HSK 1 Chinese Lessons: Grammar, Vocabulary, and Common Mista

🙏 Say This Instead: “麻烦你了 / 真不好意思” (máfan nǐ le / zhēn bù hǎoyìsi)

“谢谢 Xièxie” is polite, but it can sound generic. Learn three heartfelt ways to show gratitude the way native speakers do.

🗣️ Say This Instead: “拜拜 / 回见 / 走了” (bàibài / huíjiàn / zǒu le)

Saying “再见” sounds polite — but also stiff. Learn how native speakers say goodbye naturally with phrases like “拜拜,” “回见,” and “走了.”

🗣️ Say This Instead: “还行吧 / 还不错” (hái xíng ba / hái búcuò)

Instead of the robotic “我很好” (wǒ hěn hǎo), try these natural, friendly ways to reply to “How are you?” and sound more like a native speaker.

🧐 两 liǎng vs 俩 liǎ – What’s the Difference?

Think 两 (liǎng) and 俩 (liǎ) are the same? Not quite! This short guide will help you tell them apart and avoid common mistakes.

🗣️ Say This Instead: “不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)”

Learn when to say “不好意思 (bù hǎo yìsi)” instead of “对不起”! It’s softer, more polite, and used in many everyday situations — perfect for real conversations.

🗣️ Say This Instead: "最近怎么样? (zuìjìn zěnmeyàng)"

“你好吗？” sounds too formal. Here’s what native speakers say instead — and why it matters for your daily Chinese.

🧐 看书 kàn shū vs 读书 dú shū – What’s the Difference?

Think 看书 and 读书 mean the same thing? Not quite! Learn when to use each one — whether you’re reading for fun or studying hard. This post has clear examples, common mistakes, and a quick quiz to test yourself! 📚✅

😅 我看见了一个电影。Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Saying “我看见了一个电影” to mean “I watched a movie”? It’s a common mistake! Learn the difference between 看 and 看见 — with clear examples and fun practice.

😅 我吃了面包，和喝了牛奶？Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Said “我吃了面包，和喝了牛奶”？Sounds natural in English, but it’s a typical Chinese mistake! Learn how to connect actions correctly using 也 or 还, with examples and fun practice.

🧐 可以 kěyǐ vs 能 néng – What’s the Difference?

Confused about when to use 可以 and when to use 能? This guide makes it simple! Learn how to express permission and ability with real-life examples and fun practice.

😅 三个人们？Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Ever said “三个人们 (sān ge rénmen)” to mean “three people”? It sounds okay in English, but it’s actually a common Chinese mistake! Learn when to use 人 vs. 人们 with clear rules, examples, and fun practice.

🧐 有点儿 yǒudiǎnr vs 一点儿 yìdiǎnr – What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between 有点儿 and 一点儿 in Chinese. This clear and fun guide explains when to use each word with easy examples and common mistakes to avoid.

😅 我今天二点上课？Nope! Say 两点 – Here’s Why

Many learners say “二点” when talking about time—but that’s not correct! Learn why it should be “两点” and why “十二点” is fine.

🧐 能 néng vs. 会 huì – What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between 能 (néng) and 会 (huì)? Both mean "can," but they’re used differently! This blog explains how to use them with fun examples and easy tips.

😅 我起床八点 Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Do you say “我起床八点”? That sounds okay in English, but it’s wrong in Chinese! Learn where to place time words like 八点 in your sentences.

😅 他是高 Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Do you say "他是高"? It's a common mistake! Learn why you shouldn't use 是 (shì) before adjectives in Chinese, and how to say it right.

😅 我想一个苹果。 Wait… That’s Wrong?!

Do you say "我想一个苹果"? It's a common mistake! Learn the difference between 想 (xiǎng) and 想要 (xiǎngyào) to avoid this error.

🧐 看 kàn vs. 看见 kànjiàn – What’s the Difference?

Confused about 看 (kàn) and 看见 (kànjiàn)? 看 is for looking or watching, while 看见 means successfully seeing something. Learn how to use both with simple tips and examples!