Learning Tips

Why Tone and Intonation Both Matter in Mandarin Question Sentences?

“Why do Mandarin questions require both tones and intonation?” When I first started learning Mandarin, this question puzzled me. In Mandarin, asking questions involves not only intonation to indicate inquiry but also maintaining precise tones for each word. For instance, in the sentence “你去哪儿?”(Nǐ qù nǎr, Where are you going?),…

Should I Learn Simplified or Traditional Characters?

When you begin learning Chinese, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to study Simplified or Traditional Chinese characters. Both writing systems have deep historical roots, and each offers unique insights into the Chinese language and culture. Today, we’ll explore the history behind these two writing systems, their modern applications, and factors to consider when choosing which one to learn.…

Tips for Chinese Character Memory: Tricks for Polyphonic, Similar & Homophonic Characters

When you are determined to learn Chinese, are you quickly blocked by the “big mountain” of Chinese characters? Those complicated strokes, changeable pronunciations, and the numerous polyphonic characters similar-shaped characters and homophonic characters make you feel so confused that you even begin to doubt whether you can learn Chinese well.…

Learning Chinese from Scratch: 5 Challenges and Strategies You Need to Understand

In the face of increasing globalization, Chinese, one of the world’s most spoken languages, is attracting people from all over the world to learn it. However, for those who start learning Chinese from scratch, it is not an easy journey and is full of challenges. Let’s analyze the five major challenges in the process of learning Chinese and discuss the corresponding strategies.…

Did You Know “Wait for the Green Light” is 等红灯 in Chinese?

I used to be puzzled by “等红灯 (děng hóng dēng)”. I found out it means “Wait for the green light”, but it seemed strange to me. The first time I heard my Chinese friend say this, I thought they were joking. “红灯 (hóng dēng, red lights)” clearly means “stop,” and “绿灯 ( lǜ dēng, green lights)” means “go,” so why say “等红灯 (děng hóng dēng)”?  …

Learn Chinese: A Step-by-Step Guide for All Levels

Learning Chinese can be a rewarding journey, but it’s natural to feel stuck at times. Whether you’re working on mastering pronunciation, expanding your vocabulary, or refining advanced writing skills, having a clear strategy can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll break down practical strategies for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners, helping you build confidence and achieve fluency step by step.…

Mastering Mandarin: Top Trends Redefining Chinese Learning

As global connections grow, the ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese has become essential. Mandarin, the world’s most widely spoken language, opens doors to countless business opportunities, enhances travel experiences, and deepens cultural exchanges. However, traditional learning methods often lack the flexibility and customization that modern learners need.…

How to Speak Mandarin Without Communication Anxiety

Many adult beginners learning Mandarin experience anxiety during communication, which can sometimes lead to giving up. However, this is a normal part of the language learning process. Here are some practical strategies to help you overcome communication fears and achieve fluency.

1.  Recognizing and Embracing Anxiety

First, it is essential to acknowledge and embrace this anxiety.…

Crack the Code: Learn Chinese Easily with 8 Key Radicals

Learning Chinese presents unique challenges for many learners. From the intricate grammar structures to the complexity of Pinyin and the daunting task of memorizing vast numbers of characters, mastering this language can seem overwhelming. One effective strategy to simplify the learning process and enhance vocabulary retention is understanding and using Chinese radicals.…

Why “十五分钟 (Shíwǔ fēnzhōng)” is Three Words in Chinese?

Recently, I’ve seen an interesting Chinese question circulating online. Test yourself and see if you know the answer:

Shíwǔ fēnzhōng shì sān gè zì, wǔ fēnzhōng shì jǐ gè zì? 十五分钟是三个字,五分钟是几个字? Fifteen minutes is three words; how many words is five minutes?
A. Yīgè zì                 B.
Scroll to Top