Hacking Chinese

A better way of learning Mandarin

Articles published in October 2024

  1. How to learn Zhuyin (Bopomofo) in two hours

    Many people believe that learning a new script is challenging, but mastering systems like Zhuyin (Bopomofo) or Japanese kana is surprisingly easy. With the right approach and resources, you can do it in just a few hours!

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  2. Do you really know how to count in Chinese?

    Counting is one of the first things we learn in a foreign language, yet mastering it takes time. While basic numbers may seem simple, using them effectively in communication requires much more than just memorising words.

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  3. Three things I wish I had known as an advanced student of Chinese: The time machine, part 3

    Improving after you reach an advanced level of Chinese requires new ways of learning and new sources of motivation. If I could go back in time to give a less proficient version of myself advice, here is what I would say.

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  4. Don’t learn Mandarin pronunciation by reading, listen and mimic instead

    Don’t try to learn pronunciation by reading. Instead, the best way to improve is to listen to and mimic native speakers. Focusing too much on how sounds are written down can actually make it harder to hear them!

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  5. Course discount: Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence

    Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence will help you speak Mandarin clearly and naturally. Get $31 off if you enrol before the end of October 13!

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  6. Student Q&A, October 2024: Pronouncing the final -i after sh-, the initial z- and if Pinyin is a good transcription system

    How is the Pinyin final -i pronounced after sh? How is the initial z- pronounced compared to z in English? And is Pinyin a good transcription system for learning pronunciation?

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  7. Chinese pronunciation challenge, October 2024

    It’s time for a pronunciation challenge! It starts on October 10th, so enrol, set your goal and see how much you can improve your pronunciation before the end of the month. This article contains more information and inspiration about the challenge and how to improve your pronunciation!

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