As frequent readers will have noticed, I usually write articles about how to learn rather than what to learn, not because I don’t think what is not...
Year: 2026
Learning the second tone in Mandarin Chinese
Which tone is the hardest to learn in Mandarin? In general, the answer is the the third tone, which I have discussed at great length in an...
Chengyu, a magic key to Chinese language and culture, or a waste of time?
Ever since I started learning Chinese, I’ve heard people say that if I want to reach an advanced level, I should focus on 成语/成語 (chéngyǔ). They...
Learning the neutral tone in Mandarin
How many tones are there in Mandarin? Most textbooks will tell you that there are four tones, but then you learn that there is also a neutral...
learning-styles-use-with-caution
Learning styles: Use with caution! | Hacking Chinese
Learning science in Chinese with 李永乐老师
I started learning Chinese with university courses designed for students in international programs focusing on industrial engineering and...
Learning to read handwritten Chinese
So you’ve studied Chinese for a while and feel that you’re getting the hang of it. You can read your textbook, graded readers and perhaps even some...
How to learn Chinese pronunciation as a beginner
Pronunciation is one of the most important things to focus on as a beginner. Clear pronunciation makes communication easier, and nothing is more...
Learning (or not learning) Chinese slang
Slang and swearing often top the list of what people want to learn in a foreign language. But is this curiosity actually helpful for learners, or...
Chinese reading speed: Learning how to read ten lines at a glance
I think most students feel that they want to read faster. There might be many reasons for this, but mainly it’s about taking tests or being able to...