How I Improved my Chinese From Beginner To Intermediate

by Amy Luong

August 20, 2022

"How I Improved my Chinese From Beginner To Intermediate" written on a cartoon post-it note

Learning Chinese is no easy task. But wait, don’t be afraid! The hardest part is to convince yourself to begin. There are several ways to improve your language skills once you've started. Here are some techniques I used as a Chinese learner to advance myself from beginner to intermediate.

1. Be Involved

It is important for you to convince yourself to dedicate yourself to learning Chinese. I'm inspired to learn Chinese because of the promise I made to myself. I became utterly committed to studying the language as a result. Try to “sign a contract” with yourself first to be 100% involved in learning the language.

2. Practice

Practice really does make perfect, as the saying goes. It is a crucial stage in language learning. You get better the more you use it. Therefore, don’t forget to practice your Chinese.

3. Expand your Vocabulary

To level up your Chinese, you need to expand your vocabulary. There are multiple ways to do it while having fun. For instance, you can find a nice Chinese movie, listen to a Chinese song, or even sing a Chinese song.  Additionally, you can read more Chinese books.  Not only can you learn more terms but also gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture by using these methods. All aspects will impact how well you learn Chinese.

4. Ask a Professional

Never hesitate to ask questions.  It only benefits your learning by getting answers to all of your questions.  This is essential for turning yourself from a beginner to an intermediate.  You can find either a native speaker or a professional to answer your questions.  Make sure your source is reliable.

5. Self-Test

It is a good study habit to test yourself from time to time.  You will have a greater understanding of your abilities and your comfort zone.  In learning, it is important to know what you are lacking, and what you need to improve on.  A quick way to accomplish this is through self-testing.

6. Make a Friend

Don’t undervalue the power of making new friends. They can teach you a thing or two.  One of them might be able to show you a new language.  

7. Be Confident

Last but not least, believe in yourself. Don't give up on learning because you made a mistake. Making mistakes is a common and a necessary part of learning. Being confident in the new language is key to transforming yourself from a beginner to an intermediate.