Is it better to learn Mandarin or Cantonese?

So it seems as though Mandarin is more practical than Cantonese. That’s not to say that learning Cantonese is a waste of time, and for some people, it may be the better choice, but for most people wanting to speak “Chinese”, Mandarin is the way to go.

Should I learn Mandarin before Cantonese?

If you decide it makes sense to learn both Mandarin and Cantonese, most people recommend learning Mandarin first before conquering another Chinese dialect. It’s interesting that both dialects use pretty much the same characters for writing though. This is because the characters share the same roots.

Is Cantonese harder than Mandarin?

Cantonese is harder than Mandarin. Cantonese has a unique pronounication and has nine tones, it is relatively difficult enough for a foreigner compared to Mandarin, nevertheless, it requires lots of listening and practicing with a native Cantonese speaker to master the pronounication and the tones.

Is it hard to learn Cantonese if you know Mandarin?

It is not easy because Cantonese is a much harder language to learn than Mandarin with 6 tones. It is just like learning German for an English speaker.

Should I learn Chinese or Mandarin?

Likewise, if you’re interested in working in most other parts of China, Mandarin will serve you better. This may explain why most students of Chinese language opt for Mandarin, as it opens up more opportunities. As a result, there are also more courses and materials available for learning to speak Mandarin Chinese.

Can Mandarin speaker understand Cantonese?

However, the two languages are distinct when spoken. Mandarin speakers typically cannot understand Cantonese speakers, and vice versa.

Is Cantonese worth learning?

In essence, Cantonese is the second most spoken Chinese language. Many would think that it is better to learn Mandarin Chinese because it is easier to study than Cantonese. However, it is still a very important language that is worth learning, especially for business.

Can mandarin speakers understand Cantonese?

Is it easier to learn Cantonese or Mandarin first?

Mandarin is easier to learn Cantonese is seen to be more difficult because it has from 6 to 9 tones, each of which signify different things (while Mandarin only has 4 tones). In addition, because of its greater prevalence, it is easier to find Mandarin study materials than Cantonese study materials.

Can you live in Hong Kong without knowing Chinese?

You don’t need Cantonese or Mandarin to live and work in Hong Kong in most cases. However, if you want to know the place you call home and interact with the people that share it with you, then you should learn Cantonese, at the very least. Perhaps focus on Mandarin if you go to the Mainland for business.

Should I learn Mandarin or Cantonese?

So, one of the most important questions new Chinese learners must ask themselves is: “Should I learn Mandarin or Cantonese?” The short answer is that you should learn Mandarin. But, let us explain why in a bit more detail along with the differences between the two languages. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO LANGUAGES?

What are the disadvantages of the Mandarin Chinese language?

Mandarin Chinese tends to change the structure of the sentence often, depending on subject and emotional meaning. Degree of usefulness. Cantonese is quickly becoming the less useful language since business and government activities in China are conducted in largely in Mandarin.

How useful is Cantonese as a second language?

Degree of usefulness. Cantonese is quickly becoming the less useful language since business and government activities in China are conducted in largely in Mandarin. And most people, even Cantonese speakers, have learned Mandarin as a second language in school.

Is the Chinese language divided into Mandarin and Cantonese?

To someone who speaks Chinese, however, the question doesn’t really make sense. Chinese is not simply divided into Mandarin and Cantonese. There are other widely-spoken Chinese languages such as Wu, Min Nan, Hakka, and Jin, to name a few.