5 tips to learn Chinese • Wanderlix

Is your trip to China approaching? We entrust you with the best methods to learn Chinese!

When you arrive in China, you will quickly be surrounded by Chinese symbols that you will have trouble deciphering! And even if you will never be completely lost in China (if you have good bases in English), it is always better to have some notions in the local language. Indeed, it helps to integrate and helps to become more immersed in culture. Moreover, the premises are always delighted to hear a few words of Mandarin Chinese from the tourists.

Chinese being the most complicated language in the world to learn, it will not be an easy task. Especially for us, Francophones, who do not have the same alphabet. But there are methods to help you in learning this language, and Wanderlix tells you everything.

So, whether you're going from zero or you already have some Mandarin concepts, here are 5 tips to help you learn Chinese and prepare for your future trip to China!

1. Taking special courses

To learn Chinese, nothing like private lessons. Indeed, as we know, Chinese is a complex language. Learning Chinese with a qualified teacher is one of the best solutions to progress. You will have courses tailored to your level and objectives, personalized follow-up, answers to your questions and explanations to your misunderstandings.

Another advantage of private lessons is that they can be done online, remotely. So you will not have to move and you will be able to include more easily your Chinese classes in your schedule, from your workplace or home (for example, during your lunch break or in the evening). This is also the best way to learn Chinese if you are not self-taught.

This method of learning has a certain cost, but offers you support throughout your learning process. 1h special courses in Chinese with Lingueo for example, 60€ . You are advised to attend at least one training 30h to acquire a first level in Chinese. This type of training can be handled by your company or via your Training Account.

There are other platforms of special courses such as:

• The Little Mandarins ;
• Superprof ;
• Kelprof ;
• Your classes ;
• Apprentus ;
• Cned ;
• Confucius Institute ;
• Jemepropose.

2. Learn Chinese about an application

Using an app is another method to learn Mandarin Chinese. The applications are numerous and for the most part free. Learning Chinese on an application allows you to go to your rhythm and adapts according to your level.

Accessible at all times on your smartphone, enjoy your half-hour metro morning and evening to learn new vocabulary words. Review your lesson from the day before the coffee break and do a few exercises before going to bed. By practicing daily, you will gradually see your level increase, as well as your chances of speaking Chinese with space during your trip to China.

You are advised to try several to explore different content and learning methods. Some can even complement each other! Here are some:

• The Little Mandarins ;
• Skritter ;
• Learn Chinese – ChineseSkill ;
• AnkiApp ;
• Chinese Handwriting Recognize ;
• Duolingo ;
• Mondly.

3. Talking with Chinese

Another great way to learn Chinese: talk with natives. Indeed, once you have acquired a certain level, exchange with premises is one of the best ways to advance in Chinese. You can have daily conversations, learn new vocabulary and even expressions used by young people, for example. You may even meet Chinese people who want to learn French. You can help and share your skills.

For this, there are apps that connect you with native speakers, for free. A bit like the German or Spanish correspondents we could have at the college.

• Tandem ;
• Hellotalk ;
• Speaky ;
• Meetup ;
• Language exchange.

You can also use the platform couchsurfing , which allows you to welcome strangers at home, the time of one or more nights. The opportunity to exchange in Chinese and give some tips on the must-have to do in your region.

4. Watch movies and series in Chinese

One of our best tips to learn Chinese: watching movies and series in Chinese. If you are beginners, you are advised to put the subtitles, it will help you to understand. But you should know that you will need a very good level before you can remove the subtitles and understand the film in its main lines. Here, the main purpose is to accustom your ear to the various sounds, to accustom you to the pronunciation and intonation of this language, which was still unknown to you little ago.

To watch movies and series, you can use known and recognized platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime .

5. Learn Chinese with videos

Finally, to help you learn Chinese, you can also watch YouTube videos dedicated to mandarin learning. These are courses of a maximum of 15 minutes, to see and to review as you wish. Here are some examples of YouTube channels for a good initiation to Mandarin Chinese before leaving in China.

• Faguoren ;
• Chinesetips ;
• China and Learn Chinese – by Cédric BEAU.