Language Leap: Learning Chinese After Mastering Japanese

IntroductionLearning a second language can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when transitioning from one language to another. Japanese and Chinese are two languages that share similarities in writing systems and cultural influences, making it common for Japanese learners to transition to learning Chinese. In this guide, we will explore … Read more

Understanding Script: Hanzi vs. Kanji

Overview of Hanzi Hanzi is the writing system used for the Chinese language. It consists of thousands of characters, each representing a word or a concept. Hanzi has a long history dating back to ancient China, and it has undergone various changes over time. One of the most notable characteristics of Hanzi is that each … Read more

Understanding Japanese/Kanji: A Chinese Perspective

The Chinese and Japanese languages share a common writing system called Kanji. Kanji is a set of ideographic characters borrowed from Chinese characters known as Hanzi. Although the two languages share a writing system, there are significant differences in the pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. In this article, we will explore whether Chinese speakers can read … Read more

Double Up Your Language Skills: Learning Korean and Chinese Together

Learning Korean and Chinese at the same time can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Both languages have rich histories and unique cultural significance, making them popular choices for language learners around the world. However, juggling the two languages simultaneously can be daunting, especially if you are new to language learning. In this guide, we … Read more

Right to Left? Left to Right? Decoding Chinese Reading Direction

Is Chinese read vertically or horizontally? Is it right to left or left to right? The answer is not as simple as most speakers of European languages might expect. In fact, not only are there various reading directions used in Chinese today, but reading direction has undergone significant changes in recent centuries. How is it … Read more

Tune into Chinese Culture: A Journey through Chinese Songs

Many Chinese learners want to learn about the Chinese music scene. Songs are a great way to study the Chinese language, encounter Chinese culture, or connect with Chinese people. No matter what your motive is, you’re sure to find listening to Chinese music enjoyable and will quickly find your own favorite artists or bands. That … Read more

Embrace Love the Chinese Way: Understanding Chinese Valentine’s Day

In the West, Valentine’s Day is considered a day of romance, when you express your love to that special someone through words, flowers, chocolates, cards and so forth. Do Chinese people celebrate Valentine’s Day? What is Qixi? How can you express your love in Chinese? Read on to find out! Valentine’s Day情人节 (qíngrén jié) Like … Read more

Taiwan Dramas You Need to Watch in 2024

Do you often find learning Chinese boring and dull? You flip through textbooks, go to classes, and memorize many vocabulary and grammar rules, but you don’t enjoy it. This makes it harder to continue having the motivation to study Chinese. That’s why you should use the immersion method – absorb Chinese media! And what better … Read more

Song Lyrics in Chinese

The lyrics in a song are somehow a way to express one’s thoughts. It might be challenging to understand a song just by its rhythm, but its lyrics bring important messages to us. It conveys awareness and brings emotions that we cannot express through words.  The formation of traditional music in China (without lyrics) can … Read more

Mapping a Language: Where is Mandarin Spoken?

Mandarin is the official language of Mainland China. However, with China being an economic giant globally, the language has spread far and wide. Not only neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore speak Mandarin, but other continents too. Besides that, a vast Chinese population lives abroad in countries like the US and the UK. It … Read more