Tag: Hanzi

Finding the perfect calligraphy paper for Chinese handwriting practice

For anyone learning Chinese, practicing handwriting is more than just a practical skill – it’s a window…

Review: John DeFrancis – “Beginning Chinese Reader Part 1”

If you’re (self-)studying Chinese nowadays, you’ve probably never heard of John DeFrancis’ classic Chinese reader. The Beginning Chinese Reader was first published by Yale University Press in 1966 and still can be purchased today. But is it worth buying and why (not)?

7 ways to upgrade your Chinese reading skills in China

Reading skills are vital, not only for high-level proficiency of the Chinese language, but also for daily survival: from opening a bank account to ordering plane tickets. Reading is key. Here are seven ways to boost your Chinese reading ability while staying in China.

Improving your Chinese writing skills on Journaly

Want to improve your Chinese writing skills and get instant feedback from native speakers? Then you might want to try the new foreign language learning platform Journaly.

HSK 6 Graded Chinese Reader - The Art of War

HSK 6 Chinese graded reader review: The Art of War

Who doesn’t want to read The Art of War in Chinese? Another review!

HSK Chinese Graded Reader - The New Housekeeper - Front

HSK 6 Chinese Graded reader review: The New Housekeeper

I purchased a copy of Edmund Chua’s and Ranny Ran’s Graded Chinese Reader for HSK 6 called “The New Housekeeper”. I’d only recommend it to a specific group.

Chineasy vs Uncle Hanzi: two radical approaches to Chinese characters

What helps you to memorize Chinese characters?

5 apps that help you to understand and write Chinese characters

Learning Chinese characters with high-quality apps that actually help? They are rare, but do exist.

Learning to write Chinese characters: 7 bad practices you should avoid

Learning to write Chinese characters: my personal list of disastrous advice and practices that are a complete waste of time and oxygen.

Why I don’t believe in Chinese character tests

I found out that I know between 1600 and 3434 Chinese characters. But it could be more, of course. Or less…

The 7 biggest DON’TS learning Chinese

Even though there is no ideal strategy to master Mandarin and become a Chinese dragon, some ways or better than others. And SOME should be avoided at all cost.