If you are new to Chinese, you will find it difficult to understand it. Even when you start learning the language you will many times feel that you do not understand it. That is because there are many things you do not know. There is a lot to learn about the Chinese language. There are many words, a lot of grammar and vocabulary that need continuous improvement. You cannot expect to understand what fluent speakers are speaking when you do not know the language completely or at least the things that are necessary.

The pronunciation also plays an important role here!

You sometimes lack the ability to understand the Chinese language because you do not understand the pronunciation.

Sometimes it can happen that you do not know the words that are being spoken. Only knowing a few words will allow you to understand only half of what is being spoken.

Now there is nothing to lose hope. You don’t have to get sad but to think about what can be done about it. It is so normal not to understand a new language that well. There are many people who cannot even understand English properly. English -which is the main communication language, that language every person speaks and must know. And you do not understand Chinese which is very difficult and so that is completely okay.

What is not okay is to be stuck with this. Accept it and do something about it.

• Revise your basics: the tendency is that you might need to brush up your skills. There are some things that you missed and something’s that you have forgotten. You need to revise it in order to understand Chinese. Revision includes revising the basics as well as grammar.
• Update your vocabulary: there are more words in the language than you already know.
• Listen: listen even when you cannot understand. To begin with start hearing short audios and then you can go on to videos. Listen intently. Note down important and new things.
• Record: when you listen to something try to speak that. Record it and see if you were able to speak properly
• Speak: yes, speak to people in Chinese even when you do now know it properly. You will come to know where you stand and can plan on further improvement. Your understanding will depend on your speaking skills.
• Communicate: form a group of people with similar interests. Interact with them, learn from them; pass on your knowledge to them. Create a healthy learning environment.
• Read: reading enhances your knowledge. You learn more. You can understand the structure of the language, the grammar, the vocabulary and how to speak sentences. It is important to keep in your mind what you learn otherwise it is just a waste of time.
• Seek help: even after you tried all tips and tricks and are still not able to understand Chinese, you can seek help from someone who is a pro at Chinese. Someone who can train you step by step. There are many platforms that provide you Expert help in this case.

Multibhashi is one such platform that provides you with training for the Chinese language. Believe me, their training is one of the best. They have a very effective way of teaching.

Practise is the key. Do not give up.