Should I learn traditional and simplified Chinese?

In essence, if you plan to use your Chinese where simplified characters are used (mainland China and Singapore, for instance), then learn simplified. If you plan to go to Taiwan or Hong Kong, you will be better off learning traditional first.

Can you learn both simplified and Traditional Chinese?

Yes you can, but I don’t see the point of learning both systems at the same time. Rather, learning one after the other can avoid the confusion of mapping back and forth, thereby quickening the mastery of the writing system that you choose to learn first.

Should I learn Traditional Chinese or simplified Chinese?

Should I study Simplified or Traditional Chinese? There is no right or wrong here but keeping it very general for you: If you want to study in mainland China, or even Singapore, study simplified Chinese. If you want to study in Hong Kong or Taiwan study traditional Chinese.

Do most people use simplified or traditional Chinese?

Simplified Chinese is typically used when translating for mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank. However, when translating for audiences in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and international immigrant communities, Traditional Chinese is the norm.

Can simplified Chinese readers read traditional?

For Taiwan and Hong Kong, use traditional characters. For Mainland China and Singapore, use simplified characters. About half of Chinese readers can read traditional characters. Many Mandarin speakers (PRC), especially under 30, may not read traditional characters, but they will understand the Mandarin audio.

Can people in Taiwan read simplified?

If you find it in mainland China, Simplified Chinese is the way to go. An interesting quirk in this equation is that most Chinese living in Hong Kong and Taiwan can read Simplified Chinese, but the majority of residents from the People’s Republic have trouble deciphering Traditional characters.

Should you learn traditional Chinese or simplified Chinese first?

Instead, your choice should be based on practical considerations. In essence, if you plan to use your Chinese where simplified characters are used (mainland China and Singapore, for instance), then learn simplified. If you plan to go to Taiwan or Hong Kong, you will be better off learning traditional first.

What are simplified Chinese characters and why are they better?

Simplified Chinese, as it indicates in the name, simplifies each character, so they are easier to write and memorize. It’s also easier to read in a small font or thick pen writing compared to complex, crowded Traditional characters. Simplified characters were introduced to improve the literacy of everyday Chinese people.

Is it easier to learn Japanese or Chinese characters?

In terms of writing systems, mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia uses simplified characters. Japanese uses a form of Chinese characters in their writing system, called Kanji. These are mostly written in the traditional way, so perhaps if you’re learning Japanese as well, Traditional may be easier.

How hard is it to learn 500 characters in Chinese?

All serious students will learn both character sets at some point, at least passively (being able to read but not to write by hand), but you shouldn’t attempt this until you’re comfortable with one of the sets. By that time, 500 characters won’t be very scary. Should you learn simplified or traditional Chinese?