Learning Mandarin Chinese: How ThomReads Uses Instagram to Stay Consistent: S2E9

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Learning Mandarin Chinese takes more than memorizing vocabulary: sentences, Chinese characters, immersion, HSK preparation, and changing study methods all shape practical fluency. After years of studying Mandarin in France and Taiwan, Tom discovered something unexpected: Chinese was easier for him than the European languages he'd studied.

His experience shows what HSK scores miss about real-world ability and why study methods need to change as Mandarin advances.

What You’ll Learn About Learning Mandarin Chinese, HSK, and Chinese Characters

• Why Mandarin Chinese can feel easier than European languages
• Why learning Mandarin sentences matters more than vocabulary alone
• How simplified and traditional Chinese affect learners
• What studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan teaches you
• What HSK tests measure about Mandarin fluency
• How to stay motivated learning Mandarin long term

Why Mandarin Chinese Can Feel Easier Than European Languages

Tom started learning Mandarin at 15 after wanting to study Japanese. Within about two weeks, he was hooked by how different Chinese looked and sounded from the European languages he knew.

He eventually decided Mandarin was easier for him than French. Chinese removed grammatical gender and much of the verb conjugation he associated with French, while characters, tones, and pronunciation gave him different challenges.

How Studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan Changes the Way You Learn

Tom arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, knowing about 400 Chinese words and having studied simplified characters. Shortly before leaving France, he discovered Taiwan used traditional Chinese.

He later switched back to simplified Chinese for university, then encountered traditional characters again through classical Chinese. Taiwan also showed him that Mandarin expressions and pronunciation change depending on where you are.

Why Learning Mandarin Sentences Matters More Than Vocabulary Alone

Knowing hundreds of Chinese words didn't mean Tom knew how to use them. In Taiwan, he sometimes found himself saying individual words and hoping people understood.

He now believes beginners should learn useful sentences earlier instead of focusing too heavily on isolated vocabulary. Short examples helped him understand how Chinese words function together.

How Visual Learners Can Remember Chinese Characters

Tom remembers colorful vocabulary covering his elementary-school classroom walls and believes those experiences shaped his visual memory.

That memory suited Chinese characters. He wrote them repeatedly and sometimes found that looking at a new word for a couple of minutes was enough to remember it.

What HSK Tests Measure About Mandarin Chinese Fluency

Tom passed the paper version of HSK 4 and was later encouraged to prepare for HSK 6. He became skeptical that an HSK score alone reflects real-world Mandarin ability.

He described parts of the exam as a “guessing game” because vocabulary and test strategy can help eliminate answers. HSK measures reading, listening, and writing, while speaking is assessed separately through HSKK.

How Advanced Mandarin Learners Change Their Study Methods

After seven or eight years of Chinese, Tom needed new ways to keep difficult material enjoyable. Although he hadn't used flashcards much before, he started using Anki while completing a master’s degree in Chinese studies.

He also used other languages and Chinese TV as breaks from formal Mandarin study. As his Chinese became more advanced, his learning methods changed too.

How to Stay Motivated When Learning Mandarin Chinese Long Term

Tom returns to his Studygram posts when he feels unmotivated or procrastinates.

Seeing weeks of completed work gives him evidence of his progress and motivates him to continue. His experience shows that long-term Mandarin learning isn't about finding one perfect method, but changing your approach as your skills and challenges change.

Original publication date: August 8, 2019

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