The Best Way to Learn Chinese

What’s the Best Way to Start Learning Chinese?

1. Step 1: Determine if Learning Mandarin Chinese is Right for You.
2. Step 2: Find Some Chinese Learning Materials.
3. Step 3: Learn Pinyin.
4. Step 4: Start Speaking in Chinese.
5. Step 5: Start listening to Chinese During Your Commute.
6. Step 6: Get Your Head Around Chinese Tones.

How to Learn Chinese in 5 Minutes: The Busy Learner’s Guide

1. Learn the Characters for HSK Level 1. The HSK, or 汉语水平考试 (hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì), is the official Chinese proficiency test.
2. Download an App for Learning Chinese.
3. Watch a 5-Minute YouTube Video.
4. Incorporate Flashcards into Your Routine.
5. Find a Language Exchange Partner.

1. Start with some basic vocabulary and phrases. Before you start mimicking tones in Mandarin, you’ll want to learn some conversational words and phrases to use in your practice.
2. Focus on Chinese pronunciation and tones.
3. Speak Chinese daily.
4. Immerse yourself in Chinese.

Mandarin is easier to learn Cantonese is seen to be more difficult because it has from 6 to 9 tones, each of which signify different things (while Mandarin only has 4 tones). In addition, because of its greater prevalence, it is easier to find Mandarin study materials than Cantonese study materials.

However, there are many people who study Chinese alone and do so successfully. But teaching yourself these lessons at home and becoming fluent in Mandarin Chinese, step by step, is absolutely doable. Set aside your misgivings and open your mind up to this possibility.

Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is challenging for a number of reasons. But writing isn’t the only difficult part of learning Mandarin. The tonal nature of the language makes speaking it very hard as well.

In China, and Vietnam, shaking hands or a slight bow have become more popular than a full bow. However, bowing is not reserved only for greetings; it can also be used as a gesture of respect, with different bows used for apologies and gratitude.