I spent a couple of years in China and learned Mandarin to quite a good conversational level, but that was over 15 years ago now, and it's very rusty. I want to bring it back, particularly my speaking and listening. I was thinking of doing a weekly lesson with a tutor on iTalki or similar, for speaking practise and then signing up for one of the learning apps so I can go through vocabulary and grammar on my phone when I have a free moment. What do you think of this approach, or would you do anything differently?

I studied mandarin for 3 years in college, lost a lot of it- but recently got a tutor where I practice one hour each week, then listen to Pimsleur courses everyday day to practice my listening and repetition. I feel like my listening is getting really good, my speaking is okay- but I worry that I’m not putting myself in a position to read properly since I’m not practicing writing characters out that much. Any advice given my position on whether it’s best to prioritize listening/ speaking and then come back to writing/ reading characters separately later or is it best to learn it all at the same time. Also open to general advice on how to get proficient as soon as possible.

As a Traditional Chinese learner, I obviously learn 214 radicals because that's the official system used in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government officially prescribes 201 indexing components instead. However, it seems like most Simplified Chinese learners use the former system instead of this one. I hope this poll can prove me wrong though.

By the way, "radical" and "indexing component" are two English translations for the exact same Chinese word: 部首. They're just different English translations used by different governments.

我学中文已经3年了。 我是西班牙人， 我想找一个会说中文的朋友一起练习 ！

我今年28岁了。 我喜欢看电视剧和小说。如果你也想学西班牙语或者做朋友，欢迎写我！⁠

It seems like tutor dot com has now added Chinese as an option to select on-demand tutoring (ex: sessions don't need to be scheduled anymore, can just wait for a student to join)

I'm not good enough to teach yet but am working on it

I'm a heritage speaker, and I'm trying to start learning Chinese again. Listening/speaking isn't much of a problem, only reading and especially hand writing is. A couple of online tests said that I recognize ~850 characters, which isn't a bad starting point. I can read maybe 70% of most things, although at a super slow pace. If I were to guess, I'd say my listening vocab is probably around 2000? So, mostly I just need to match up the characters with the sound.

I want to improve my vocab so that I can understand 99% of the stuff I read. But, I also have a lot of other things going on, so at the very most I'd be able to commit to an hour of studying every day, most likely 30 mins/day. What's the most efficient way to recognize more characters? What should I do to study?

I was having trouble remembering the word for pot, as in coffee pot. So I decide to make a pneumonic with words that sound the same.

Imagine a fox with a long beard next to a lake carrying a coffee pot. The fox is a little crazy and talking nonsense.

曾經有一隻狐狸（hú​li），有個很長的鬍子（hú​zi），帶著一個咖啡壺（hú）去湖邊（hú​biān）。他有一點奇怪，常常胡說八道（hú​shuō​bā​dào）。

Anybody else got some good pneumonics?

Is 大家最近怎么样 correct way to ask something online in a post...
like an update to where I've been, and asking everyone how they've been?

Hey hey!

First of all, thanks to anyone who will reply to this message ☺️ I started an in-person HSK1 course two weeks ago (so I’ve literally only had two 2-hour classes so far) at the local Confucius Institute.

I’d like to sanity-check my study plan with someone more experienced. I want to avoid overdoing it before building a solid foundation with my teacher, but I’m also eager to expand my vocabulary. Right now, we’re focusing heavily on Pinyin in class to practice tones, but I sometimes miss the actual meanings…

Apps and Resources I use:
- Duolingo: For practicing tones on the go (I still confuse the 1st and 2nd tones in listening exercises), eg when I commute
- Chineasy: To learn basic characters/mainly practice recognizing them.
- HelloChinese - Question: I just downloaded it but haven't tried it yet, is it worth using????
University of Michigan Resource: I use this to practice Pinyin listening with real Chinese speakers rather than synthesized audio.
- Textbook: I use my HSK1 book and audio to practice at home.
- Character Practice Book: I bought a children’s practice book for writing characters, but it’s still in transit. So idk

Extra work:
- Radicals: I had Claude help me generate a list of 70 radicals, which I uploaded to NotebookLM. Every week, I study 7 of them:
Day 1: Study the character, Pinyin, pronunciation, and meaning. Days 2–5: Flashcards. Day 6: Quiz on all the radicals learned so far.
- Review: Revisit class material the day after the lesson.

Why I’m studying Chinese and my goals:
- I speak 4 languages (2 at a native level; 1 at upper-intermediate, which I’m currently improving with a weekly tutor; and 1 at basic/intermediate). All of them use the Latin alphabet 🤠
I’ve always loved studying languages and wanted to try a new one. My main motivation is genuine interest and passion, and I can see myself continuing all the way to HSK5. I might also consider hiring a conversational tutor on Preply in the future.

- I also want to be able to recognize some characters and say more than just ‘xièxie’ when I travel to China…
- lastly, you never know what life has in store, so I wouldn’t mind eventually using Chinese for work/life too!

I am Ahmad from Lebanon living in Poland, I am 28yo. I started learning Chinese not long time ago in a course in Udemy. I joined this community to be in touch with people who are enthusiastic to learn the language and Chinese people if there any here. I am learning it because somehow I feel that I hit a wall in my life, I graduated two years ago with a master degree for telecommunication engineering in Poland. However, after which I didn't get that much of opportunities and got depressed. I believe that I need to challenge myself and open new paths in life to get alive again. I hope this community would help achieving that

I am a Chinese Kung Fu & Tai Chi enthusiast in Irvine California, I would like to go to China and learn 2 weeks Emei Kung Fu, because they only accept a group. Anyone wants to go with me? You definitely will learn Chinese language there.

I’m currently studying with the HSK 3 textbook from the old HSK 2.0 system, but since I eventually want to take the new HSK 3.0 exam, I’m wondering if I should switch to the new materials.

One teacher told me the older books are better for building a solid grammar foundation, while the newer materials offer more comprehensive practice. I also want to learn Chinese properly, not just study to pass the exam.

I’m considering evaluating my current level and possibly starting with HSK 2.0 Level 2 in the new system if that would help me build a stronger foundation.

For those who have used both versions, what has your experience been? Would you stick with 2.0 or switch to 3.0?

Just as the title says, literally an hour ago i left the examination centre. I know how stressed i was for the exam so i want to help people who have any questions regarding the exams.

As a native Chinese speaker, I’ve known 天地玄黄 as the opening of the Thousand Character Classic for a long time. What I find interesting is that its characters have also been used one by one to number collections of texts—more like A, B, C than names for different subjects.

玄 might be confusing in that setting. In 天地玄黄 it refers to a dark colour, while in other contexts it can mean “profound” or “mysterious.”

If you saw 天字号、地字号、玄字号 without an explanation, would you understand them as an ordered set? Or would you expect 玄字号 to contain something mysterious?

I am a casino table games dealer and majority of the players are asian. I would love to conversate and translate. It gets so boring and tiring sometimes when I cant talk for 8 hours straight and just listen. Being able to communicate would be very nice as well, especially when they have questions or my supervisor needs to tell them something and can’t. I also think if I know some of their language(s) it would be beneficial in moving up. I know most speak Chinese, Korean, and mandarin. Which would be easier or most likely known by most?
I only speak english. I tried learning Spanish and little Chinese with Duolingo and i just couldn’t stick with it. I feel like I should go to in person or online classes and probably pay for it so that I actually have to do it. I am broke though so the cheaper the better, lol. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated though, thank you!

Are you preparing for your GCSE Mandarin Speaking exam?

One common mistake students make is giving very short answers without developing their ideas.

Let's see how to turn a basic answer into a more advanced one!

Question: 你一般放学后做什么？

What do you usually do after school?

Level 1 — Basic Answer

放学后，我做作业。

After school, I do my homework.

✅ Correct, but very short.

Level 2 — Add Details

放学后，我一般先做作业，然后听音乐。

After school, I usually do my homework first and then listen to music.

✅ Better! You've added more details and used sequencing words:

先……然后…… — First... then...

Level 3 — Different Time Frames + Complex Structures

放学后，我一般先做作业，然后运动。虽然我每天都有很多作业，但是我还是会运动半个小时。昨天放学后，我和朋友一起踢了足球。明天放学后，我打算一边听音乐，一边做作业。

After school, I usually do my homework first and then exercise. Although I have lots of homework every day, I still spend half an hour exercising. Yesterday after school, I played football with my friends. Tomorrow after school, I'm planning to listen to music while doing my homework.

✅ Why is this answer stronger?

1. Different Time Frames

• Present/habitual: 放学后，我一般先做作业，然后运动。
• Past: 昨天放学后，我和朋友一起踢了足球。
• Future: 明天放学后，我打算……

2. Complex Sentence Structures

• 虽然……但是…… — Although...but...
• 一边……一边…… — Doing two things at the same time

3. Useful Structure

• 和……一起…… — Doing something together with someone

My Teacher's Tips

To improve your GCSE Mandarin Speaking answers:

1. Answer the question directly. The question asks about activities after school, so keep your examples relevant.
2. Develop your answers. Add relevant activities, opinions, reasons and details.
3. Use different time frames. Show that you can refer to past, present and future events.
4. Include complex structures. Try 虽然……但是……, 因为……所以……, 不但……而且…… or 一边……一边…… when appropriate.
5. Focus on accuracy and fluency. Longer answers aren't always better!

Remember: You don't need every time frame or complex structure in every answer. Use them naturally when relevant.

Your Turn!

你一般放学后做什么？为什么？

What do you usually do after school? Why?

Try including:

• An opinion and a reason
• Different time frames
• At least one complex sentence structure

Share your answer in the comments!

I simply Require an explanation for this. Five hundred... rice?

Chinese sikna Lai k kaha best hola Sathi vai haru video , site or anything ? Suggestion please !!!!

It demotivates a lot. How long does it take for characters to stick to your brain once and for all. How many times should I write them down.

My previous two posts were about theory—specifically, why Mandarin has 7 tones, instead of 4 , and warnings about common tones practice mistakes.

This post is about the practical application: how to master Mandarin tones with 16 sets of 4-tone drills.

Note: You need to practice each set in two versions:

1. With the complete 3rd tone.
2. With the half 3rd tone (tone sandhi).

I also prepared 99 disyllabic compound words formed by these single-syllable words (and the characters they correspond to).

With this practice method, I've never had a student fail or be disappointed.

Let me know what you think!

Next up, I'll share the compound word list here.

One of my favorite parts of the language is the writing itself, so I dedicated quite an effort into learning how to write 'naturally', trying to copy from copying 行书 scripts and all. Still, I feel like my handwritting is sooo messy, it doesn't come naturally and it gives me cramps T~T

Here's an excerpt, any advice or critique on what could be improved and how to improve it? (Also, I'm left handed, so I write rather slanted)

(Fragment reads:)

凡有生命的，若一直面对现实，不久都会发疯，就连云雀和螽斯多少都会做梦。希尔山庄这屋子是疯的，它耸立在山丘旁，里头幽幽暗暗，过去八十年如此，未来恐怕会再耸立八十年。屋里墙面直立、砖头整齐，地板坚固，一道道门无不紧闭；希尔山庄木头和石砖之间笼罩着寂静，无论里头潜行着什么，都与世隔绝。

Something I've noticed is that Chinese textbooks don't seem to cover expressions of surprise, shock, or frustration very much. But when you watch Chinese dramas or movies, you hear them all the time.

Things like

天啊 (tiān a — oh my god)

我的天 (wǒ de tiān — my god)

妈呀 (mā ya — oh my god / holy crap)

我操 (wǒ cào — fuck / holy shit)

I think these are worth learning because they're the kind of things people say spontaneously in everyday conversations, but you don't necessarily learn them from studying grammar or memorizing vocabulary lists. And they don't all have the same feeling. Some are pretty mild, some sound more dramatic, and some are definitely more vulgar.

So, what other expressions like these you've come across. Are there any that you hear a lot in Chinese shows or from native speakers but rarely see in textbooks? I'd love to hear some more examples.

Hi everyone,

A few years back, I had a 2 year period learning chinese, but things weren't working out as I intended so I switch languages and started learning Japanese (which I'm super happy with! I'm currently starting the N3 level).

I've always knew I wanted to go back to learning chinese, and I think now's a great time: I've got a lof of free time for the next months, my japanese language learning has a nice and steady flow to it, and I'm motivated to get started.

I'll try to explain were I was at when I stopped, why I stopped, what I see I did wrong and what I thought of doing so far. Your opinion and help is much appreciated!

Where and why I stopped

Text wise, I'd say I could read kinda well. Most of my time with chinese was spent in the Du Chinese app, reading stories. I used to write summaries of the stories I'd read, and my tutor would check them, so I could also write in a so-so manner

Listening and speaking wise... It was a not great experience. I used to have a VERY hard time with the sounds, pronunciation and tones. My tutor would do her best to correct me and try different approaches for me to learn, but it was in vain, really. This big frustration is without a doubt the main reason for me taking a break and going for something else. 2 years in I felt like I couldn't order a coffee in chinese.

Also, something I was kinda frustrated with was the media to be consumed. I tried chinese dramas, comedies, music, but nothing really clicked. I did really love the Du Chinese stories tho.

What I did wrong

To be fair, back then I wasn't really in that good of a place, so it was really hard to keep a nice study routine and do harder things. So doing harder things like really sitting down and focusing on a podcast or something was hard to pull off. I remember a few times I tried to transcribe audio to text, and even though I saw good results, I didn't manage to do it consistently because it required a lot of effort.

Also, I really didn't consume enough audio/visual media. I maybe could've searched around more for interesting stuff to watch. I kinda neglected that part, and focused solely in the written media.

I didn't do flashcards! Anki is now part of my daily life, and it's a complete gamechanger.

One good thing I did was writing a lot of hanzi by hand, which thankfully helped me a lot with japanese btw.

What I thought of doing (so far)

I thought mainly of going back to doing what was working, and trying to do differently what went wrong.

Going back to Du Chinese. It's a great, great app and it's a lot of fun to me. I've checked and you can export the words you're learning to a csv file, that I can use to create Anki cards the way I like, which is very nice.

Really focusing on listening comprehension, and also on pronunciation at some point. This is for sure the main point of attention. Vocab is not really a problem because I really reading and I use Anki daily now. Grammar in chinese was not really a problem back then. Is really the sounds aspect. I'm down to transcribe text and try to push through this first hill, I'm really open to suggestions on this.

I love Anki, and thought of having in the front like only audio, and the answer in the back. Idk how good of a ideia is that, honestly. Maybe it's good with phrases.

Eventually, finding enjoyable media to consume. I really liked the Three Kingdoms stories in Du Chinese, there's prob a lot of media in that genre available

Even further on, I'm willing to get a tutor to help me, but I want to get a solid foundation atm (I already pay for japanese lessons)

Also, a lot of mandarin related videos have been popping up on YouTube for me, channels like Zoe Languages, the Mandarin Blueprint, Canto to Mando, they seem to be a lot of help.

Thank you very much for the help!

Who has a copy of HSK 2 exam? Can i have it in preparation for my HSK 3 examination.

(The video above is a zhongruan中阮 performance)

Today, let's meet another member of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove (竹林七贤) — Ruan Xian (阮咸), the nephew of Ruan Ji (阮籍).

The Story Behind the Idiom

According to A New Account of the Tales of the World (世说新语), there was a custom of showing off fine clothes during a traditional festival. While his relatives and neighbors displayed their fancy silk garments, Ruan Xian(阮咸), who wasn't wealthy, simply hung out a pair of ordinary short trousers instead.

He reportedly explained: 未能免俗，聊复尔耳。
Roughly translated: “I can't escape the custom, so I'll just go along with it!”

Ruan Xian was known for his unconventional personality and disregard for rigid social rules. He seemed to go along with the custom, but didn't really care what others thought of his ordinary trousers. I find that attitude both amusing and charming!

What Does 未能免俗 Mean Today?

Today, we use it when we do something not because we particularly care about it, but simply to fit in or because it's expected.

Example:
The company party wasn't really my thing, but it would've felt awkward not to show up, so I went anyway. 未能免俗!

One More Interesting Fact

Ruan Xian was also famous for playing a traditional Chinese string instrument associated with his name: the ruan (阮).

The video at the very top of the post is a performance on the zhongruan (中阮), an instrument of medium size in the ruan (阮) family. Give it a listen!

There's another video, the second one on the right is Ruan:
https://youtu.be/n8eS9KpRpXo?list=RDn8eS9KpRpXo&t=284

Pretty cool that his name lives on in Chinese music, too!

(AI-assisted editing)

My Chengyu (Chinese Idioms) Posts