How to improve Chinese writing skills?
Whether you're learning Chinese as a second language or striving to enhance your proficiency in writing, there are several strategies that can help...
Chinese Learning Tips
Chinese Learning Tips for Beginners
If you're a beginner taking your first steps in Chinese learning, these tips will guide you along the path to fluency and confidence.
Advanced Reading Strategies: Navigating Complex Texts in Chinese
Let's delve into ten advanced strategies for Chinese reading, aimed at helping you conquer the intricacies of the language and culture.
Tips to Keep Your Mandarin Learning Journey Exciting
Keeping your Mandarin learning journey exciting is essential to staying motivated, here are some tips to help you maintain your passion in learning...
10 Tips on How to Memorize Chinese Words
Unlock the secrets of mastering Chinese word memorization with our expert tips. From effective mnemonic techniques to immersive learning strategies.
How to Improve Chinese Pronunciation?
Chinese pronounciation is challenging, but with the right strategies, anyone can improve their Chinese pronunciation significantly.
Mandarin learning tips
7 Hacks for Learning Mandarin as a Beginner
If you feel intimidated by the Chinese language, that fear is most likely fueled by the fact that Chinese is only different.
Language Learning
Learning Chinese through Music
Music is a valuable tool for improving conversational language skills for foreign language learners.
Chinese Tongue Twisters For Beginners
What are Chinese tongue twisters? Check out our post and challenge your skills. These verbal exercises will help you with your Chinese pronunciation.
Challenges in Translating Chinese Creative Literary Works
Do general Chinese translation services make the cut for Chinese creative works or is it best suited to a professional Chinese literary translator?
15 most common Chinese quotes and proverbs to level up your Mandarin skills
Nothing’s better than some good Chinese proverbs, common sayings, and adages to strengthen your Mandarin skills and impress your Chinese friends....
6 Best Chinese Movies for Language Learners (2019)
Exposure is the best way to learn a language. With these 6 Chinese movies, you can level-up your learning process while enjoying quality cinema.
How to Prepare for HSK 3 Exam?
When studying Mandarin, the first step required to go from beginner to intermediate level is to pass HSK level 3. This certificate can be required...
Chinese homework
Useful Chinese Vocabulary Words to Describe Your Daily Routine
Describing your daily routine/a typical day of yours/ daily activities in Mandarin is a perfect exercise to learn more vocabulary and master new...
How to Use the Verb “To Be” in Chinese?
Learn how to use all the different ways of the verb “to be” in Mandarin Chinese
Language Learning
How Many Chinese Characters Are There and How Many Should You Learn?
There is a question that comes up a lot when we talk about learning Chinese: how many characters is it necessary to learn? And more generally, how...
Difference Between Chinese Male And Female Names
How do you tell male and female names apart in Chinese? We'll give you tips & tricks on what to look for and some gender-neutral titles to use at the...
Mandarin learning tips
5 Best websites and APPs to learn Chinese online
5 Best websites and APPs to learn Chinese online
learning Chinese
Chinese Pronunciation Cheat Sheet For Beginners
How do you pronounce X and Zh in Chinese? An English teacher made this guide to help non-native Chinese speakers learn to pronounce Chinese phonetics.
Which "Can" should you use in Chinese: 会 huì, 能 néng, or 可以 kěyǐ?
When starting to learn Chinese, one difficulty native-English speakers often encounter is the way of using the verb “can”. In this article, we will...
10 essential verbs in Chinese you must know (2)
Master the most common Chinese verbs followed by sample sentences with characters, pinyin, explanation and English translation. These verbs are used...
10 essential verbs in Chinese you must know (1)
Master the most common Chinese verbs followed by sample sentences with characters, pinyin, explanation and English translation. These verbs are used...
Mandarin Chinese measure words: never get them wrong again (2)
In our previous article, we talked about how to use Chinese measure words to quantify nouns. Today, we will see how to use verbal measure words to...
Mandarin Chinese measure words: never get them wrong again (1)
There are a lot of measure words in Chinese, but don’t be afraid, commonly used ones are not so many. To learn measure words in Chinese, it is easier...
6 funny Youtube channels to improve your Chinese listening skills
By watching videos, you can not only learn new words and listen to different accents, but also know more about Chinese culture.
7 Complicated Chinese characters local people struggle to write
Some Chinese characters are such a pain in the neck that even some local people can’t write them correctly. .
5 sentences to bargain in Chinese like a boss
Even though nowadays most Chinese people purchase online, there are still some famous places in China where the only way to purchase something at an...
7 Chinese songs that reached 100 million views on Youtube
Recently everyone is talking about KPOP, but Chinese songs are often underestimated. Listed below are seven Chinese songs that have reached 100...
Why Chinese Grammar Sounds Like Yoda Speak
Learn the building blocks of basic Chinese grammar. It can sometimes sound like a fan-favorite Star Wars character.
How To Learn Chinese Vocab Fast With This Daily Trick
How to learn and memorize new Chinese words quickly with this daily trick.
What’s the difference between Chinese, Mandarin and Cantonese?
How do you tell Cantonese and Mandarin apart? Both are part of the Chinese language. Mandarin is spoken in the mainland and Cantonese is spoken in...
How To Master A New Language
Mastering a language quickly requires these four things.
How To Learn A Language: Why Lectures Don’t Work
It's important to learn Chinese with 1-on-1 interaction. Lecture halls aren't effective when learning Chinese, and here's why.
How To Use The Chinese Character “才(CÁI)”
How to use "才 (cai)" in Chinese. This character can be used to say "only" or "not until."
"Jiu 就": A Misunderstood Chinese Character
How to use "就 (jiu)" in Chinese. This character has a lot of implied meanings, such as "only" and "definitely," but no clear English equivalent!
What Are Chinese Homophones?
Homophones are fairly common in Chinese, forming an important part of the subtext of everyday communication, and significantly influencing cultural...
How To Use Chengyu (成语) Properly
Chengyu are Chinese idioms, usually consisting of four characters. They usually have a very specific meaning, making it difficult to translate them...
Differences Between Spoken And Written Chinese
The difference between spoken and written language is more significant in Chinese than in English. However, distinctions between the two styles are...
Why "Learn Chinese" Should Be Your New Year's Resolution
Not only does learning Chinese allow you to discover a new language and culture, but studies show it can accelerate your career and actually make you...
Chinese Animals With Very Literal Names
Unlike English ones, Chinese animal names cannot be created by fitting sounds together. Instead, they generally directly describe characteristics of...
Are Chinese Speakers More Likely To Have Perfect Pitch?
Only about 1 in 10,000 people in the West have perfect pitch, but recent studies show that Mandarin speakers may be nine times more likely to possess...
What is Putonghua?
What is putonghua, and is it different from Mandarin? Learn more about this form of Chinese and the history behind it.
10 Chinese Words With No English Equivalent
These 10 Chinese words and phrases are impossible to express in the English language.
Chinese Characters With Multiple Pronunciations
Around 20% of the most commonly used characters have more than one pronunciation. Learning which characters these are can make Mandarin less...
6 Terms Of Endearment In Chinese
Interested in how to flirt in Chinese, or how to sweet-talk your bae in Mandarin? We've got a list of terms of endearment in Chinese.
What Are Mandarin Tone Pairs?
Everyone knows Chinese is a tonal language, but how these tones interact with one another is one way to help you speak Chinese with no accent.
Why Do So Many Chinese People Have The Same Last Name?
Ever wonder why so many Chinese people are named "Wang?" Or why Chinese last names like "Li" are so common? It has to do with the "hundred last...
Mandarin learning tips
How To Introduce Yourself In Chinese
Whether it's casual or for business, knowing how to do self introduction in Chinese is a must! Here are tips on how make a great first impression in...
How to Choose a Chinese Name
How to choose an authentic Chinese name that also incorporates something about your personal or cultural identity, and why you shouldn't use an auto...
Chinese Words About Fall You Should Learn
Learn how to say "fall" related words in Chinese, including vocabulary on weather, style, and holidays!
What is the HSK (And Should You Take it)?
The HSK Chinese Proficiency Test is the standardized test of Chinese language ability for professionals and university students, like a TOEFL for...
3 Mnemonic Steps to Learning 3,000 Characters Quickly
Chinese characters are puzzling to the untrained eye. TutorMing's step-by-step mnemonic guide will help you make sense of the Chinese character...
Why Do Chinese People Always Ask "Have You Eaten?"
When Chinese people say "吃了吗?" what do they mean? Asking "have you eaten" in Chinese is surprisingly similar to "how are you?"
Is Chinese the World's Hardest Language?
Chinese often gets a bad rap for being extremely difficult. However, we may be looking at the wrong criteria in judging which languages are most...
Hilarious Translations Of Pokemon Names in Chinese
How to say Pokemon names in Chinese
How to take TutorABC Chinese classes with your buddies using “Invite-A-Friend”
TutorMing’s Invite-A-Friend feature allows you to invite two friends to enter your TutorMing digital classroom.
What Is A "Chinese Dialect?"
Is Mandarin a Chinese dialect or a Chinese language? How did Cantonese evolve away from Mandarin? Explore the linguistic differences in varieties of...
How to Type in Chinese
Learning how to type in Chinese using a computer or mobile device. These tips will help you to apply what you've learned to start writing in PinYin...
"What Are You Doing" in Chinese: Week 9
Learn to say and answer, "where are you" and "what are you doing" in Chinese. Efrain beginner's guide to learning Mandarin also covers how to use 在...
How To Say Numbers In Chinese
Learning to count numbers in Mandarin Chinese is simple, because the Chinese number system is very straightforward.
"Money" in Chinese: Week 8
Efrain continues his beginner's guide to learning Chinese. This week, he reviews their new free TutorMing Classroom app on how to ask how much money...
How To Say Your Favorite Disney Characters in Chinese
Learn how to say your favorite Disney princesses and characters in Chinese! With Shanghai Disneyland opening up, you'll want to learn some of these...
The VERY Complicated Chinese Family Tree
The Chinese family tree is notoriously intricate. Learn how to say different kinship terms in Chinese, such as "mother," "aunt" and "cousin."
Can Chinese Be Written In An Alphabet?
Can Chinese characters be replaced by Roman letters? Is it possible for Chinese to be written in an alphabet? Our expert linguist breaks it down.
"Flirting" Romantic Chinese: Week 7
Efrain studies some Mandarin phrases to learn how to flirt in China. This week, he reviews TutorMing's free webinar on how to flirt in Chinese.
Odd-Looking Chinese Characters
These are some of the oddest looking and most complicated Chinese characters in the language.
10 Survival Chinese Phrases For Tourists
Traveling to China? Learn these phrases before you go!
10 Chinese Slang Words to Make You Sound Like A Native
Lol? Basic? Knowing Chinese chat-speak and slang terms can make you sound even more fluent! Check out our list of 10 Chinese slang words
English Idioms That Also Exist in Chinese
These classic English idioms, such as "kill two birds with one stone" have a Chinese counterpart! Learn these Chinese sayings to sound mofre fluent.
"Food" in Chinese: Week 6
Efrain's guide to learning Chinese. Follow along in his sixth week learning with TutorMing in order to learn how to say your favorite foods in...
"Where Are You From" in Chinese: Week 5
Follow Efrain's guide to learning Chinese. In his fifth week reviewing TutorMing, he learns Chinese grammar based on the question, "Where are you...
A Simple Explanation Of Chinese Characters
Ever wonder how Chinese characters work? Instead of being based on an alphabet, they are components of meanings that come together to form phrases.
How To Politely Decline An Invitation In Chinese
In Chinese culture, saying "no thanks" to an invitation could be perceived as rude. Learn how to decline in a polite and courteous manner.
"Directions" in Chinese: Week 4
Continuing our beginner's guide of learning Mandarin with TutorMing, Efrain learns compass directions like north, south, east, west and geography in...
ChengYu: 举案齐眉 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "举案齐眉" means in English and how to use it in a sentence. It has to do with mutual respect in marriage.
"Climate" and "Temperature" in Chinese: Week 3
Follow Efrain's guide on learning Chinese. In week three, he learns how to say weather-related words in Chinese, such as "hot," "warm," and "cold."
ChengYu: 朝三暮四 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "朝三暮四" means in English and how to use it in a sentence. It has to do with monkeys, chestnuts, and being indecisive.
"Feelings" in Chinese: Week 2
Follow Efrain's journey learning Chinese. In week two, he learns how to say emotions in Chinese, such as "mad," "sad," and "scared," in everyday life.
ChengYu: 知难而退 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "知难而退" means in English and how to use it in a sentence. It has to do to with knowing when to retreat.
What Do Animals Sound Like In Chinese?
What do animals sound like in Chinese? It's quite different from how they sound in English!
"Travel" Chinese: Week 1
Follow Efrain's journey as he takes his first week's lesson, using useful travel vocabulary in Chinese. He learns phrases like how to say "where to"...
How To Use: Classifers In Chinese
Classifiers (also known as counters) are used in Chinese to help quantify and count nouns. Learn more about how to use this essential Chinese grammar
Idioms
ChengYu: 自食其果 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "自食其果" means and how to use it in a sentence! Zi Shi Qi Guo when translated means "karma" or "you reap what you sow."
A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Chinese
A experience sharing in learning Chinese for beginners. Follow along as we provides some easy to use tips to new learners.
ChengYu: 三生有幸 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "三生有幸" means and how to use it in a sentence! San Sheng You Xing when literally translated means blessing in three...
Common Mistakes Chinese Learners Make
Here are the most common mistakes Chinese learners make, and how to avoid them.
ChengYu: 自相矛盾 Meaning
"There once was a salesman who sold spears and shields..." Check out what the Chinese idiom "自相矛盾" means and how to use it in a sentence! It has to...
What Is An Umlaut (Ü) In Chinese
Do you know how to pronounce "ü" in Chinese? This odd letter in pinyin can give beginners some trouble!
How To Use: Chinese Punctuation
Chinese punctuation is similar to that of Western languages, but there are still differences: for example, the Chinese "period" is a circle instead...
What Is ChengYu?
ChengYu are idioms that typically consist of four Chinese characters and originate from Chinese history and fables The beauty of ChengYu lies in its...
Formal Written Chinese Numbers
Did you know that there are two ways to write every Chinese number? Instead of the more simple "一, 二，三..." for writing "1,2,3" the capitalization of...
ChengYu: 东施效颦 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "东施效颦" means and how to use it in a sentence. It has to do to with blindly following others.
Chinese Vocabulary Words for Shopping You Must Know
Learn some shopping-related Chinese phrases, such as how to say "How much?" in Chinese.
ChengYu: 井底之蛙 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "井底之蛙" means and how to use it in a sentence. It‘s a fable called "the frog in the well."
ChengYu: 十面埋伏 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "十面埋伏" means and how to use it in a sentence. It was also the title of a popular Chinese film by Zhang YiMou, "House...
How To Use: 坐 vs. 座 In Chinese
Learn the differences between the two "zuo" characters in Chinese! "坐" and "座" are frequently mixed up, but with our Chinese grammar tips, you'll...
Top 5 Chinese Dictionary Apps
We review the best Chinese-English Dictionary Apps so you don't have to! Find out which apps are the best to supplement your Chinese learning!
How To Say "Um" In Chinese (And Other Filler Words)
Learn how to use filler words like "um" and "uh" in Chinese to sound even more like a native speaker. We'll have you um-ing and uh-ing in no time!
How To Use: 的, 地, And 得 In Chinese
The "De" particles in Chinese are some of the hardest characters in Chinese grammar to grasp. Not only are they homophones, but they are also all...
Mandarin learning tips
What Is Pinyin?
What is Pinyin? Pinyin is a way of writing Chinese. It's spelling is based on the Mandarin pronunciation. Learn more about Pinyin here.
ChengYu: 二分明月 Meaning
Check out what the Chinese idiom "二分明月" means and how to use it in a sentence. Loosely translated, it means "two parts of a bright moons" It is used...
ChengYu: 闭月羞花 MEANING
Two beautiful Chinese women, DiaoChan and Yang GuiFei, caused a lot of political problems when they were involved with powerful men! Read more about...
7 Hilarious And Cringe-Worthy Chinese Tattoo Fails
Someone really should've asked a Chinese person what these meant before getting them tattooed.
7 MandoPop Songs To Help You Learn Chinese
Did you know that you can improve your Chinese speaking skills by singing? Sing along to these 7 MandoPop songs, from artists like Wang LeeHom and...
How to Learn Chinese: 5 Key Steps
How do you learn Chinese? From learning Pinyin, to learning how to write Chinese, see how the experts at TutorMing think you should get started.
How To Use: 做 vs. 作 in Chinese
Here are two more Chinese homophones that even native speakers mix up, "做" and "作!" One of them means "to make" and the other refers to abstract...
How To Use: 在 vs. 再 In Chinese
Learn the differences between the two "zai" characters in Chinese! "在" and "再" are frequently mixed up, but with our Chinese grammar tips, you'll...
Announcing The Pinyin App Launch - Free!
Try the best free pinyin app to help you master pinyin and Chinese pronunciation! This free pinyin table app is available for both iOS and Android....
How To Order Food in Chinese
TutorMing will teach you how to order food at a Chinese restaurant in Mandarin. Impress the staff and your friends with your fluency in Chinese!
7 Basic Rules To Chinese Stroke Order
Stroke order is surprisingly important when it comes to writing Chinese characters. These are the basic rules for stroke order, which will help you...
Gender Pronouns In Chinese: "他、她、它"
How do you say “him," "her" or "its" in Chinese? It’s as easy as Ta. Ta. Ta. Check out our quick post on some gender pronouns in Chinese!
How To Say "No" in Chinese
Do you know how to say "no" in Chinese? Well, there is no direct answer. TutorMing will teach you how to use negation markers in Chinese like "不" and...
The "in" vs "ing" sound in Chinese
Aside from the four tones in Mandarin Chinese, you also have to be concerned with mixing up "in" and "ing" sounds. Even native speakers struggle to...
The Fast Track Guide To Mandarin Chinese Radicals
What is a Chinese radical? It's an integral part of the Chinese character that relates to its meaning! Check out our list on Chinese radicals you...
ChengYu: 沉鱼落雁 Meaning
The Chinese idiom: "沉鱼落雁" literally means "fish sinking and birds falling." It is used to describe beautiful women, specifically two of the four...
ChengYu: 一事无成 Meaning
The meaning of the Chinese idiom, "一事无成" is used to describe failures. For example, someone who has been at the same job for years and has no...
Mandarin learning tips
How Long Does It REALLY Take To Learn Chinese?
Mandarin Chinese is not an easy language to learn. The experts at TutorMing lay out exactly how long you can expect it take for you to become fluent...
ChengYu: 一字千金 Meaning
The meaning of the Chinese idiom, "一字千金" means "one word is worth a thousand in gold!" It's used to describe well written poems or composition.
8 Chinese Vocabulary Words For Summer You Should Know
It's summer time! Time to increase your Chinese vocabulary banks with some summer-related phrases, such as how to say "sunglasses" and...
ChengYu: 一丘之貉 Meaning
The meaning of the Chinese idiom, "一丘之貉" is literally "raccoons of the same hill." This chengyu has a similar meaning to "birds of a feather flock...
ChengYu: 一木难支 Meaning
Check out the meaning of the Chinese idiom, "一木难支!" We take a look at the origins behind this chengyu, along with how to use it in a sentence!
Why Is the Chinese Women's Soccer Team Called "Steel Roses?"
Let's look at the origins of the whimsical nickname "Steel Roses" for the Chinese women's soccer team. There's a hidden meaning of strength and...
How To Say "Happy Father's Day" In Chinese
Learn how to say "Happy Father's Day" in Chinese, along with other Chinese sentences you can say to your father on this special day.
8 Chinese Words That Sound The Same In English
Many English words come from Chinese, like Shih Tzu and Tofu. On the other hand, there are also many loan words and cognates that Chinese borrows...
Chinese Characters That Almost Look The Same
These are the most visually similar and easily confused Chinese characters. Can you tell the difference?
Should You Learn Simplified Or Traditional Chinese?
Learn about the differences between simplified and traditional Chinese with TutorMing. Find out which one is right for you to learn!