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Chinese Learning — Opinions & Methodology

Opinionated writing about learning Mandarin Chinese — what the research actually says, what works, and what doesn't.

Student studying Chinese characters with flashcards on a desk

April 5, 2026

HSK 1 Vocabulary List: All 150 Words with Pinyin and Examples

The complete New HSK 3.0 Level 1 vocabulary list — all 150 words grouped by category, with pinyin, English translations, and a short example sentence for every entry.

Chinese language learning books and study materials

April 5, 2026

HSK 2 Vocabulary List: All 150 Words with Pinyin and Examples

The complete New HSK 3.0 Level 2 vocabulary list — all 150 words with pinyin, English translations, and example sentences. Build on HSK 1 with everyday conversation words.

Chinese family sharing a meal together, passing on cultural heritage

April 5, 2026

How to Learn Chinese as a Heritage Speaker

You grew up speaking Cantonese, Hokkien, or Mandarin at home — but never learned to read or write. You already speak Chinese. You just can't read it yet. Here's the heritage learner path that skips what you already know.

Person using a language learning app on a mobile phone

April 5, 2026

Why Duolingo Won't Make You Fluent in Chinese (And What Actually Works)

Millions of people use Duolingo for Chinese. Almost none reach conversational fluency. The problem isn't commitment — it's the method. Here's what the research says and what actually works instead.

Student sitting at a desk preparing for an exam with study notes

April 5, 2026

New HSK 3.0: What Changed, Who It Affects, and How to Prepare

China's HSK exam expanded from 6 levels to 9 in 2021–2022. More vocabulary, speaking requirements, and cultural content. Here's what changed and how it affects your study plan.

Chinese calligraphy brush writing on paper showing traditional characters

April 5, 2026

Pinyin vs Zhuyin: Which Romanisation System Should You Learn?

Pinyin uses the Latin alphabet. Zhuyin (bopomofo) uses 37 unique symbols. Both represent Mandarin pronunciation — but they're used in different places and serve different learners. Here's how to decide.

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