Corpus Language ConsultingCorpus Language Consulting
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Corporate
  • Corpus Magazine
  • Book Tuition
  • Pricing
  • Free Online Courses
  • Login

    Chinese Learning

    • Home
    • Chinese Learning
    • Mastering Mandarin: The Importance of Chinese Characters and 20 Essential Radicals with Corpus Mandarin
     | Corpus Language Consulting

    Mastering Mandarin: The Importance of Chinese Characters and 20 Essential Radicals with Corpus Mandarin

    • Categories Chinese Learning
    • Date 2023-08-01

    🌟 Mastering Mandarin: The Importance of Chinese Characters and 20 Essential Radicals 🌟

    👋 Welcome to Corpus Magazine, your go-to resource for language learning! Whether you’re a beginner in Mandarin or seeking to improve your language skills, we understand that the journey to proficiency can be both exciting and challenging. 🏆 In this article, we will explore the relationship between learning Chinese characters and speaking proficiency, along with a comprehensive list of 20 common Chinese radicals to help you navigate the fascinating world of Mandarin. 🇨🇳

    🗣The Connection Between Speaking and Chinese Characters:

    One of the most common questions among Mandarin learners is whether they need to learn to read Chinese characters to become proficient in speaking. 🚫 The answer is no; reading characters is not a mandatory requirement for speaking fluently. 🗣Developing conversational skills, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary are crucial aspects of spoken Mandarin, and learners can attain proficiency in these areas without delving into the intricacies of character reading and writing. 🎙

    📢 Prioritising Spoken Chinese:

    For learners focused on practical communication and daily interactions, spoken Chinese should be the primary focus. 🗣 Understanding pronunciation, mastering tones, acquiring vocabulary and grasping basic grammar will empower learners to engage in meaningful conversations and navigate various real-life scenarios. Emphasising spoken Chinese is an efficient way to start communicating effectively in Mandarin. 💬

    💡 The Value of Chinese Characters:

    Although speaking proficiency is paramount for day-to-day communication, learning Chinese characters can significantly enhance your Mandarin language journey. 📚 Characters provide a deeper understanding of the language, culture and history of China. They open the door to an extensive range of resources, such as literature, news and historical documents, that would otherwise remain inaccessible to learners relying solely on spoken Chinese. 📖

    🔍 Introducing 20 Common Chinese Radicals:

    To demystify the process of character learning, we’ve compiled a list of 20 common Chinese radicals. Radicals are the building blocks of characters and offer valuable hints about their meanings and pronunciations. Familiarising yourself with these radicals will aid in recognising and comprehending a plethora of characters. 🏯

    1. 亻 rén (人): person (e.g., 你 – nǐ – you, 他 – tā – he)
    2. 口 kǒu (口): mouth (e.g., 吃 – chī – eat, 叫 – jiào – call)
    3. 扌 shǒu (手): hand (e.g., 拿 – ná – take, 接 – jiē – receive, pick)
    4. 目 mù (目): eye (e.g., 看 – kàn – see, 相 – xiàng – appearance)
    5. 忄 xīn (心): heart (e.g., 想 – xiǎng – think, 情 – qíng – feeling)
    6. 日 rì (日): sun/day (e.g., 明 – míng – bright, 时 – shí – time)
    7. 月 yuè (月): moon/month (e.g., 有 – yǒu – have, 期 – qī – period)
    8. 艹 cǎo (艸/艹): grass (e.g., 花 – huā – flower, 草 – cǎo – grass)
    9. 灬 huǒ (火): fire (e.g., 烧 – shāo – burn, 炎 – yán – flame)
    10. 氵 shuǐ (水): water (e.g., 泳 – yǒng – swim, 波 – bō – wave)
    11. 钅 jīn (金): metal/gold (e.g., 铁 – tiě – iron, 钱 – qián – money)
    12. 木 mù (木): wood (e.g., 树 – shù – tree, 本 – běn – root)
    13. 石 shí (石): stone (e.g., 砖 – zhuān – brick, 破 – pò – break)
    14. 雨 yǔ (雨): rain (e.g., 雷 – léi – thunder, 雪 – xuě – snow)
    15. 风 fēng (风/ 風): wind (e.g., 风 – fēng – wind, 飞 – fēi – fly)
    16. 禾 hé (禾): grain (e.g., 种 – zhòng – grow, 秋 – qiū – autumn)
    17. 车 chē (车/ 車): vehicle (e.g., 转 – zhuǎn – turn, 辆 – liàng – (measure word for vehicles))
    18. 讠 yán (言): speech (e.g., 说 – shuō – speak, 話 – huà – speech)
    19. 鸟 niǎo (鸟/ 鳥): bird (e.g., 鸡 – jī – chicken, 鸭 – yā – duck)
    20. 宀 mián (宝盖头): roof (e.g., 宝 – bǎo – treasure, 实 – shí – solid)

    While it’s not mandatory for Chinese learners to learn to read characters to achieve speaking proficiency, mastering Chinese characters can be a rewarding endeavour. Prioritising spoken Chinese enables learners to communicate effectively in everyday situations. However, diving into the world of Chinese characters opens up a rich tapestry of language, culture and history. By familiarising yourself with the 20 common Chinese radicals, you’ll be well on your way to understanding and appreciating the beauty of Mandarin. 🌟

    At Corpus Mandarin learning platform, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your language journey. Whether you’re looking to enhance your speaking skills or delve into the world of Chinese characters, our comprehensive courses and interactive resources are tailored to meet your needs. Embark on your Mandarin adventure with us and unlock the full potential of this fascinating language. Happy learning! 📚🌍

    Looking to assess your Chinese speaking level? Book your 30-min free orientation now!
    Book your first session to practise Chinese with a certified Corpus Star!

     | Corpus Language Consulting
     | Corpus Language Consulting
     | Corpus Language Consulting

    Free subscription to access the complete content and a selection of lessons.

    Start Learning Mandarin Now!

    Tag:Beginners Guide, Business Chinese, Business Mandarin, Chinese Characters, Chinese culture, Chinese in Singapore, Chinese in Taipei, Chinese Language, Chinese Learning, Chinese Study Plan, Chinese Vocabulary, ChinesePhrases, Communication Skills, Corpus Amy, Corpus Chinese, corpus magazine, Corpus Mandarin, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Experience, Customised Chinese tutoring, Essential Vocabulary, Executive Chinese, Language Acquisition, Language Connections, Language Learning, Language Skills, Learn Chinese Faster, Learn Chinese with Linguists, Learn Mandarin, Learning Journey, Linguistic Adventure, Linguistic Exploration, Linguistic Journey, Linguistics, Mandarin Chinese, Mandarin Proficiency, Online Mandarin Tutor, Pinyin, Quizlet, Radicals, Speak Mandarin

    • Share This Lesson:
    Amy Tsai, Corpus Founder
      Corporate Language Trainer, International Education Consultant, Cambridge & UCL Linguistics Alumna

      Previous post

      Mastering the Art of Daily Conversations in Mandarin Chinese
      2023-08-01

      Next post

      The Art of Strategic Brilliance: Unravelling the 36 Chinese Stratagems with Corpus Mandarin
      2023-08-01

      You may also like

      thai cooking 1
      Thai Cooking Experience with Corpus Amy – and learn some Southern Min Dialect
      11 September, 2024
      47-2
      Conquering the Numbers Game: How to Set Winning Annual Financial Goals in Singapore (And Beyond) with Corpus Mandarin
      24 March, 2024
      44-2
      Unleash Your Business Potential with Corpus Mandarin Learning Platform
      17 August, 2023

      Book a free orientation

       | Corpus Language Consulting

      Search

      Themes

      • Business
      • Chinese Learning
      • Chinese News
      • Coaching
      • Culture
      • Design & Branding
      • Education
      • Environment
      • Festival & Events
      • Food Culture
      • History & Literature
      • Industry
      • Lifestyle
      • Self-Development
      • Shopping
      • Social Studies
      • Survival Mandarin
      • Travel

      Latest Courses

      TOCFL Level A Reading S01

      TOCFL Level A Reading S01

      Free
      TOCFL Level A Reading T01

      TOCFL Level A Reading T01

      Free
      I’m reading a book. (S)

      I’m reading a book. (S)

      Free
      corpus_logo | Corpus Language Consulting
      • Book a free orientation
      • service@corpus-edu.com

      Follow us on:

      Corpus International Education Pte. Ltd.
      Singapore Office
      320 Serangoon Road
      Centrium Square #13-05
      Singapore 218108

      Corpus International Education Co., Ltd.
      Taipei Office
      2F, No. 68, Sec. 1, Tingzhou Rd.
      Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 10068
      Taiwan

      Learn More About Corpus

      • Home
      • About Us
      • Corporate
      • Corpus Magazine
      • Book Tuition
      • Free Online Courses

      Need help on something?

      • FAQs
      • Contact Us
      • Log in
      • Join Corpus Stars Team
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Service

      © 2025 Corpus Language Services. Powered by Rockmarketing

      • Home
      • Corporate
      • Book Tuition
      • FAQs
      • Privacy Policy
      • Contact Us

      Connect with:

      Login with Facebook Login with Google

      Login with your site account

      Lost your password?