【Learn Chinese】How to Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes (Part 2)

Have you just started learning Chinese? Maybe you still make one of these common beginner mistakes?
Here is a list of common mistakes so you can avoid them in the future. This is part 2 of our article.

Neglecting Chinese Measure Words
Chinese measure words, also known as classifiers, are essential to the language many beginners overlook. Neglecting measure words can lead to confusion, as the correct use of these words is crucial for proper sentence structure and meaning. Each noun typically has one or more associated measure words, and using the wrong one can sound awkward or incorrect.
Start by learning the most common measure words and their associated nouns. Practice using them in sentences to get used to the correct structure. Flashcards can be helpful for memorizing measure words and their corresponding nouns. Additionally, pay attention to how native speakers use measure words in conversation and try to mimic their usage.

Using 和 for “And” All the Time
Many beginners make the mistake of using 和 (hé) for “and” in all contexts. While 和 does mean “and,” its usage is more specific and limited than the English word “and.”
In Chinese, 和 is primarily used to link nouns. Therefore, 和 should not be used to link verbs, clauses, or adjectives. Using 和 incorrectly can make your sentences sound awkward and unnatural.

Using 是 to Link Nouns and Adjectives
Another common grammatical mistake beginners make is using 是 (shì; am/are/is) to link nouns and adjectives in Chinese, mimicking the structure of English sentences.
Practice forming sentences with adjectives without using 是. Listen to native speakers and read Chinese texts to get a feel for natural sentence structures. Create flashcards with example sentences to reinforce the correct usage.

Placing Time Words Incorrectly
In Chinese, time words usually come at the beginning of the sentence or before the verb, which is different from English. Beginners often place time words incorrectly, leading to confusion.
Practice constructing sentences with time words and place them at the beginning or before the verb. Pay attention to the sentence structure in Chinese texts when time words are involved. Flashcards with time expressions and example sentences can be helpful.

Not Practicing Regularly
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is the need for consistent practice. It is key to language learning, yet many beginners fail to practice regularly, leading to slower progress and forgetting what they’ve learned.
Regular, short practice sessions are more effective than occasional long ones. Additionally, interacting with native speakers, either offline or online, can increase your familiarity with speaking and listening in real-life situations.
Set a daily study routine, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. You can use language learning apps to stay engaged and track your progress. Incorporate different activities like listening, speaking, reading, and writing to keep your practice varied and interesting.