How Do I Speak Chinese?

The summary of how to speak chinese:

1. Start with learning some key, every-day phrases
2. Practise your tones
3. Start using your phrases as soon as possible

Can I learn Chinese by Myself?

Absolutely, you can. All you need is the right material and some patience and you can quickly pick up Chinese.

Introduction

If you’re wondering “how to speak Chinese” or “how do I speak Chinese?”, you’ve embarked on a fascinating linguistic journey.

This article answers the basic questions you may ask when you start your journey, such as “how do you learn to speak Chinese?”.

So, let’s embark on this captivating adventure into the world of Chinese and discover the beauty and intricacy of this ancient language.

This article covers how to speak Mandarin, for more information on the Chinese language check out these two articles:

The Language of China – Chinese Mandarin

https://www.ethnologue.com/language/zho/

Note that this blog contains some affiliate links, which will help out this blog without costing you anything more.

Contents

1. Chinese Characters & Pinyin

Chinese is a rich and diverse language with a unique writing system consisting of characters and a phonetic system called Pinyin. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the basics of how to speak Chinese by introducing you to Chinese characters and Pinyin.

What are Chinese Characters?

Chinese characters, also known as 汉字 (hànzì), are the building blocks of written Chinese. Unlike alphabetic languages, Chinese uses characters to represent words, phrases, and even ideas. Each character is a symbol that can convey meaning on its own or when combined with other characters. If you want to learn how to speak Chinese, being able to read Chinese is critical.

Chinese Character Types

Chinese characters can be categorized into two main types: simplified and traditional. Simplified characters are used in mainland China, while traditional characters are more common in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Chinese-speaking regions.

If you only want to learn how to speak Chinese, the difference between simplified and traditional Chinese is only in the writing.

Radicals

Whilst Chinese characters may seem random at first, there tends to be a logic behind the character. For example 口 (Kou) is the character that means “mouth”, can you see that the character looks a little like a big, wide open mouth?

Radicals are the parts of each character, which can give it the meaning or the sound. Note that this isn’t always the case, but often each character can be broken down in some way to give clues to the characters meaning or sound.

Understanding radicals can be a valuable part of learning Chinese characters because it helps learners recognize patterns and associations between characters. By identifying radicals, you can break down complex characters into more manageable components and build your character recognition skills.

There is a great video here describing in more detail some of the detail behind how the Chinese characters are made.

Stroke Order

Writing Chinese characters follows a specific stroke order. Learning the correct stroke order is essential for writing characters neatly and efficiently. That being said, for a beginner it is not very important, but worth keeping in mind as you start to learn how to write Chinese.

Pinyin

Pinyin is a Romanisation system that helps learners pronounce Chinese words correctly and can be a vital tool to help you to learn how to speak Chinese. It uses the Latin alphabet to represent the sounds of Chinese，for example Kǒu to represent 口.

Pinyin acts as a bridge between the characters and their pronunciation and is often used by learners and even Chinese children. It can also be used as the input method to type Chinese characters.

It is important to note that Pinyin can only be used as a guide for how to pronounce the character and for typing characters. As each pronunciation can mean different things, it is important not to rely on Pinyin as the chance of miscommunicating is high.

For example, Shì can mean “to try”, or it can mean “is”. If the character is not using in writing, or not context is given, it can be impossible to know exactly which Shì you mean.

2. Tones

One of the key aspects of mastering the Chinese language is understanding and effectively using its unique tonal system. Without correct tones, you will likely not be understood by Chinese native speakers, so this is pivotal in learning how to speak Chinese.

Chinese, unlike many other languages, is a tonal language, which means that the pitch or intonation with which you pronounce a word can completely change its meaning. In this introduction to Chinese tones, we will explore this crucial component of the language, delving into the four primary tones and the neutral tone, as well as offering essential tips and examples to help you navigate the rich tapestry of Chinese communication.

For more information on Chinese tones and how to speak in China, check out this article: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-languages#ref75029

What Are Tones?

Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the pitch or intonation used when speaking a word can change its meaning entirely. There are four primary tones and one neutral tone in Mandarin Chinese, which is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect. The most important part of the answer to “how do I speak Chinese?” is by using Chinese tones. Without them, you will be misunderstood constantly.

Chinese Tones in Detail

First Tone (High-Level Tone):

• Symbol: ā (ā)
• Description: The first tone is a high, level tone. To pronounce it, start with a high pitch and maintain it steadily throughout the syllable. It should sound like you are singing a high note.
• Example: “mā” (妈) means “mother”

Second Tone (Rising Tone):

• Symbol: á (á)
• Description: The second tone is a rising tone. When pronouncing it, your voice should start at a mid-level pitch and rise slightly.
• Example: “má” (麻) means “numb”

Third Tone (Low-Falling Rising Tone):

• Symbol: ǎ (ǎ)
• Description: The third tone is somewhat complex. It starts at a mid-level pitch, dips down briefly, and then rises. It is often described as a “dipping” or “falling-rising” tone.
• Example: “mǎ” (马) means “horse”

Fourth Tone (Falling Tone):

• Symbol: à (à)
• Description: The fourth tone is a sharp, falling tone. It starts at a high pitch and falls abruptly to a low pitch. It should sound like you are giving a command.
• Example: “mà” (骂) means “scold” or “curse”

Neutral Tone:

• Symbol: None (Indicated by a lack of tone mark)
• Description: The neutral tone is often described as a “light” tone and is pronounced with a very quick, light, and short enunciation. It is weak and does not have a fixed pitch.
• Example: “ma” (吗) is a question particle, used at the end of a sentence to turn a statement into a question.

A Summary of Tones – How Do You Speak Chinese?

It’s crucial to pay close attention to tones when learning Chinese because a change in tone can completely alter the meaning of a word. For example, the word “mā” (妈) means “mother” with a first tone, but “mà” (骂) means “scold” or “curse” with a fourth tone.

Practice and repetition are essential for mastering Chinese tones. Listening to native speakers and mimicking their pronunciation can be very helpful. Additionally, there are various online resources, apps, and language courses that provide interactive exercises to improve your tone recognition and production. As you become more proficient with tones, you’ll find that your ability to communicate effectively in Chinese greatly improves.

There is a fantastic video by Yoyo Chinese effectively demonstrating for beginners how to start comprehending Chinese tones. This is a key aspect of how to speak Chinese.

3. HSK Exams

Learning how to speak Chinese can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. One way to measure your progress and proficiency in the language is through the HSK exams. They truely answer the question “how do you speak Chinese?” If you’re new to the world of Chinese language learning, let’s explore what the HSK exams are and how they can help you on your journey to mastering how to speak Chinese.

If you want to learn to speak Chinese starting today, you can pick up your HSK1 Text Books today by clicking here

What is HSK?

The HSK, or Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì (汉语水平考试), is the Chinese Proficiency Test. It is a standardized test designed to assess a non-native Chinese speaker’s ability to understand and use the Chinese language. The HSK exams are internationally recognized and widely used as a benchmark for Chinese language proficiency.

Note that the HSK course doesn’t measure of teach you how to speak Chinese, only reading, writing and listening. Instead HSKK may be more relevant to you if you only want to learn how to speak Chinese.

The HSK Levels

The different HSK exams represent different levels of ability and measure different levels of how to speak Chinese, from true beginner to fluency.

1. HSK 1 and 2: Designed for beginners, these levels assess your ability to communicate in basic Chinese for everyday situations.
2. HSK 3 and 4: Intermediate levels that test your ability to handle more complex language tasks, such as discussing topics related to work and daily life.
3. HSK 5 and 6: Advanced levels for those who aspire to achieve a high level of fluency in Chinese. These levels involve advanced reading, writing, and comprehension skills.

Why Study HSK?

The exam certificates are often required as part of the entry requirements for a job or a university in China, if a foreigner is applying. If you have an aspiration to study or work in China someday, the HSK exams are a great first step for you. You can find the vocabulary list for the first HSK exam here: HSK 1 Vocab List

The HSK exams are a valuable tool for anyone learning how to speak Chinese. They provide a structured way to assess your language skills, set goals, and monitor your progress. Whether you’re aiming to study in China, advance your career, or simply achieve a personal milestone, the HSK exams can be a rewarding part of your language learning journey.

4. Key Phrases – Start Speaking Chinese Today

If you want to learn how to speak Chinese, then you should start speaking from day one. This is a very important for many reasons.

1. Real World Applications – Learning a language is about being able to communicate. Learning some key phrases allows you to start to benefit from your new studies immediately.
2. Pronunciation – Starting to develop your pronunciation early and develop good habits.
3. Overcoming Fear of Mistakes – Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, starting early helps you to embrace this.
4. Motivation – Being able to get some use out of the new language skills early is a sure way to fire you up to learn more.

Below is a list of some key phrases you can get started on immediately, so you can see how to speak Chinese from today. The purpose of learning how to speak Chinese, is to use it, so try using them in your daily life, if you don’t have any Chinese friends or colleagues, check out section 6 below on how to meet language partners.

Key Phrases to Learn on Day One

1. Greetings:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello.
• 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) – Good morning.
• 下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo) – Good afternoon.
• 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) – Good evening.
• 再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye.

2. Politeness:

• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you.
• 不客气 (Bù kèqì) – You’re welcome.
• 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – I’m sorry.
• 没关系 (Méi guānxi) – It’s okay.

3. Introductions:

• 我叫 [Your Name] (Wǒ jiào [Your Name]) – My name is [Your Name].
• 你叫什么名字？ (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) – What’s your name?
• 很高兴认识你 (Hěn gāoxìng rènshì nǐ) – Nice to meet you.

4. Basic Questions:

• 你好吗？ (Nǐ hǎo ma?) – How are you?
• 我很好 （Wǒ hěn hǎo） – I’m good.
• 你会说英文吗？ (Nǐ huì shuō Yīngwén ma?) – Do you speak English?

5. Basic Expressions:

• 是的 (Shì de) – Yes.
• 不是 (Bù shì) – No.
• 对 (Duì) – Correct.
• 不对 (Bù duì) – Incorrect.
• 好的 (Hǎo de) – Okay/All right.

5. Immerse Yourself

One of the key things for starting to learn any language is to start to immerse yourself in the language. Once you begin your journey to learn to speak Chinese, there won’t be much that you will understand and that’s okay. If you want to learn how to speak Chinese, you need to start from the bottom and increase the level of your immersion slowly.

There are still benefits from starting to watch and listen to native Chinese content. It’s a term often called “soaking”. It allows you to become more familiarised with the sound and flow of the language.

Once your language skills start to improve, you can switch to comprehensible input, which is where you can understand 90% of the content your are consuming. Graded readers, or content specifically designed for individual HSK levels can be a great way to do this for intermediates.

The Mandarin Companion books are a great introduction for new learners, you can pick up yours today by clicking here:

Go to Mandarin Companion

The ultimately best way to immerse yourself is to travel, work and live in China, if this an option for you.

Make Immersion Fun

They key point for immersion is to consume content that you actually enjoy, regardless of the language. this will make your immersion feel like less of a chore and more like a hobby. This will make learning how to speak Chinese much more enjoyable, and less prone to killing your motivation.

For example, if you love to watch football, take an interest in the Chinese football league. If you love pop music, start to listen to Chinese pop music. This way you are also getting benefit straight away from learning how to speak Chinese.

6. Make Friends

What’s the best way to learn to speak Chinese? By speaking Chinese!

Finding Chinese language partners and friends can be an excellent way to practice your language skills and help you to learn how to speak Chinese.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a language partner, the idea is very simple. You find someone who is native in your target language, who wants to learn to speak your native language. You can then take turns to help each other learn each others languages. They can teach you how to speak Chinese will you help them to learn your native language.

How To Find a Language Partner

1. Language Exchange Websites and Apps:
   • Websites like Tandem, ConversationExchange, Speaky, and HelloTalk are designed specifically for finding language exchange partners. You can search for native Chinese speakers who are interested in learning your language in exchange for helping you with Chinese.
2. Social Media:
   • Join language exchange groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or WeChat dedicated to learning to speak Chinese. Look for groups or communities dedicated to language exchange or language learning, and post your request for a language partner.
3. Language Schools and Universities:
   • If you live in an area with a Chinese language school or a university with a strong Chinese language program, consider reaching out to students or teachers who might be interested in language exchange.
4. Meetup Groups:
   • Check Meetup.com for language exchange or language learning groups in your area. Attend their events or meetings to meet potential language partners in person, or other people who want to learn to speak Chinese.
5. Language Exchange Events:
   • Many cities host language exchange events at local cafes or community centers. These events provide an opportunity to meet native Chinese speakers interested in language exchange.

Benefits of a Language Partner

There are so many benefits to this style of learning, for both learners:

1. Improves Speaking and Listening Skills: Conversing with a native or fluent speaker allows you to practice speaking and listening in a real-world context. You’ll become more comfortable with the language’s pronunciation, intonation, and natural conversational patterns.
2. Enhances Pronunciation and Accent: A language partner can correct your pronunciation and help you develop a more authentic accent whilst you learn how to speak Chinese. This is particularly important for languages with unique phonetic characteristics like Chinese.
3. Boosts Confidence: Regular interaction with a language partner boosts your confidence in using the language. You’ll gain experience communicating in various situations, which can reduce fear and anxiety about speaking.
4. Cultural Insights: Language partners can provide cultural context and insights, helping you understand the cultural nuances, customs, and etiquette associated with the language. This knowledge is valuable for effective communication.
5. Expands Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions: Interacting with a native speaker exposes you to a broader range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions used in everyday conversations, which may not be found in textbooks.
6. Provides Immediate Feedback: Your language partner can provide immediate feedback on your language usage, correct errors, and offer suggestions for improvement. This immediate feedback helps you progress faster and avoid developing bad language habits.
7. Personalized Learning: Language partners can tailor conversations to your interests and needs, making learning how to speak Chinese more engaging and relevant to you.
8. Networking and Friendships: Language partnerships can lead to lasting friendships and connections with people from different backgrounds. Not only will it help you learn how to speak Chinese, this can also be personally rewarding and professionally beneficial.

When learning how to speak Chinese and searching for a language partner, be clear about your goals, availability, and expectations. It’s essential to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement where both parties can benefit from the language exchange. Additionally, be patient and open-minded when interacting with your language partner, as building a successful language exchange relationship may take time. With the right connection, you can learn how to speak Chinese quickly and naturally.

7. Vocabulary

“How do you speak Chinese?”, by starting with vocabulary. Vocabulary is the foundation upon which all language learning relies. If you are serious and want to learn to speak Chinese, you will need to dedicate some time to learning the vocabulary.

Learning how to speak Chinese requires a lot of vocabulary study, luckily there are a number of strategies that can help you to achieve this:

1. Use Spaced Repetition Software (SRS): SRS programs like Anki, Memrise, or Pleco can help you learn and review vocabulary efficiently. These tools use algorithms to show you words at intervals, reinforcing your memory over time.
2. Learn Radicals and Characters: Understanding Chinese characters and radicals (the building blocks of characters) can help you decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words. Start with basic characters and gradually build your character recognition skills.
3. Practice with Flashcards: Create your own flashcards or use pre-made decks to review vocabulary. Include the character, pronunciation (pinyin), and English meaning on each card. Review them regularly.
4. Contextual Learning: Learn vocabulary in context. Read Chinese texts, watch Chinese TV shows or movies, and listen to Chinese podcasts or music. Seeing words used in sentences helps you understand their nuances and usage. Graded readers are excellent for this, providing content for all levels.
5. Use Visual Aids: Associating vocabulary with images or visual aids can enhance memorization. Consider using mnemonic techniques or drawing simple pictures to represent words.
6. Categorize Vocabulary: Organize vocabulary into categories or themes, such as food, family, or travel. This can help you remember related words more easily.
7. Practice Writing: Writing characters and words by hand can reinforce your memory. Use grid paper or special notebooks designed for Chinese character practice.
8. Engage in Conversations: Regularly converse with native speakers or language exchange partners. Using vocabulary in real conversations helps solidify your knowledge.
9. Keep a Vocabulary Journal: Maintain a journal where you write down new words you encounter, along with their meanings and example sentences. Review and use this journal regularly.
10. Learn by Frequency: Focus on high-frequency words first. These are words commonly used in daily conversations and texts. Lists of the most common 1,000 or 2,000 words are readily available.
11. Set Specific Goals: Define your vocabulary learning goals. For example, aim to learn a certain number of words per week or focus on vocabulary related to your interests and needs.
12. Use Language Apps and Websites: Many language learning apps and websites offer vocabulary-building exercises and quizzes. Duolingo, HelloChinese, and FluentU are examples.
13. Join a Language Course: Enroll in a structured language course, either in person or online. Experienced instructors can guide your learning and provide valuable feedback.
14. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to vocabulary study. Short, regular sessions are often more effective than occasional long sessions.
15. Test Yourself: Periodically quiz yourself on the vocabulary you’ve learned. Self-assessment helps identify areas that need more attention.

Remember that building vocabulary as part of learning how to speak Chinese takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process, and regularly revisit and review words you’ve learned. Additionally, adapt your study methods to your learning style and preferences to make the process more enjoyable and sustainable. After all, if learning to speak Chinese becomes tiresome, you will be less likely to stick with it.

8. Self Study / Tutoring

At the start of your journey to learn how to speak Chinese, there will be a decision to be made on whether you will be predominantly self taught, or hire a teacher. This decision will be very personal and dependent on several factors.

In many cases, a combination of both approaches can be the most effective in learning how to speak Chinese. You can take advantage of self-study resources for regular practice and supplement it with occasional lessons from a teacher for structured guidance and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between hiring a Chinese language teacher and self-teaching depends on your learning preferences, resources, and goals.

My general advice for anyone lookin to learn how to speak Chinese would be that if you can hire a tutor for the beginning stage of learning, you will have a much smoother time. Due to the new concepts of areas like Chinese tones and Chinese characters, a tutor can be a great way to get familiar with these things.

I would recommend self-learners to find a well-structured and engaging platform to learn from. Learning alone can be a big task and having some guidance and motivation can go a long way, I recommend Ninchanese as a great place to get started, check out their site here : https://ninchanese.com/

Below are the positives and negatives of each option

Hiring a Chinese Tutor

Positives:

1. Structured Learning: With a teacher, you’ll have a structured curriculum and clear guidance on what to learn next. This can be helpful, especially for beginners.
2. Immediate Feedback: A teacher can correct your pronunciation, grammar, and usage in real-time, helping you avoid developing bad habits.
3. Customised Learning: A skilled teacher can tailor lessons to your specific needs and learning style, helping you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
4. Motivation: Regular lessons with a teacher can provide motivation and accountability, as you have someone to report to and goals to meet.
5. Cultural Insight: A teacher can provide insights into Chinese culture, customs, and etiquette, enhancing your understanding of the language.

Negatives:

1. Cost: Hiring a qualified language teacher can be expensive, especially if you opt for private lessons.
2. Scheduling: Coordinating lesson times with a teacher can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule.
3. Dependency: Relying solely on a teacher may limit your ability to self-study effectively, which can be essential for long-term language acquisition.
4. Limited Exposure: You may be exposed primarily to your teacher’s accent and teaching style, which might not reflect the full diversity of the Chinese language.

Self-Teaching How to Speak Chinese

Positives:

1. Flexibility: Self-study allows you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
2. Cost-Efficient: It can be more budget-friendly since you don’t need to pay for lessons.
3. Independence: You have control over your learning materials and methods, allowing you to focus on your interests and needs.
4. Resource Variety: There are numerous online resources, textbooks, apps, and courses available for self-learners.

Negatives:

1. Lack of Structure: Self-study can lack the structure and guidance that a teacher provides, making it harder for beginners to know where to start learning how to speak Chinese.
2. Limited Feedback: You won’t have immediate feedback on your pronunciation and mistakes, which can lead to the development of bad habits.
3. Motivation Challenges: Without external accountability, some learners may struggle to stay motivated and consistent.
4. Cultural Understanding: Self-learners might miss out on cultural insights that a teacher can provide.

The Key Take Away – How to Speak Chinese

Learning how to speak Chinese is a rewarding experience that opens doors to a rich culture and communication with millions of people. Start by familiarizing yourself with Chinese characters and Pinyin, and practice regularly to improve your speaking and listening skills. As you delve deeper into the language, you’ll discover its beauty and complexity. Remember, patience and consistent effort are key to mastering any language. Good luck on your journey learning how to speak Chinese!