Which Learning Style is the Easiest Way To Learn Chinese?

An effective way to easily learn Chinese is to find out which learning style fits you best.

Learning Chinese is often daunting, but if you find the right learning style that works for you, you can use that approach to boost your performance and efficiency. 

Knowing your learning styles is important when learning a language because it can help you organize your knowledge in a way that makes sense to you. Everyone has a different approach to learning, and one can even have many styles that work for them. 

Here’s a guide to find out which learning style fits you best and the tools that can help you get jump-started on your Chinese learning journey! 

Are you an auditory learner? 

Auditory learners have the natural ability to learn through speaking and listening in Chinese. Learning through conversations or talking with friends is a great way for auditory learners to learn Chinese from scratch. You can also listen to music, podcasts, Chinese movies, Chinese TV shows on Netflix and gameshows, audiobooks, and radio shows, or even listen to native speakers speaking in their mother tongue.

There are many free Chinese resources out there for auditory learners that will help you build up your vocabulary while learning new words simultaneously! 

Here’s a tool that can help you get started in no time.

What is the best Chinese learning tool for auditory learners?

Pimsleur Audio Courses

This 30-min audio course centers on improving word retention that is backed by scientific research. This course states you can speak the language in 30 days with near-native diction! It focuses on back-chaining, which enables you to learn how to pronounce difficult words. 

Pimsleur Audio Courses also focuses on giving small doses of information at a time to prevent the dreaded “information overload.” They also teach the context of each word used, periodically review each vocabulary, and teach students the ability to come up with the right answers. It’s a comprehensive course that offers a 7-day free trial and a subscription package after. 

Are you a visual learner?

Visual learners are good at picturing things in their minds. 

They can remember images and colors, as well as shapes and patterns. This learner learns best when using pictures, images, and diagrams. When learning Chinese, you can use Mandarin flashcards, diagrams, and mind maps. Color-coordinating notes and using visual mnemonics is a good way to supplement this learning type. 

Mnemonics is a technique that helps in memorizing information effectively through the use of visualization and association. Another effective method for visual learners is called spaced repetition, which requires you to review information several times before you fully forget it.

What is the best Hanzi learning tool for visual learners?

Pandanese

Pandanese is a learning curriculum online or as a Pandanese App created by language experts that teaches you the basics of learning Chinese. It’s an easy way to learn Chinese and builds vocabulary of up to 6,000 hanzi each year. 

It has all the best Chinese flashcard features for you to learn the radicals and characters while employing science-based learning methods such as, spaced repetition, and mnemonic devices all while enjoying your learning experience! 

The best part is Pandanese offers a 15-day free trial to get you started on your learning journey. Get started now!

Are you a linguistic learner? 

Linguistic learners learn best through reading and writing, it’s one of the most important ways to absorb new words and sentences. 

For Chinese learners, this learning method can mean reading Mandarin newspapers or books, having subtitles for any Chinese tv shows, writing in a journal in Chinese, etc. Reading and writing also mean that once you grasp the basics of Chinese, it’s easy to move into advanced forms like spoken conversations or essays.

A prime example for linguistic learners is learning funny phrases in Chinese or Chinese idioms. Not only you can learn the meaning of these phrases, but you can also understand the context in which they are used—helping you to understand the nuances and how words can be used in different ways.

What is the best linguistic-learning tool for Chinese?

Skritter 

Skritter is a web and app-based learning tool focusing on learning Chinese through writing. You can write Chinese characters directly from your browser, and it even helps you with each stroke and corrects your mistakes in real time! 

It also uses a smart flashcard system to help you with your progress. Skitter is subscription based but offers a 7-day free trial for you to test the waters.

Are you a kinesthetic learner? 

Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing and being engaged. So an effective method of this learning style is to immerse yourself in Chinese culture. 

You can take different classes like Chinese dance classes, cooking classes, and even martial arts whilst learning the language through movement and concepts. Calligraphy is also an effective way to learn Chinese through practicing brush strokes and art forms. 

For Kinesthetic learners, experience is the best teacher. You can do study abroad programs, cultural exchanges, or travel to Chinese-speaking communities worldwide to get first-hand experience of learning Chinese. 

What is the best kinesthetic-learning tool for Chinese?

TEAN – Semester in Shanghai 

A good study abroad program is by The Education Abroad Network Semester in Shanghai, which offers the opportunity to learn at a top university in China. 

You can fully immerse yourself in the culture, learn the language, and integrate with the locals – all while exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai for 4 months!

Reach out to them here.

Frequently asked questions about learning Chinese

What is the best learning style for Chinese?

While it’s common to accommodate one learning style to a person for a better understanding and learning experience, it’s best to combine different learning styles.

Additionally, it’s not about the input of the learning style but rather how the individual 

For more information, Veritasium has a video about learning style myths. 

How do I start learning Chinese?

One way to start learning Chinese is to evaluate your learning style and pick a tool that caters to the way you learn best. 

Can I learn Chinese on my own?

Definitely! You just have to take one step at a time.  There are a lot of resources available out there to learn Chinese, so it can often get overwhelming. 

Knowing your learning style is a great way to sort out all the tools available for an approach that works best and is suited to your preferences and needs. Learning through your preferred style is a good stepping stone to having a foundation for learning the language, but don’t limit yourself to learning Chinese through only one method. It is best to use these different approaches as a supplement to each other in your learning journey.  

Final thoughts

Everyone has their own learning style, and it is crucial to find the right approach that works best for you. Whether you are an auditory, visual, linguistic, or kinesthetic learner, there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you learn Chinese.

So, start exploring and find the learning style that suits you best!