each clip, there is a situational illustration and a requirement or question, along with a picture. Test takers should answer based on the picture.

Part 4: 3 questions. Each clip can be heard once, with an additional opportunity to rehear. For each clip, there is a background illustration and a requirement or question. Test takers should answer based on the requirements.

Part 5: 1 question. It can be heard once, with an additional opportunity to rehear. For this part, there is a background illustration and a requirement or question, along with four pictures. Test takers should answer based on these pictures.

BCT, HSK and YCT

This information is a helpful reference for individuals planning to take the BCT test. The BCT levels align with the HSK and YCT levels as follows:

* the BCT(A) is aimed at the elementary level, while the BCT(B) is oriented towards intermediate and advanced levels.

It is important to note that while there is some overlap in the vocabulary between the BCT and HSK/YCT, there are also business-related words that are unique to the BCT and do not appear in any other test.

How to register for the BCT?

Before registering for the BCT, it is important to know the test date and location. You can visit the official website to check the updated schedule and location of testing centers where the BCT will be conducted.

2024 BCT dates and registration deadlines

There are two ways to register:

• Register in a local test center according to its own requirements.
• Register online on the official website as follows:

Please note that:

• Online registration is managed by local test centers. In some cases, this function is not available and visiting the center in person to register is the only option
• The test fee varies in different locations
• Keep your registration ticket safe for future use
• Contact your local test center ahead of time to obtain precise details

BCT passing scores and report

There is no exact passing score for the BCT, but test takers will receive a report that shows their score for each skill and total score, along with a corresponding description of their capabilities. The score report is usually available within a month, although in some places it may take longer.

For the BCT(A) and BCT(B), the total maximum score is 300.

BCT(A) Score Structure

BCT(B) Score Structure

For the BCT (Oral iBT), the total maximum score is 500.

BCT (Oral iBT) Score Structure

Note that you can check your results on the official website’s homepage by entering your registration ticket number and name.

How to prepare for the BCT?

As the building blocks of language, words are crucial for success in an exam like the BCT. To prepare, you should first focus on mastering business-related vocabulary. However, with so many words to learn, it is important to quickly filter out words you already know and focus on unfamiliar words or those with multiple meanings.

To be successful, practice is essential. Once you have mastered the necessary vocabulary, you can try various methods to practice, such as watching Chinese dramas and videos related to business, practicing with Chinese-speaking colleagues, or taking BCT mock exams.

Watching dramas and videos is a particularly effective way to become familiar with Chinese business practices, communication styles, and cultural norms in an engaging and enjoyable way. For those taking the BCT(A) exam, dramas may be too challenging, but there are many short business-related videos online that can help you practice listening and speaking skills.

Here are some Chinse dramas and practice videos to get you started:

• 《理想之城》The Ideal City
• 《玫瑰之战》Rose War
• 《猎场》Game of Hunting
• 高级商务中文 Advanced Business Chinese
• Business Mandarin For Beginners 2019 Part 1
• Business Mandarin for Beginners 2019 Part 2

Since the BCT evaluates language ability in a business setting, practicing what you have learned while at work can be extremely helpful. By being immersed in a business context, you can receive real-time feedback when using new vocabulary and phrases, helping you correct mistakes and reinforcing your understanding of these terms until you have a good grasp of them.

Mock tests are crucial for any exam, as they not only help you become familiar with the structure, style, and question types in advance, but they also provide an opportunity to simulate the exam environment and time constraints. The more you know about BCT, the more comfortable you will be during the actual exam.

Here are two mock tests for the BCT:

• BCT(A) PDF with audio
• BCT(B) PDF with audio

In addition to studying independently, signing up for formal BCT lessons with a professional teacher can be highly beneficial. With an organized course and an experienced guide, you can focus on the areas where you need more help and receive precise feedback on your progress.

Here are some related Business Chinese culture and books for you to prepare:

• Recommended Business Chinese Textbooks For Different Levels
• Top 100 Common Business Chinese Phrases & Expressions
• 12 Tips for Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture
• 12 Essential Phrases to Speak Professional Business Chinese in a Social Setting
• Business Chinese: Essential Mandarin Expressions for Online Meetings

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information you need on the BCT, it’s up to you to choose an appropriate level and get started. If this is all new to you, don’t worry. Just get the ball rolling and keep practicing. Progress will come naturally. If you aim high and put in the work, you will become a Chinese-speaking business pro. Best of luck!

References：

1. 官网: 汉语考试服务网 (chinesetest.cn)
2. 商务汉语考试BCT(A)大纲
3. 商务汉语考试BCT(B)大纲
4. 商务汉语考试BCT(口语)大纲

The post The Ultimate Business Chinese Test (BCT) Guide appeared first on .

More about the NEW HSK 3.0’s details and changes.

• Where to register for and take the HSK 7-9 test?
• Who can participate in the HSK 7-9 test?
• The New HSK 7-9 test structure and content
• When to take the HSK 7-9 test?
• What should I know about the HSK 7-9 test?

Where to register for and take the HSK 7-9 test?

There are two main forms of the exam: a paper-based test, an internet-based test at the test center. You can choose the one provided in your country or area.

Where to register: www.chinesetest.cn

Registration deadline for the global exam is listed below.

Test fee payment: Pay online if you will take the test in the Chinese mainland; Contact your test site and pay there if you are in other areas of the world.

Registration Process:

1. Choose Test Center
2. Fill out personal information
3. Upload your information
4. Confirm Registration
5. Registration confirmed by officials 

Who can participate in the HSK 7-9 test?

The advanced level of the new HSK, from Band 7 to Band 9, is designed for advanced Chinese learners, including those who major in Chinese language and literature, those who study in China for their master’s and doctoral degrees, sinologists, as well as those who need to use Chinese in their work and research. 

Note:

• Registering across countries is NOT allowed.

The New HSK 7-9 test structure and content

Download New HSK 7-9 Vocabulary

When to take the HSK 7-9 test? The test schedules (2024)

What should I know about the HSK 7-9 test?

Computer requirements:

1. Please install Windows (7/10) operating system and Google Chrome. DO NOT use Mac (Apple)
2. Suggested screen resolution ≥ 1440 * 900 (Less than 1366 * 768 is NOT allowed) Windows 10 displays 100%
3. Must have a camera (≥ 300,000 Pixels)
4. Mobile devices are NOT allowed (including cellphones, tablets, etc.)

Required headset

1. Plug-in headset is necessary (Bluetooth headsets are NOT allowed)
2. Make sure your headset is clear and of good quality. Make sure your microphone has good acoustics
3. When taking the Listening and Oral test sections, please wear your headset

Internet requirements

The upload and download symmetrical bandwidth should be ≥20M, and the connection speed for the test taker must reach 150KB/s or above. Proxy mode or VPNs cannot be used. Please test the network speed yourself in advance, and if it meets the standard when tested more than three times, it qualifies.

For more details about the HSK 7-9 test requirements, you can download here.

The post All about the New HSK 7-9 Test appeared first on .

What are euphemisms?

Euphemisms are expressions that allow us to describe something inappropriate, uncomfortable, or unpleasant in a proper and polite manner.

Why do we need to learn Chinese euphemisms?

Learning euphemisms is a crucial piece of learning authentic Chinese, just like mastering Chinese idioms (成语chéngyǔ). Euphemisms not only test our comprehension of the language itself but also our understanding of Chinese culture and history. They serve as a pathway to reaching an advanced proficiency level.

In addition to building linguistic proficiency, euphemisms also serve a practical purpose. Creating a comfortable and respectful atmosphere contributes to positive conversations and relationships. Euphemisms play a vital role in this regard, allowing us to navigate tricky situations and avoid potential embarrassment or offense.

To help you become more familiar with this aspect of Chinese language and culture, let’s explore the nuances of these 15 common Chinese euphemisms.

1. Chinese euphemisms for Going to the washroom (上厕所)
2. Chinese euphemisms for Death (死)
3. Chinese euphemisms for Suicide (自杀)
4. Chinese euphemisms for Gaining weight (长胖了)
5. Chinese euphemisms for Being poor (没钱)
6. Chinese euphemisms for Disabilities (跛子)
7. Chinese euphemisms for Sex (性爱)
8. Chinese euphemisms for Menstruation(月经)
9. Chinese euphemisms for Intoxication (喝醉)
10. Chinese euphemisms for Pregnancy (怀孕)
11. Chinese euphemisms for Extra-marital affairs (外遇)
12. Chinese euphemisms for Getting Fired(解雇)
13. Chinese euphemisms for Homosexuality (同性恋)
14. Chinese Euphemisms for Sex workers (性工作者)
15. Chinese euphemisms for Parents (父母)

1. Chinese euphemisms for going to the washroom (上厕所)

In certain situations, such as formal meetings or gatherings, it is preferable to refer to the restroom indirectly to avoid embarrassment and maintain good manners.

• 解手 (jiě shǒu)
• 方便一下 (fānɡbiàn yíxià)

One such euphemism is 解手(jiě shǒu), which literally means “to release the hands.” It originates from a historical anecdote from the Ming dynasty, where bound immigrants needed to relieve themselves on their journey. Requesting their captors loosen their restraints and untie their hands, they would use the phrase 解手(jiě shǒu) for simplicity and clarity.  This expression has since been passed down to modern times.

Another euphemism is 方便一下 (fāngbiàn yíxià). The term 方便(fāngbiàn) is also related to using the washroom, as 大便(dàbiàn) means “defecation”  and 小便(xiǎobiàn) means “urination”. Therefore, people use 方便(fāngbiàn)  as a collective term for both.

e.g.

对不起，我刚去解手了。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ ɡānɡ qù jiě shǒu le.)
Sorry, I just went to the restroom.

水喝多了，我去方便一下。(Shuǐ hē duō le, wǒ qù fānɡbiàn yíxià.)
I drank too much water, so I have to go to the bathroom.

• 上大号 (dà hào)
• 上小号 (xiǎo hào)

As mentioned earlier, 大便(dàbiàn)  refers to defecation, while 小便(xiǎobiàn)  refers to urination. However, we can also use the terms 大号(dà hào) and 小号(xiǎo hào)  respectively, as they sound more indirect and polite.

e.g.

让我先去厕所，我要上大号。(Rànɡ wǒ xiān qù cèsuǒ, wǒ yào shànɡ dà hào.)
Let me go the toilet first, because I want to go number 2.

这个厕所坏了，不能上小号。(Zhèɡe cèsuǒ huài le, bù nénɡ shànɡ xiǎo hào.)
This toilet is broken, we can’t go number 1 here.

2. Chinese euphemisms for Death (死)

Euphemisms are commonly used when discussing the harsh topic of death.

• 去世了 (qù shì le)
• 走了 (zǒu le)
• 没了 (méi le)
• 不在了 (bú zài le)

One euphemism is 去世了 (qùshìle), which literally means “having left this world” and is equivalent to the English expression “pass away.” Similarly, 走了 (zǒule) meaning “to be gone,” 没了 (méile) meaning “to not exist anymore,” and 不在了 (bù zàile) meaning “to not be here anymore” can also signify someone’s departure from this world. Compared to 去世了(qùshìle), the others are more commonly used in everyday conversation.

e.g.

他的家人因病去世了。(Tāde jiārén yīn bìnɡ qùshì le.)
His family member died of illness.

人早就没了，上个星期五就走了。(Rén zǎo jiù méi le, shànɡɡè xīnɡqīwǔ jiù zǒu le.)
The person had already passed away last Friday.

等到他回到家的时候，他奶奶已经不在了。(Děnɡdào tā huídào jiā de shíhou, tā nǎinɑi yǐjīnɡ bú zài le.)
His grandma had already passed away when he arrived at home.

• 仙逝 (xiān shì)
• 作古 (zuò ɡǔ)

In Chinese culture, when an elderly person passes away, we use the terms 作古(zuò gǔ) or 仙逝(xiān shì) to discuss their death. 作古(zuò gǔ)  literally means “to become an ancient person,” serving as a euphemism for passing away. On the other hand, 仙逝(xiān shì)  literally means “to leave the world like a fairy” and has connections with Daoism. In Daoism, individuals seek immortality, and when their aspirations are fulfilled, they depart from this world to a new realm. It’s worth noting that 作古(zuò gǔ) or 仙逝(xiān shì) can also be used in eulogies.

e.g.

我昨晚好像在梦里见到了已作古的父母。(Wǒ zuówǎn hǎoxiànɡ zài mènɡlǐ jiàndào le yǐ zuòɡǔ de fùmǔ.)
I saw my deceased parents in my dreams last night.

那位老人在那个雨天仙逝了。(Nà wèi lǎorén zài nàɡè yǔtiān xiānshì le.) That old man passed away on that rainy day.

• 圆寂 (yuánjì)

Buddhism holds significance in Chinese culture, and a specific term is used to indicate the passing of a monk: 圆寂 (yuánjì).

e.g.

大师已于上周圆寂了。(Dàshī yǐ yú shànɡzhōu yuánjì le.)
The master passed away last week.

• 挂了 (ɡuà le)
• 蹬腿了 (dēnɡ tuǐ le)
• 见阎王 (jiàn yánwánɡ)

Pay close attention to these three phrases as they may sound impolite and even somewhat offensive in certain cases. Use them with caution.

One such phrase is 挂了(guàle), which can also indicate someone’s death. Initially, it was used to describe dying in a game. With the increasing popularity of video games, the usage of 挂了(guàle) has extended to refer to the death of real-life people as well.

e.g.

我刚进去这个游戏，三分钟不到就挂了。(Wǒ ɡānɡ jìnqù zhèɡe yóuxì, sān fēnzhōnɡ bú dào jiù ɡuà le.)
I just entered this game, and in less than three minutes, I died.

快点儿，等你去救人，人早就挂了。(Kuài diǎn’r, děnɡ nǐ qù jiù rén, rén zǎo jiù ɡuà le.)
Hurry up, when you arrived to save them, they had already died.

The vivid expression 蹬腿了 (dēng tuǐ le) is used to describe the act of kicking one’s legs when nearing death. It reflects the body’s natural physical reactions.

Furthermore, when we wish to convey that someone we have negative feelings towards has passed away, we use the phrase 见阎王 (jiàn Yán Wáng), which means “going to see the god of death.” In Chinese mythology, it is believed that the deceased go to the realm of the god of death. Hence, 见阎王(jiàn Yán Wáng) is used  to describe the death of someone whom we dislike or hate.

e.g.

你来晚了，她已经蹬腿了。(Nǐ láiwǎn le, tā yǐjīnɡ dēnɡ tuǐ le.)
You’re late, she has already passed away.

祝你早日见阎王！(Zhù nǐ zǎorì jiàn yánwánɡ!)
Hope you go see the god of death as soon as possible!

他们去见阎王了！(Tāmen qù jiàn yánwánɡ le!)
They have gone to see the god of death!

3. Chinese euphemisms for Suicide (自杀)

• 轻生 (qīnɡ shēnɡ)
• 自我了断 (zìwǒ liǎoduàn)

One euphemism for suicide is 轻生 (qīngshēng), which literally means “light life.” It is used to indirectly convey that someone doesn’t value their own life and wishes to end it. Another similar expression is 自我了断 (zì wǒ liǎo duàn), which translates to “self-deprecating.”

e.g.

我刚看到有人在楼上想轻生。(Wǒ ɡānɡ kàndào yǒu rén zài lóushànɡ xiǎnɡ qīnɡshēnɡ.)
I just saw someone upstairs who wanted to attempt suicide.

我没办法了，不如自我了断算了。(Wǒ méi bànfǎ le, bùrú zìwǒ liǎoduàn suàn le.)
I have no choice, and I may as well commit suicide.

4. Chinese euphemisms for Gaining weight (长胖了)

• 圆润 (yuánrùn)

When referring to someone who has gained weight, we avoid saying “you became fat” directly. Instead, we can use the term 圆润(yuán rùn). 圆润(yuán rùn) literally means “rounded,” describing the rounder shape of someone’s body without being offensive. It is similar to the term “roly-poly” in English.

e.g.

最近日子过得挺好啊，你看起来越来越圆润了。(Zuìjìn rìzi ɡuòde tǐnɡ hǎo’ ā, nǐ kàn qǐlái yuè lái yuè yuánrùn le.)
You have had a nice life recently, so you look rounder and rounder.

少吃点，你越来越圆润了。(Shǎo chī diǎn, nǐ yuè lái yuè yuánrùn le.)
Try to eat a little less because you’re becoming rounder and rounder.

• 发福 (fāfú)

Another similar term is 发福 (fā fú), which means “to get lucky.” In ancient times, when food was scarce, thinness was common among the general population while wealthier individuals appeared plumper. Therefore, people associated a fat appearance with a prosperous life. 发福(fā fú) was used to indicate that someone was living a wealthy life. However, in modern times, as people’s values have changed, the positive connotation of 发福(fā fú) is gradually fading away, and it is more commonly used to simply mean that someone is fat.

e.g.

他这几年发福得厉害，完全变样了。(Tā zhè jǐ nián fāfú de lìhɑi, wánquán biàn yànɡ le.)
He has gained a lot of weight in recent years, and he looks completely different now.

减肥吧，发福后有点儿难看。(Jiǎn féi bɑ, fāfú hòu yǒu diǎn’r nán kàn.)
Lose some weight, you don’t look so good after gaining some extra pounds.

5. Chinese euphemisms for being poor (没钱)

When someone is unable to repay others or has borrowed money, they won’t  directly say “I don’t have any money” to avoid losing face. Instead, they use more indirect expressions.

• 手头不方便 (shǒutóu bù fānɡbiàn)
• 手头有点儿紧 (shǒutóu yǒu diǎn’r jǐn)     

One common expression is 手头不方便(shǒu tóu bù fāng biàn), which translates to “my hands aren’t convenient.” This phrase, derived from the renowned Chinese novel “Nie Hai Hua,” serves as a universal way to say “I don’t have any money.” Similarly, 手头有点儿紧(shǒu tóu yǒu diǎn er jǐn), meaning “my hands are a bit tight,” can also be used to express the same meaning.

e.g.

最近手头有点儿紧，能先借我点儿钱吗？(Zuìjìn shǒutóu yǒu diǎn’r jǐn, nénɡ xiān jiè wǒ diǎn’r qián mɑ?)
I’m tapped out lately, could you lend me some money?

对不起，最近手头不太方便，能过几天再还钱吗？(Duìbuqǐ, zuìjìn shǒutóu bú tài fānɡbiàn, nénɡ ɡuò jǐ tiān zài huán qián mɑ?)
Sorry, I am a bit short on cash recently, can I pay you back in a few days?

• 囊中羞涩 (nánɡ zhōnɡ xiūsè)

Another expression used to convey being short on money is 囊中羞涩(náng zhōng xiū sè). This idiom combines the term 囊(náng), which refers to a pocket, with 羞涩(xiū sè), meaning “embarrassing.” So, 囊中羞涩(náng zhōng xiū sè) literally means “embarrassing in the pocket.” It is commonly used in written Chinese to express a lack of funds, while 手头有点儿紧(shǒu tóu yǒu diǎn er jǐn) and 手头不方便(shǒu tóu bù fāng biàn) are more colloquial alternatives.

e.g.

我想去参加活动，但是囊中羞涩，所以你们自己去吧。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ qù cānjiā huódònɡ, dànshì nánɡ zhōnɡ xiūsè, suǒyǐ nǐmen zìjǐ qù bɑ.)
I want to join the activity, but I’m short on money, so you just go by yourselves.

他想买一块月饼，但是囊中羞涩，买不了。(Tā xiǎnɡ mǎi yí kuài yuèbǐnɡ, dànshì nánɡzhǒnɡ xiūsè, mǎibuliǎo.)
He wants to buy a piece of mooncake, but he doesn’t have any money, so he can’t buy it.

6. Chinese euphemisms for Disabilities (跛子)

• 腿脚不便 (tuǐ jiǎo bú biàn)
• 行动不便 (xínɡdònɡ bú biàn)

Directly calling someone a 跛子(bǒ zi), or cripple, when they have difficulty walking is considered rude. Instead, people use more indirect or intangible expressions to describe such situations. For example, they may say 腿脚不便(tuǐ jiǎo bù biàn) or 行动不便(xíng dòng bù biàn), which describe the condition of individuals who experience difficulties with their legs or mobility, but in a less offensive manner.

e.g.

他因为小时候生病，所以现在腿脚不便。(Tā yīnwèi xiǎo shíhou shēnɡ bìnɡ, suǒyǐ xiànzài tuǐ jiǎo bú biàn.)
He has trouble walking because he was sick when he was a child.

因为她行动不便，她的同学经常帮她带午饭。(Yīnwèi tā xínɡdònɡ bú biàn, tāde tónɡxué jīnɡchánɡ bānɡ tā dài wǔfàn.)
Her classmates often help her bring lunch because she has difficulty moving.

7.  Chinese euphemisms for Sex (性爱)  

In Chinese culture, sex is not commonly discussed directly as it is considered a private matter. Instead, people prefer to appreciate the romantic aspect of it. As a result, there are some ambiguous terms used to refer to “making love.”

• 同房 (tónɡfánɡ)
• 发生关系 (fāshēnɡ ɡuānxi)
• 上床 (shànɡ chuánɡ)
• 爱爱 (àiài)

One such term is 同房(tóng fáng), which literally means “in the same room” and is similar to “sleeping together” in English. Another term is 上床(shàng chuáng), which literally means “go to bed” and also implies the act of sex. 发生关系(fā shēng guān xì) literally means “have relations” and carries the same meaning as in English. Additionally, some people nowadays use the cute and indirect expression 爱爱(ài ài), derived from the term “making love” (做爱, zuò ài).

e.g.

他们早就同房了。(Tāmen zǎo jiù tónɡ fánɡ le.)
They have already slept together.

你是不是跟她上过床了？(Nǐ shì bu shì ɡēn tā shànɡɡuo chuánɡ le?) Have you already slept with her or not?

我们之间没有发生过关系。(Wǒmen zhījiān méiyǒu fāshēnɡɡuo ɡuānxi.) We didn’t have sexual relations.

爱爱之前他们总是要先吃顿饭。(Àiài zhīqián tāmen zǒnɡshì yào xiān chī dùn fàn.)
Before making love, they always have a meal first.

• 鱼水之欢 (yú shuǐ zhī huān)
• 云雨 (yún yǔ)

In ancient China, people used various metaphors to describe making love. Two common expressions were 鱼水之欢(yú shuǐ zhī huān) and 云雨(yún yǔ). 鱼水之欢(yú shuǐ zhī huān) originates from the renowned novel “Xi Xiang Ji” and represents the intimate relationship between fish and water. It metaphorically depicts the harmonious and intimate emotions experienced during sexual encounters between men and women. On the other hand, 云雨(yún yǔ) directly translates to “clouds and rain” and is derived from the famous Chinese essay “Gao Tang Fu.” This expression elegantly and vividly captures the love and physical intimacy shared between a man and a woman, making it a common term used in ancient novels to describe sexual intercourse. These metaphors have been passed down through the ages and are still used today.

e.g.

昨晚他们一番云雨到半夜。(Zuó wǎn tāmen yì fān yún yǔ dào bàn yè.)
Last night, they engaged in passionate lovemaking until midnight.

时间不早了，我们去共享鱼水之欢吧。(Shíjiān bù zǎo le, women qù ɡònɡxiǎnɡ yú shuǐ zhī huān bɑ.)
It’s getting late, let’s go and enjoy the intimacy between us.

• 圆房 (yuán fánɡ)
• 洞房 (dònɡ fánɡ)

When two people get married and engage in sexual intimacy, it can be referred to as “entering the bridal chamber” or 圆房(yuán fánɡ) in Chinese. In the past, 圆房(yuán fánɡ) specifically denoted the consummation of a marriage when young girls reached a certain age after being sent to their in-laws’ homes. Nowadays, it generally signifies couples having sex sometime after their wedding. Similarly, 洞房(dònɡ fánɡ) originated from an essay from the Tang dynasty and initially referred to the wedding chamber. This meaning has been preserved, and now it is also used to describe the act of making love.

e.g.

你们还没圆房啊？(Nǐmen hái méi yuán fánɡ ā?)
Haven’t you consummated your marriage yet?

送新郎、新娘入洞房！(Sònɡ xīnlánɡ, xīnniánɡ rù dònɡfánɡ!)
Take the bride and groom to the bridal chamber!

8. Chinese euphemisms for Menstruation(月经)

• 大姨妈 (dà yímā)
• 例假 (lìjià)
• 来事儿了 (lái shìr le)

The term 大姨妈(dà yímā) literally means “older aunt” and is used to refer to “that time of the month” or menstruation. The origin of this term can be traced back to a story from the Han Dynasty. There was a girl who was in love with a young man, but she would always use the excuse that her older aunt was visiting whenever he wanted to kiss her. On their wedding night, when the young man saw the girl’s menstrual blood, he asked what was wrong, and she told him that her older aunt had come. As a result, the young man refrained from having sex. Since then, 大姨妈(dà yímā) has been used to refer to menstruation. Additionally, because menstruation occurs regularly every month, it is also called 例假(lìjià) in Chinese. In some regions, people simply say 来事儿了(lái shìr le)  to imply menstruation without explicitly mentioning it.

 e.g.

 来例假了，不舒服。(Lái lìjià le, bù shūfu.)
I felt unwell during my period.

 我昨天刚来事儿了。(Wǒ zuótiān ɡānɡ lái shì’r le.)
My period came yesterday.

我不去游泳了，大姨妈来了。(Wǒ bú qù yóuyǒnɡ le, dà yímā lái le.)
I’m not going swimming because my period came.

9. Chinese euphemisms for Intoxication (喝醉)

• 喝多了 (hē duō le)
• 喝高了 (hē ɡāo le)

In fact, people still say 喝醉了(hē zuì le) to directly express that someone was drunk. Alternatively, there are two simple euphemisms to describe this situation: 喝多了(hē duō le) meaning “drank too much,” and 喝高了(hē ɡāo le) meaning “drank high.”

 e.g.

别喝了，你喝多了。(Bié hē le, nǐ hē duō le.)
Don’t drink anymore since you’re drunk.

你送他回去吧，他喝高了。(Nǐ sònɡ tā huíqù bɑ, tā hē ɡāo le.)
You should take him back home; he’s drunk.

10. Chinese euphemisms for Pregnancy (怀孕)

• 有了 (yǒu le)
• 有喜了 (yǒu xǐ le)

Actually, people mostly say 怀孕了 (huáiyùn le) to directly indicate that someone is pregnant, so there are only two simple euphemisms for this situation: “有了” and “有喜了”. The former means “having” while the latter means “having something good and happy” since pregnancy is considered a joyful and wonderful thing.

e.g.

有了有了，两个月了。(Yǒu le yǒu le, liǎnɡɡè yuè le.)
She’s two-months pregnant.

别担心，她这是有喜了。(Bié dānxīn, tā zhè shì yǒu xǐ le.)
Don’t be worried, she is just pregnant.

11. Chinese euphemisms for Extra-marital affairs (外遇)

• 出轨 (chū ɡuǐ)
• 劈腿 (pī tuǐ)
• 小三 (xiǎo sān)
• 第三者 (dì sān zhě)

When someone is romantically involved with multiple people at the same time, we can use a comical term, 劈腿(pī tuǐ), which primarily refers to a person’s unfaithfulness. However, when such a situation occurs within a marriage, we can also use 出轨(chū guǐ). 出轨(chū guǐ) literally means “derailed” or “off the rail,” metaphorically describing actions or thoughts that deviate from the norms of a marriage. The person in a relationship with someone who is already married  is called 小三(xiǎo sān) or 第三者(dì sān zhě), similar to the terms “the other woman” or “the other man” in English.

 e.g.

 他老婆出轨了。(Tā lǎo pó chū ɡuǐ le.)
His wife had an affair.

 我被劈腿了。(Wǒ bèi pī tuǐ le.)
I was betrayed.

你想当小三，就给我滚出去。(Nǐ xiǎnɡ dānɡ xiǎo sān, jiù ɡěi wǒ ɡǔn chūqu.)
If you want to be a mistress, then just get out of here.

我不是第三者，你认错人了吧。(Wǒ bú shì dì sān zhě, nǐ rèn cuò rén le bɑ.)
I’m not the other woman, you’re mistaken.

12. Chinese euphemisms for Getting Fired(解雇)

• 炒了 (chǎo le)
• 炒鱿鱼  (chǎo yóuyú)

The phrase for getting fired, 炒鱿鱼(chǎo yóu yú), literally means “fried squid”. But why do we use this phrase  to refer to being let go? Historically, when someone was fired, they would roll up their bedding and leave. Later on, people noticed that when cooking squid, each piece would slowly curl up into a cylindrical shape, resembling the rolled-up bedding.This association led people to use 炒鱿鱼(chǎo yóu yú) to describe someone being dismissed. 炒了 (chǎo le) is the shortened form of this expression.

e.g.

他因为经常上班迟到，刚被炒了。(Tā yīnwèi jīnɡchánɡ shànɡ bān chídào, ɡānɡ bèi chǎo le.)
He was often late for work and was fired just now.

他们那批人因为业绩不好，都被炒鱿鱼了。(Tāmen nà pī rén yīnwèi yèjì bù hǎo, dōu bèi chǎo yóuyú le.)
Those people were fired because of their poor performance.

• 丢饭碗 (diū fànwǎn)

The phrase 丢饭碗 (diū fàn wǎn) literally means “lose the bowl”. Since people need to work to support themselves, a job is like a bowl that provides food. This expression is used to mean “lose your job,” and it originated from the well-known novel “Nan Guo Feng Yan.”

e.g.

他不敢说话，还不是因为怕丢了饭碗。(Tā bù ɡǎn shuō huà, hái búshì yīnwèi pà diū le fànwǎn.)
He didn’t dare to speak, because he was afraid of losing his job.

丢饭碗也没什么，我们可以再找其他的工作。(Diū fànwǎn yě méi shénme, women kěyǐ zài zhǎo qítāde ɡōnɡzuò.)
Losing your job is nothing big, we can find other jobs.

13. Chinese euphemisms for Homosexuality (同性恋)  

• 同志 (tónɡzhì)
• 弯 (wān)
• 出柜 (chū ɡuì)

The term 同志 (tóngzhì) literally means “having the same pursuit” and is commonly used as a form of address among people working in an organization. It first appeared as a synonym for homosexuals in Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s. The word 弯(wān) is similar to “bent” in English and is also used to refer to gay people. Lastly, 出柜(chū guì) comes from the English phrase “come out of the closet.”

e.g.

他是弯的，他出柜了。(Tā shì wān de, tā chū ɡuì le.) He is homosexual, and he came out of the closet.

14. Chinese Euphemisms for Sex workers (性工作者)

• 小姐 (xiǎojiě)
• 鸡 (jī)
• 鸭 (yā)

The term 小姐(xiǎojiě) literally means “miss” or “lady”. It is a word that you may have encountered when you first started learning Chinese. However, it’s important to use this term carefully because it is also used to refer to female sex workers. Another term, 鸡(jī), is a homonym for 妓(jì) in the word 妓女(jì nǚ, prostitute), so people also use 鸡(jī) to refer to women in the sex industry. On the other hand, 鸭(yā) is used to refer to male sex workers.

e.g.

找小姐是犯法的。(Zhǎo xiǎojiě shì fàn fǎ de.) It is illegal to look for an escort.

她是个鸡，而他是个鸭，但是他们相爱了。(Tā shì ɡè jī, ér tā shì ɡè yā, dànshì tāmen xiāng`ài le.) She is an escort while he is a male prostitute. But they fall in love with each other.

15. Chinese euphemisms for Parents (父母)

• 令尊 (lìnɡ zūn)
• 令堂 (lìnɡ tánɡ)
• 高堂 (ɡāo tánɡ)

When engaging in a conversation, how can we respectfully refer to other people’s parents? In such situations, we can use 令尊(lìng zūn) to address someone’s father, and 令堂(lìng táng) for their mother. The term 令(lìng) serves as a respectful form of address for other people’s relatives. 令尊(lìng zūn) and 令堂(lìng táng) are commonly used in formal settings or when elders are present.

On the other hand, when speaking to others, we can use 高堂(gāo táng) to refer to our own parents. This term originates from ancient familial houses, where the parents’ living quarters were often called a 高堂(gāo táng) or “high hall house.” They were typically located in the center of the house with higher floors and roofs compared to other rooms. Ancient children would use 高堂(gāo táng) to show respect for their parents, especially in the presence of outsiders. Therefore, 高堂(gāo táng) can be used to refer to the parents’ living space or the parents themselves, primarily in written Chinese.

e.g.

令尊和令堂最近身体还好吗？(Lìnɡ zūn hé lìnɡ tánɡ zuìjìn shēntǐ hái hǎo mɑ?) Have your parents been in good health lately?

君不见，高堂明镜悲白发, 朝如青丝暮成雪。(Jūn bú jiàn, ɡāotánɡ mínɡ jìnɡ bēi báifà, cháo rú qīnɡsī mù chénɡ xuě.)
Do you not see the mirrors bright in chambers high
Grieve o’er your snow-white hair
though once it was silk-black?  
(excerpt from poem “Qiang Jin Jiu” written by Li Bai in the Tang Dynasty)

Closing Thoughts

The Chinese language is rich with euphemisms that reflect the cultural nuances and sensitivities around various topics. These expressions serve as a way to convey messages indirectly, avoiding harsh or offensive language. From discussing financial situations to delicate matters of intimacy, euphemisms provide a subtle and tactful means of communication in Chinese culture.

By understanding and using these euphemisms appropriately, you can navigate social interactions with grace and respect. Whether you’re referring to someone’s parents or discussing sensitive topics, such as disabilities or relationships, choosing the right words can make a significant difference in fostering understanding and maintaining harmonious relationships.

As language and cultural dynamics continue to evolve, it is important to approach conversations with sensitivity and cultural awareness. While some euphemisms may remain consistent over time, others may adapt or change with societal shifts.

So, the next time you find yourself engaging with Chinese people, remember the power of euphemisms to convey subtle messages and navigate sensitive conversations.

The post Read Between the Lines: 15 Common Chinese Euphemisms appeared first on .

Improving pronunciation

I recommend using Anki as a platform. This software is a bit less intuitive and user-friendly than Quizlet, but it is geared towards building one’s long-term memory, which is crucial for language learning and more efficient in the long run. It is free to download on your computer, and if it becomes part of your study routine, it may be worth paying to download it on your mobile device too.

Like most flashcard platforms, Anki has pre-made decks in addition to ones you can make yourself. Other language learners can upload decks of flashcards they have made, saving you time and effort! One deck that I love is Spoonfed Chinese, which has thousands of example sentences in Chinese at various levels with native-speaker audio. Learning words in context is much more effective than simply memorizing words in isolation, and the clearly enunciated audio coupled with characters and pinyin allows you to practice listening and reading in one go! To work on pronunciation, I listen and repeat the sentences as I study them. Another benefit of this deck is that it has content suitable for all levels. There are beginner and intermediate level sentences like, ”我喜欢游泳 – I like swimming.“ Once you get more advanced, you can learn more specific vocab and grammar patterns, such as those related to economics or politics. For example, “如何克服日元升高是个大问题 – How to overcome the high value of yen is a big problem.” To customize these cards, you can add extra information about the definitions of words used in the sentence or pictures.

Expanding your vocabulary

Next, I would like to share my method of making my own flashcards to expand my Chinese vocabulary and work on my pronunciation. Studying one’s own flashcards is not only a great way to review vocab words, but the actual process of making the cards can help you better acquire the words in and of themselves. I use the word “误区(wù qū) – mistaken ideas” as an example; it was a vocab word I learned in one of my readings from class. On the front side, I have the characters (in both simplified and traditional since my goal is to be able to read both). The second side has the pinyin, a definition in Chinese (but for beginners or intermediate learners it could be in English), the part(s) of speech, example sentence(s) or phrase(s), and a picture. I record the audio for my example sentences myself so that I can practice saying the words––both in isolation and in the context of a sentence. I can compare my pronunciation to how I know the tones should sound. It is an especially great way to track your progress in pronunciation since you can listen back to recordings from a few months ago to see how you’ve improved! For learners just starting out, it is important to have feedback from a native speaker to ensure that you are practicing the correct pronunciation, otherwise you may be practicing bad pronunciation habits. You can also find audio from native speakers for example sentences to record or imitate on websites like Youglish.

Although it can take a while to find all the information to make these cards, they have helped me improve my vocabulary tremendously, which is the key for advancing your Chinese to an even higher level. Furthermore, including information like the part of speech and example sentences helps ensure that you are able to use these words correctly and actively in Chinese, rather than perhaps only being able to recognize the words. As Chinese words tend to be used in very specific environments, this is a good way to acquire the correct Chinese word associations and to think in Chinese!

Working on listening skills

In addition to memorizing vocab and practicing pronunciation, I recommend increasing quality input in the target language to work on listening skills. Podcasts are a fun and convenient way to do this. Whether it be walking to class or driving to work, everyone has a bit of time in their day to listen to a podcast! There are many different programs geared towards beginners, so I will focus on recommending some intermediate and advanced ones, since it can be hard to find podcasts challenging enough and yet not too hard for Chinese learners at these levels. Learn Taiwanese Mandarin has more episodes suited for intermediate speakers, while Chinese Colloquialized is more advanced. Talk Taiwanese Mandarin with Abby and 瞎扯学中文 Convo Chinese have a mix of some more intermediate and some more advanced episodes. These two shows often consist of the host interviewing a friend, so the level of difficulty depends on how fast or clearly the other person speaks, and the difficulty of the content of course. Finally, Chinese Pod has beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so anyone can find something to practice their listening skills with this podcast! There are so many other great Chinese podcasts, including those about grammar, news, culture, and stories, so you are sure to be able to find a suitable podcast for you––it just may require some digging around!

While we all have different study habits and learning styles, these are the ones that have worked for me and gotten me to where I am with Chinese today––so I hope they can be of help to others too!

The post Resources for Improving Chinese appeared first on .

I have my own experiences with this, and my friends have had similar struggles. But how do you keep going? How can you avoid feeling depressed when it seems like you can never master Chinese?

Find the Why

I truly believe that no advice or strategy will help you stay motivated to learn Chinese in the long run if you don’t have “the why” to keep going. Find your reason to continue. Think about why you even started to learn Chinese. Was it a dream to visit China? Was it career opportunities you thought Chinese would open for you? Was it the calligraphy and art that fascinated you? Now pause and think, do they still resonate with you? If yes, congrats, you are lucky! Grab that feeling and remember it. This “why” will keep you going further.

So first and foremost, find your “why”s.

And now that you have your “why”, let’s talk about “how”.

Incorporate Chinese into Your Daily Life with Minimal Effort

The most common piece of advice and really the most practical one is to create a routine or habit of practicing Chinese and allocating some time for it every week (ideally every other day). While it is definitely the best way to keep going, consistent practice is easier said than done. We all have lives going on, families and friends to meet, work and studies to finish, movies to watch, and so on. So how can you make learning Chinese easy and unobtrusive?

#1 Social Media Channels

Make the Chinese language part of your daily life. Start with simple things, like following more Chinese speaking accounts on Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok, or any other social media that you use every day. Ideally, it would work so that when you browse through feeds, Chinese will become the most common language. (For hardcore advancer learners – change your phone’s language setting and every other device into Chinese!)

Practical tips – A Few Instagram accounts to follow

Here are a few examples of accounts that might help you learn the language. These accounts post easy cards with words and phrases, and the more you see Chinese in your daily life, the more you remember later.

• @666coolpanda
• @learnchinese_shawn
• @breezychinese

And why not follow your favorite singer or actress? Make procrastination in Instagram useful.

#2 Chinese Language Podcasts and podcasts about China

Another way to make Chinese part of your everyday life is to listen to podcasts. There are podcasts that are focused on language, such as Mandarin Bean, Chinese 101, and ChinesePod. Not only can they help you develop listening comprehension but also pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. 

Language podcasts are useful, but you can also listen to podcasts about China and learn more about the country and culture. There are so many different podcasts in Chinese or about China out there that you can always find one that covers topics of your interest, be it Chinese food, fashion, society, trends, or economics.

Related source: TOP 7 Mandarin Chinese Learning Podcasts: Review and Comparison

#3 Dramas, TV shows and YouTube Videos

Learning Chinese does not need to be serious and boring. Keep developing your skills passively, by watching videos in Chinese. Instead of an episode from Netflix, opt for a Chinese TV show or drama.

Depending on your level, you may prefer to keep English subtitles or just go with Chinese ones. While it is challenging in the beginning, it gets easier with time, and your passive vocabulary develops a lot. You pick up new words and phrases, and most importantly, intonations, something that is very difficult to develop while living outside of China.

While you can find a lot of Chinese TV shows and dramas on YouTube, you can check the following platforms, such as 爱奇艺、优酷、and 腾讯. Though they might require paid subscriptions. And by the way, Netflix is now offering Chinese movies and TV shows too.

Practical tips

1) Record and check

When you see a new word or phrase, write it down and find it in dictionary. I use Pleco, for example. It is a mobile app, easy to use, and it allows you to draw unknown characters.   Plus, you can save new words under bookmarks and revise them later.

2) Review

• Handwriting

So after watching an episode and bookmarking new words, review them. Ideally hand write them a couple of times.

• Make sentences

Create a few sentences with each of the words.

• Review

And then after few days, check the same words again.

Sounds a bit tedious? It is. But you will be surprised how fast it becomes easier. With new episodes, you will get fewer and fewer new words. As your Pleco bookmarks grow, it is generally good to browse through bookmarks to review vocabulary.

Related source: Learning Through the Screen: How Chinese TV can Become Your Chinese Teacher

Keep Practicing Chinese in an Easy, Constant, and Structured Way

Having Chinese in your daily life without active studying helps with maintaining language level, but not necessary in advancing it. You will need to put in effort to break through the learning plateau.

#1 Get Social, Get Friends

People tend to be more enthusiastic about studying languages when they can actually use them. After all, we learn languages to be able to communicate and build connections. So, to keep going forward in your learning journey, consider finding a person or group of people with whom you can speak Chinese.

It is great if you have Chinese friends already and use Chinese in your conversations. But can you make your meetings regular? And what about if you don’t have such an option?  Luckily, we live in times where you can find language partners and practice Chinese by chatting with native speakers. Check some Facebook groups, your city might have a language exchange club that organizes meetings, and you might meet your next best friend there. Alternatively, you can use services such as iTalki, Tandem, or Hello Talk. You can search for people who have similar interests and then choose different communication methods, including video calls, text messaging, or voice messaging. And everything that was mentioned above, like listening to podcasts about China and watching dramas, will give you more topics to discuss with your language partner.

#2 Read in Chinese Regularly

Ideally, reading in Chinese should become a habit. And as with movies, the more you read, the easier it becomes. Depending on your level of Chinese proficiency, you can choose different resources. Go for news and articles if you are an intermediate or advanced learner. News websites like BBC or NYT have news in Chinese. Alternatively, check Chinese media outlets like Xinhua. Reading news about China will also deepen your understanding of the country.

If you consider reading articles in Chinese too time-consuming for your level, and you just cannot make it a habit due to its difficulty, go for graded reading. There are websites like MandarinBean and DuChinese that offer different kinds of texts for just about every level of learner, from beginner to advanced. Reading a graded text is so much easier than a newspaper article since you don’t need to check every unknown word in a dictionary because the word translations pop up, making the reading experience rather seamless.

Graded reading makes reading in Chinese feel like actual reading rather than constant dictionary word searching or guessing the meaning of every word. Which makes it a great option for continuous practice.

Practical tips:

1) Determine your level

While graded texts are much easier than original ones, you should still consider your language proficiency and find graded texts with the level that suits you and does not kill interest. Let’s take MandarinBean as an example, as I more familiar with it as a user. My level right now is somewhat advanced, so I check texts with level of HSK 5 or 6. Since there are always new words in each article, I mainly prefer level 5 for my regular learning content (and HSK 4 level on a lazy day), which makes the reading not too slow and not too difficult. If you are not sure about what your level is, you can check it directly from MandarinBean, as it has HSK test practice to help you determine it. Or you can just try texts of different levels and feel out which fits your needs best.

2) Listen

Before reading, I often listen to the new lesson’s text’s audio first. I would listen to it a couple of times until I get the general idea. One small tip, if you feel  that audio is too slow, play it on1,5 speed!

3) Read

Now, reading is a crucial step and the one that feels (and is) the actual studying. At this stage I already have an idea about the text after listing to it. So here I will open the text in Chinese without using pinyin or translation functions and skim through it while listing once again. I won’t check any words and just mark in my head places or passages that I don’t understand.

Then come the tedious tasks made easier with grading help. I will read the text sentence by sentence or paragraph by paragraph with the help of the pop-up translation as well as Pinyin. And at the very end I will also check the translation, just to be sure if I understood the text fully and correctly.

4) Review

I used to always write new words in a notebook, and then I would hardly ever look at those words again. The notebook would always be somewhere else. Now, I use Pleco as my e-notebook. Whenever there is an unfamiliar word, I keep notes of it in my Pleco bookmarks. Your phone is most likely always around so that you can go through these words whenever you have a moment. Mandarin Bean also has Quizlet vocabulary lists, which are quite helpful for review too. Creating your own Quizlet lists also works.

If the process looks heavy to you or too long, don’t be scared! You will be surprised to find how convenient and easy it is. MandarinBean’ texts are short, topics are very common and relevant and best of all, you can always select level that fits you best.

#3 Take an Online Course or Find a Tutor

Many people struggle to continue learning Chinese because they lack not (only) motivation but (also) discipline. They learn the language without a structure or timeline. Registering for a course or finding a Chinese tutor are options worth going for in case you cannot manage to practice Chinese on your own regularly. A course or tutor becomes the external force to push you forward.

The internet is full of courses and tutors, and I won’t go into details on how to choose one or what you should take into consideration here. DigMandarin is one such website, and I encourage you to check out their selection of courses

Related source:

• 5 Practical Tips to Find the Best Online Chinese Tutor
• The Most Recommended Online Chinese Courses

Apart from bringing structure into the learning process, taking a course or learning with a tutor adds another important thing – you can follow your own progress clearly. Finishing a course, passing a test, or getting praised by a tutor gives you an estimation of your performance, which is very important as a visible form of progress. Improvement of language skills on its own can boost your motivation. 

#4 Set a Goal and Prize

While motivation might be vague like interest in language, a goal is something concrete. And it is best to have one. Having a goal will keep you afloat and be your guiding light in times of despair.

Practical tips

Setting a goal might sound easy, but in fact, it is only part of the deal. You need to have a plan for how to achieve the goal. And you need to define smaller goals that bring you closer reaching the main goal.

Dividing your main goal into smaller ones

Let’s look at an example. Imagine your goal is to pass HSK 6 in 2 years. Consider what is your current level, and what are the areas you should focus on. You have an HSK 6 study book with 20 chapters. Then roughly you need to study one chapter per month. That is your monthly sub-goal #1. Next, how many words does each chapter have? So then how many new words per week do you need to memorize – that is your weekly sub goal #2. 50 words per week, so per day…I guess you got it.

Every completed sub-goal is a little victory that paves the road to your main destination. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! Even 5 words per week is already 250 new words in a year. It is not much, but still more than zero.

Related source: HSK Test Guide

So how can you stay motivated and keep learning Chinese? I don’t have a final definite answer. I just tried to summarize above what helped me to keep going and continue studying Chinese for more than 10 years.

I was stuck on a learning plateau for a couple of years, not able to “unlock” ways to continue learning Chinese. I felt like no matter what I did or how much effort I put into learning. I would never be able to become fluent in Chinese.  Language lost its magic for me. 

My “why” to keep going came to me as my interest in China, its society and culture, developed and grew. And instead of stressing out about how to master the language, I became curious about it. Curiosity, interest in language, culture and country became my motivators.

While I managed to incorporate Chinese into my daily life relatively easy, by following some accounts on Instagram and watching Chinese TV programs now and then, I could not develop discipline for consistent practice. I tried and failed multiple times, and finally realized that learning with a tutor was the best option for me. 

How is my Chinese now, after 10 years of learning? Definitely not at the level I wished to be at.  Will I ever be fluent in Chinese and pass the higher HSK levels? My answer is “never”. But I no longer stress about it. I simply enjoy the learning process, appreciate the beauty of the language, and explore the culture that the Chinese language opened up to me. For me, learning the language has become not a sprint, but a marathon (or maybe even a life lasting journey).

The post How to Stay Motivated to Keep Learning Chinese? – Keep Calm and Learn Chinese appeared first on .

More and more learners realize that they need more reading practice. They search for newspapers, magazines, and the news to get more reading materials. Except for some advanced learners, very few people can learn productively this way. There are many obstacles, such as too many new words and grammar concepts above their current level. This quickly leads to frustration.

So, their problem is lacking suitable Chinese reading materials, especially content that covers various topics. That’s why we recommend Chinese graded readers (中文分级阅读). They can help build Chinese language skills while providing personalized content. These more suitable reading materials can promote self-teaching to improve language abilities.

Chinese teachers and students alike can all use graded reading materials as a scaffold to help with their Chinese learning. Learners should spend 10-40 minutes per day reading the corresponding level reading materials. It can be skimming or intensive reading, which is an excellent way for learners to cultivate good habits while expanding their target language knowledge.

General Chinese Graded Readers

The concept of graded readers is not only for kids, but for learners of all ages and levels. However, unlike reading materials for kids, adults need more valuable and helpful content to keep them involved and make it feel worth spending the time. Well, these textbooks are well organized and categorized. Whether you’re learning business Chinese, travel Chinese, test-oriented Chinese, or general daily conversation, you can always find the related reading materials classified by language levels.

Books：

• Developing Chinese: Reading Course

The Developing Chinese series is a complete set of Chinese language books. The reading course is divided into two levels (intermediate and advanced). Its writing respects the reading habits of learners in their actual reading. It balances the difficulty very well. This textbook fully considers the learner’s language ability and reading level and reduces reading difficulty by controlling the word level, sentence length, and content complexity. After studying this course, learners will improve their reading ability quickly, and it will enable them to experience and understand contemporary China. This reading course is the perfect match to the Developing Chinese textbook series.

• LEDU

Ledu（乐读）is a set of very new reading textbooks. They’re designed to cultivate the reading ability of Chinese learners. The lessons follow a specific sequence (strokes – characters – words – sentences – paragraphs) to comprehensively improve reading skills. There are six volumes in total. Whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, there is a volume for you. This textbook series emphasizes diversification in the choice of subject matter. In the “Live Reading” section, students are also provided with signs, posters, enlightenments, online posts, and other text materials that can be seen everywhere in their daily lives.

Digital materials：

Textbook dialogues and texts are excellent for acquiring basic language knowledge. But alongside that learning, you might feel unsatisfied because some materials in your textbooks are too basic and sometimes outdated. Especially when you get beyond the beginner level and need to communicate with others in daily life or in a work setting, the vocabulary and topics covered in textbooks are pretty limited. Here are some recommendations for supplemental Chinese graded reading materials.

• Mandarin Bean

With Mandarin Bean, you can easily find your ideal reading content by searching by HSK levels or various tags. The level of each piece is determined by if a learner at that level can understand 70% or more of the text. You can acquire new words and expressions while reading the topics that interest you—news, business, lifestyle, travel, culture, etc. Mandarin Bean rewrites many trending stories with words to match your level so that you can practice reading while learning something new. It’s perfect for independent reading since they provide the Pinyin, translation, and even new vocabulary practice exercises. Since it’s not entirely written based on the HSK vocabulary list, you can also learn the latest buzzwords and concepts, which are excellent for daily communication with Chinese people.

• Du Chinese

If you are looking for a reading app, Du Chinese is quite an excellent choice. There are six levels from Newbie to Master. Each increasing level makes the sentences and vocabulary more and more challenging. There are also many conversations to read as well. If you are stuck on a new word, a simple tap gives you the word’s meaning and pronunciation, and you can save it as a flashcard for later.

Chinese Graded Reading for kids

There are many similar concepts seen in all the Chinese graded readers for kids. As the level increases, the reading materials gradually become more and more challenging, and the sentence structures will be more complex. Many high-frequency words are used in the books to help kids memorize them. Also, there are many repeated sentences and phrases at the beginning that correspond with kids’ learning patterns.

Online Graded Readers:

• Little Fox Chinese

Little Fox Chinese is quite popular among Chinese teachers and kids. This site releases a number of Chinese stories, songs, and games for kids. There are five content levels, from basic vocabulary and sentence forming practice to simple sentences about thoughts and feelings. All the topics are pretty common, which makes them suitable for lessons and after-class independent reading. The stories are presented in videos, which draw kids’ attention. The transcription, pinyin, and translation are also provided in text format. This after-class reading comprehension and vocabulary practice can be checked by taking quizzes and playing games.

• eChineseWorld

There is a specific category for reading at eChineseWorld. It’s designed for K-12 Chinese learners according to ACTFL’s proficiency guidance, AP, and IB themes. It also satisfies the Common Core State Standards. There are three levels: novice, intermediate, and advanced. Each levels has three grades. Its reading collection includes elementary level eBooks, eFunland, Animated/Comic Reading, Secondary Social Studies Reading, and Secondary Leveled Readings. Chinese culture is integrated into the entire collection. Students can do independent reading and listen to it. But the post-lesson exercises and activities need to be assigned by the teacher.

Printed Graded Readers

• Rainbow Dragon 七色龙

The whole Rainbow Dragon series is about theme-based Chinese learning, including 15 common themes, such as family, body, food, time, etc. The stories are diverse and interesting, with lovely illustrations. For better learning, the content is scientifically graded by three levels of difficulty, targeting Chinese learners at overseas mainstream primary and junior high schools and international K-6 schools. After studying this series, kids will master around 2000 common Chinese words and be ready for daily communication. Besides the books, there are also mobile gaming apps and evaluation tools as a supplementary resource.

• Smart Cat 轻松猫

Smart Cat has two series: one for youth (10-18 years old) and one for kids (under ten years old). There are three grades at the youth stage and four grades at the kid stage. Reading is the critical skill it focuses on while listening, speaking, writing, and presenting are expanded skills. The books cover most HSK & YCT level 1-4 vocabulary, grammar, and topics. Books are constructed based on two related 10~12 sentence stories. It builds Chinese language and culture skills in a spiral-up approach. There are also supplementary audio resources and flashcards on its website. 

Graded Reader Apps:

• WaWaYaYa Joy Reader

Apple App Store and Google Play Store

There are 12 levels in the WaWaYaYa Joy Reader app, which cater to K-6 Chinese learners. This app is more like a digital library where you can find many familiar book series, such as Cool Panda, Rainbow Dragon, and I Read & I Learn. The full display of the books and friendly interface is quite neat and organized. The narration function is also authentic and pleasing. The variety of topics also adapts to the features of each age. They won’t be bored easily. And the price is also very reasonable for such a significant number of books. 

With so many websites, apps, and books to choose from, there’s no shortage of excellent graded readers to take your Chinese to the next level. These resources can be beneficial for learners of all levels and ages. Consistent reading practice not only helps with passive understanding of Chinese, it also strengthens your vocabulary and understanding of grammar concepts.

If you’re looking to try out graded readers for the first time, pick one or two resources to check out, and see which best suits your needs. You may quickly discover your new favorite Chinese learning resources and revolutionize your study routine!

The post Where To Find the Best Chinese Graded Readers appeared first on .

It’s not just because it’s a bold and vibrant hue. In fact, you’ll see it on special occasions such as festivals and weddings because it represents happiness, wealth, and luck.

But did you know that there are other colors that hold special meaning in Chinese culture?

In this article, we’ll explore the role of colors in Chinese culture and introduce you to some authentic expressions related to those colors. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and be able to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!

• 红色 / 紫色（hónɡsè / zǐsè）Red / Purple
• 白色(bái sè) White
• 绿色(lǜ sè) Green
• 黑色 / 灰色(hēisè / huīsè) Black / Grey
• 黄色(huánɡsè) Yellow

#1 红色 / 紫色（hónɡsè / zǐsè）Red / Purple

红红火火 (hónɡhónɡ huǒhuǒ)

Let’s explore some examples and delve into the meaning of the color red.

祝你的生活红红火火。May your life be prosperous.
(Zhù nǐ de shēnɡhuó hónɡhónɡ huǒhuǒ.)

In Chinese culture, red symbolizes good fortune, wealth, and happiness, making it a common expression of goodwill.

红光满面 (hónɡɡuānɡ mǎnmiàn)

Red can also mean that someone looks great.

e.g.

看你红光满面，最近一定有好事吧！Look at your red face. You must have heard some good news recently.
(Kàn nǐ hónɡɡuānɡ mǎnmiàn, zuìjìn yídìnɡ yǒu hǎoshì bɑ!)

大红大紫 (dàhónɡ dàzǐ)

Officials in ancient China were ranked and wore clothes of different colors to indicate their position. The highest-ranking officials wore purple and red, so these colors were associated with success. Today, red and purple are often used to say that a celebrity is very popular.

e.g.

你不知道她？她最近红得发紫呢！You don’t know her? She is extremely popular these days!
(Nǐ bù zhīdào tā? tā zuìjìn hónɡ dé fā zǐ ne!)

他也曾大红大紫过。He was also a tremendous success in the past.
(Tā yě cénɡ dàhónɡ dàzǐ ɡuò.)

眼红 (yǎn hónɡ)

Furthermore, red is linked to blood, representing courage. For instance, a red heart implies someone is brave and devoted. However, red can have negative connotations as well. When we say our eyes turn red, it means we are jealous.

e.g.

其他同学都找到了好工作，还在找工作的小王有点眼红。Other classmates of his have found good jobs. Xiao Wang is still looking for a job. He is a little jealous.
(Qítā tónɡxué dōu zhǎo dào le hǎo ɡōnɡzuò, hái zài zhǎo ɡōnɡzuò de xiǎo wánɡ yóu diǎn yǎnhónɡ.)

Now that you know the symbolic meaning of the color red, can you guess what a “red event” is? That’s right, “red events” are good occasions like weddings and birthdays for the elderly. How about “white events”? Let’s delve into that next.

#2 白色(bái sè) White

红白喜事（hónɡ bái xǐ shì）

Chinese people used to consider white an unlucky color, mainly used in funerals, so they would refer to funerals as 白事(báishì) or white affairs. Just like wearing red at weddings, it is customary to wear white at funerals.

e.g.

最近红白喜事好多。There have been many weddings and funerals recently.
(Zuìjìn hónɡ bái xǐ shì hǎo duō.)

红脸 / 白脸（hónɡliǎn / báiliǎn）

Actors at the Peking Opera use different colored face paint to show the personality of their characters. Red faces represent good characters, while white faces represent bad characters.

In everyday life, Chinese people use red and white faces to describe friendly or obnoxious people. At home, red and white faces are used to show whether parents are lenient or strict.

e.g.

A:你爸爸比较严厉还是妈妈比较严厉？Is your father strict or your mother?
(Nǐ bàbɑ bǐjiào yánlì háishì māmɑ bǐjiào yánlì?)

B:我妈妈。他们俩一个唱红脸，一个唱白脸。My mother. One is good cop and the other is bad cop.
(Wǒ māmɑ. tāmen liǎnɡ yíɡè chànɡ hónɡliǎn, yíɡè chànɡ báiliǎn.)

白费劲（bái fèi jìn）

White is also used to indicate failure or lack of interest, such as when someone wastes their time or energy.

e.g.

你怎么不早说？我白费了这么大劲！Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I wasted all my effort!
(Nǐ zěnme bù zǎo shuō? wǒ bái fèi le zhème dà jìn.)

Culture Tip:

As China becomes more globalized, Chinese people have also come to accept the Western meaning of white as a symbol of purity and beauty. This is why many brides now choose to wear white wedding dresses. However, to honor tradition, they often wear a red dress during the reception, where guests bless them.

#3 绿色(lǜ sè) Green

Think of the color green, and what comes to mind? Trees, grass, and a healthy life, right? However, in Chinese culture, green can have a few different meanings. Let’s explore them together.

绿帽子（lǜ màozi）

Wearing a green hat is considered bad luck in China. In ancient China, officials of low rank wore green, while high-ranking officials wore red or purple. In addition, during the Eastern Han Dynasty (BC25-BC220), men were required to wear green headscarves or hats if they sent female family members to work as prostitutes.

Today, wearing a green hat implies that one’s partner is unfaithful.

e.g.

A:你听说了吗？小王的女朋友给他戴了绿帽子！Did you hear about that? Xiao Wang’s girlfriend cheated on him!
(Nǐ tīnɡshuō le mɑ? xiǎowánɡ de nǚ pénɡyou ɡěi tā dài le lǜ màozi.)

B:不会吧！小王真可怜。No way! Poor Xiao Wang.
(Bú huì bɑ! xiǎo wánɡ zhēn kělián.)

脸绿了（liǎn lǜ le）

What color does your face turn when you are mad？You may say it’s red, but we would say green instead. Here is an example.

e.g.

他很没礼貌，把我脸都气绿了。He was extremely impolite, I was so angry that my face turned green.
(Tā hěn méi lǐmào, bǎ wǒ liǎn dōu qì lǜ le.)

When Chinese people get angry, their face turns green instead of red. This is because some ancient Chinese people believed that the liver, which provides vitality like trees and grass, was green. They thought that a person’s emotions were connected to their bodily organs, so if someone was angry, it would hurt their liver and show on their face.

e.g.

他很没礼貌，把我脸都气绿了。He was extremely impolite, I was so angry that my face turned green.
(Tā hěn méi lǐmào, bǎ wǒ liǎn dōu qì lǜ le.)

#4 黑色 / 灰色(hēisè / huīsè) Black / Grey

We’ve discussed the relationship between colors and facial expressions before, like red, white, and green faces, and we also use black to describe emotions. There are many other expressions that involve the color black. Let’s explore some of them.

黑脸（hēi liǎn）

Black is a dark color and is often associated with darkness. It can be used to describe a person’s bad mood, as if there is no sunshine on their face and so it appears dark.

e.g.

他一回家就黑着脸，不知道怎么了。When he came home, his face was black. I don’t know what happened.
(Tā yì huí jiā jiù hēi zhe liǎn, bù zhīdào zěnme le.)

印堂发黑（yìntánɡ fā hēi）

Having a black face is often an indication of being in a bad mood. Additionally, if someone’s face is dark between the eyebrows, it may indicate a major health issue or bad luck. In ancient China, people believed that internal problems could be identified by physical signs, such as lung problems being indicated on the forehead.

e.g.

看你印堂发黑，最近可能要倒霉。You may have had bad luck recently, judging by darkness on your forehead.
(Kàn nǐ yìntánɡ fā hēi, zuìjìn kěnénɡ yào dǎoméi.)

黑市（hēi shì）/ 黑心（hēixīn）              

Compared to red, which is a symbol courage and loyalty, if a person’s heart turns black, they are not a good person and might harm others for their own benefit.

e.g.

黑市里出现了买卖器官的现象。Organs are being bought and sold on the black market.
(Hēishì lǐ chūxiàn le mǎimɑi qìɡuān de xiànxiànɡ.)

这个黑心商贩卖的东西质量很差。The goods sold by this shady dealer are low quality.
(Zhèɡe hēixīn shānɡfàn mài de dōngxi zhìliànɡ hěn chà.)

灰色地带（huīsè dìdài）/ 灰色收入（huīsè shōurù）

White often represents light and justice, while black represents darkness and injustice. Gray is considered vague and unclear as it’s somewhere between black and white. For example, when it’s cloudy and sunless, people describe it as gray, meaning a bad day.

e.g.

今天天气不好，没有太阳，灰蒙蒙的。It’s a bad day today. It’s sunless and gray.
(Jīntiān tiānqì bù hǎo, méiyǒu tàiyánɡ, huīmēnɡmēnɡ de.)

Gray also suggests that something is unclear or possibly illegal.

e.g.

这个产业还处于灰色地带，法律没有禁止，也不支持。The industry is still in a grey area, neither prohibited nor by the law.
(Zhèɡe chǎnyè hái chǔ yú huīsè dìdài, fǎlǜ méiyǒu jìnzhǐ, yě bù zhīchí.)

除了工资，他还有一些灰色收入。In addition to his salary, he has some grey income.
(Chú le ɡōnɡzī, tā háiyǒu yìxiē huīsè shōurù.)

Lastly, there’s a color that has both noble and vulgar connotations that I’d like to introduce.

#5 黄色(huánɡsè) Yellow

炎黄（yánhuánɡ）

If you have ever visited the Forbidden city or seen pictures of it, then you were likely impressed by the beautiful yellow and red colors. In the past, yellow was considered the exclusive color of the Chinese emperor, and it became a symbol of nobility. There are many interesting Chinese expressions related to this color.

e.g.

黄河是中国的母亲河。The Yellow River is the mother river of China.
(Huánɡhé shì zhōnɡɡuó de mǔqīn hé.)

我们是炎黄子孙。We are the descendants of Emperor Yan and Emperor Huang.
(Wǒmen shì yánhuánɡ zǐsūn.)

黄道吉日（huánɡdào jírì）

e.g.

我要选个黄道吉日结婚。I will choose a lucky day to get married.
(Wǒ yào xuǎn ɡè huánɡdàojírì jiéhūn.)

祝你飞黄腾达，前程似锦。I wish you success and a bright future.
(Zhù nǐ fēihuánɡ ténɡdá, qiánchénɡ sìjǐn.)

那是个黄金时代，出现了很多有名的歌手。It was the golden age and there were many famous singers.
(Nà shì ɡè huánɡjīn shídài, chūxiàn le hěnduō yǒumínɡ de ɡēshǒu.)

These expressions associate yellow with positivity and good fortune. However, the meaning of yellow has evolved over time and is now used in expressions unrelated to royalty.

黄脸婆（huánɡliǎnpó）

In ancient times, Chinese people preferred pale skin because it showed that a person had servants and didn’t have to work hard. Darker skin was associated with working hard and having a tough life. Sick people or unattractive married women were sometimes called “yellow-faced,” which was a derogatory term. This term is still used in some couples’ arguments today.

e.g.

你怎么脸色发黄？最近生病了吗？Why is your face yellow? Have you been sick lately?
(Nǐ zěnme liǎnsè fā huánɡ ? zuì jìn shēnɡbìnɡ le mɑ?)

我现在人老珠黄，成了黄脸婆了。I’m old and yellow-faced now.
(Wǒ xiànzài rénlǎo zhūhuánɡ, chénɡ le huánɡliǎnpó le.)

事黄了（shì huánɡ le）

Yellow is associated with the end of life as all leaves turn yellow and fall in autumn. Therefore, it is used to convey an unhappy tone when discussing the end of something or lack of hope.

e.g.

别提了，这事儿黄了。Don’t bring it up. It’s screwed up.
(Bié tí le, zhè shìr huánɡ le.)

黄色（huánɡ sè）

Yellow was once associated with the emperor, but its meaning has since changed. Yellow became associated with pornography due to the rise of yellow journalism. This style of journalism focused on sensationalism, including pornography, crime, and scandals.

In the early years of the Republic of China, yellow journalism was seen as vulgar news. Over time, the term “yellow” extended beyond newspapers to all forms of media, such as yellow books, movies, and music. Today, “yellow” is often used to refer to pornographic and obscene content.

e.g.

不应该让青少年接触黄色电影和黄色书籍。Young people should not be exposed to pornographic films and books.
(Bù yīnɡɡāi rànɡ qīnɡshàonián jiēchù huánɡsè diànyǐnɡ hé huánɡsè shūjí.)

请不要对女性说黄色笑话，很不礼貌。Please don’t tell dirty jokes to women. It’s impolite.
(Qǐnɡ búyào duì nǚ xìnɡ shuō huánɡsè xiàohuɑ, hěn bù lǐmào.)

Closing Thoughts

Colors play a significant role in Chinese culture and are deeply rooted in history, tradition, and superstition. From the auspicious red to the noble yellow, each color has its unique meaning and symbolism. We hope that this article has given you insights into the fascinating world of Chinese colors and expressions related to them.

What do colors symbolize in your culture? Do you have any similar expressions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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