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David Yao

New updates in Version 2020:

- All Chinese Characters and its related vocabulary expansion will be edited into PDF book, share in Udemy courses and sell in Amazon KDP, Google books and iBooks. We find the best way to publish online. (

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New updates in Version 2020:

- All Chinese Characters and its related vocabulary expansion will be edited into PDF book, share in Udemy courses and sell in Amazon KDP, Google books and iBooks. We find the best way to publish online. (

Chinese is a pictorial language and is the only Language which has no Alphabet. Chinese Characters originated from picture. According legend, Cang Jie (仓颉) created Chinese Characters or scripts.  Inspired by the trace of bird and animal, he created Chinese Characters or scripts by observing the nature shape such as Sun, moon, wood.  Around one third of the total population on the earth are still using Chinese Characters. The creation and evolution of Chinese Characters is closely interwoven with the development of Chinese Culture and has long lasting impact on Japan, Korean, Vietnam, and Thailand... etc.

Chinese Characters are an important tool for extending, spreading and exchanging idea. Chinese Characters contain information and will never be replaced by Alphabet in other languages.

It is a daunting challenge to foreigner as well as native Chinese. But good news for you, we have secrets to share with you how to study Chinese in a smarter way: 

Guessing.    Guessing by Chinese Radicals. There are around 220 Chinese Radicals in my collections. But the Most Common 20 Chinese Radicals which account 51% of total Chinese Characters.

 We will arrange the Chinese Radicals according their importance and give you the most important 60 Chinese Radicals in 3 courses.

Overall, there will be two series to cover Chinese Radicals and boost your vocabulary.

1 HSK Reading Skills-Guess by Chinese Radicals, Quick View

2 HSK Reading Skills-Guess by Chinese Radicals in Details

Quick View of Chinese Radicals will give you a big picture of Chinese Characters, something like a key to open the treasure.

HSK Reading Skills-Guess by Chinese Radicals in details

We will explain Chinese Radicals with the most common Chinese Characters in HSK 1 - 6 (Chinese Proficiency Test Level 1-6).

After boot camping of Chinese Characters, we will test your understanding by reading quiz.

In each video, there is a section call "Vocabulary Builder", which is our many years’ effort in Chinese teaching as a secondary language.

The main features of "Vocabulary Builder" are:

1 The best possible English translations. The English translation is referring to Oxford Dictionary and other online dictionaries. Clear English translation is SO important for foreigner students to learn Chinese.

Each Character and even phrases may have many meanings. Accurate English translation will give you a crystal clear view on Chinese phrases.

2 Up-to-date and updating. We have go thought the whole Oxford Dictionary and other recourses to collect more than 60,000 phrases with the best translation possible for our reference in editing materials.

We are updating more than 5000 new phrases into our collections to reflect the ever-never fast changing China.

3 Indicating the difficulty level of Phrase according to HSK levels.

You will not see such Classifications in any other dictionaries. Our unique classification provides a framework for selecting of articles. Choosing material suitable for students’ level and evaluate their progress is an Art of teaching.

4 The most important thing is the Vocabulary Builder.

This is more than just a vocabulary list. It is a Language Builder based on the Chinese language’s special features and our 25 years' experience.

The Vocabulary Builder will find and list out the connections among Chinese Characters, expand into more phrases. We will use sentence to show how to use the new phrase in context, to point out the common booby trap.

Vocabulary Builder actually is our natural process of Language Building. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the only language without alphabets
  • Learn how to write chinese using animation.
  • Learn the secrets of how chinese characters were created.
  • Decode chinese – learn radicals
  • Know chinese language structure, why there are many callings.
  • Expanding vocabularies in smart way
  • Learn pinyin (pronunciation system) and know how to read correctly.
  • Know the right path for your further study, better with us, of course

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Introduction - Origin of Chinese Characters
Our Team - Founder David YAO
Course Introduction - The Most Common 20 Chinese Radicals
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the origin of Chinese characters, which can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language's structure and cultural significance
Covers the most common 20 Chinese radicals, which account for a significant portion of total Chinese characters, providing a solid foundation for vocabulary building
Includes a 'Vocabulary Builder' section that focuses on connections among Chinese characters and expands into phrases, which is helpful for language building
Uses HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) levels to indicate the difficulty of phrases, which provides a framework for selecting suitable learning materials
Teaches Pinyin pronunciation, which is essential for accurate reading and speaking, and is a core skill for mastering the Chinese language
The course materials refer to Oxford Dictionary and other online dictionaries for English translations, which may be helpful for learners from English-speaking countries

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Reviews summary

Hsk 1-2 chinese characters via radicals

according to learners, this course offers a unique and effective approach to learning Chinese characters by focusing on their origins and the use of radicals. Students find it provides a solid foundation for understanding how characters are built, making memorization easier and more logical. Many appreciate the clear explanations, the well-structured lessons, and the helpful vocabulary builder. While primarily geared towards HSK 1 and 2, some find it also beneficial for reinforcing knowledge at slightly higher levels. The method is described as a smarter way to study compared to rote memorization.
Valuable tool for expanding vocabulary.
"The vocabulary builder sections in each lesson are a fantastic resource for seeing how characters are used in context."
"Expanding vocabulary this way, based on the characters learned, feels very efficient and practical."
"I use the vocabulary builder extensively; it connects characters to real-world usage."
"The provided phrases and example sentences are very helpful."
Perfect starting point for foundational learning.
"This course is absolutely perfect for anyone starting out and aiming for HSK 1 or 2."
"It gives you the essential characters and a great method right from the beginning."
"As a beginner, I found this course to be incredibly accessible and encouraging."
"It provides a solid foundation for understanding the character system."
Lessons are well-organized and easy to follow.
"The lessons are structured logically, building from basic origins to more complex characters."
"The explanations are very clear and easy to understand, even for complex concepts."
"I really appreciate how the instructor breaks down each character and explains its components and history."
"The pace is just right, allowing time to absorb the information before moving on."
Effective method using origins and radicals.
"Learning Chinese characters by understanding their origins and radicals makes so much sense and makes them easier to remember."
"The approach of using radicals to understand how characters are formed is brilliant and very helpful for memorization."
"This course introduced me to a totally different way of thinking about characters, focusing on the building blocks."
"I find this method much more intuitive than just trying to memorize characters individually."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese Characters You Must Know for HSK 1-2 Volume 1 with these activities:
Review Pinyin Pronunciation
Practice Pinyin to ensure correct pronunciation of Chinese characters, which is crucial for HSK exams.
Browse courses on Pinyin
Show steps
  • Review the Pinyin chart and pronunciation rules.
  • Listen to audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing Pinyin sounds.
  • Practice pronouncing each Pinyin sound and tone.
  • Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
HSK 1 Standard Course Textbook
Use the HSK 1 standard course textbook to reinforce the characters and vocabulary learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the textbook lessons corresponding to the course content.
  • Complete the exercises in the textbook.
  • Review the vocabulary lists and grammar explanations.
Character Writing Practice
Practice writing each character multiple times to improve muscle memory and character recognition.
Show steps
  • Select a set of characters from the course.
  • Use a grid notebook or online tool to practice writing each character.
  • Focus on stroke order and character structure.
  • Repeat each character at least 10 times.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create Flashcards for Vocabulary
Create flashcards to aid in memorizing the characters and their meanings.
Show steps
  • Write the Chinese character on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the Pinyin and English translation on the other side.
  • Use the flashcards to quiz yourself regularly.
  • Review the flashcards periodically to reinforce memory.
Remembering the Hanzi
Use mnemonic techniques to memorize the characters and their meanings.
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Show steps
  • Read the introduction to understand the mnemonic method.
  • Work through the lessons, creating stories for each character.
  • Review the characters regularly using the mnemonic stories.
Practice with a Language Partner
Practice speaking and writing with a language partner to reinforce learning and improve fluency.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner who is also learning Chinese or is a native speaker.
  • Schedule regular practice sessions.
  • Practice speaking, reading, and writing using the characters and vocabulary from the course.
  • Give each other feedback and corrections.
Write Simple Sentences
Practice using the learned characters and vocabulary by writing simple sentences.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of characters and vocabulary from the course.
  • Write simple sentences using those characters and vocabulary.
  • Check your sentences for grammatical accuracy.
  • Share your sentences with a language partner or teacher for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese Characters You Must Know for HSK 1-2 Volume 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Language Teacher
A language teacher instructs students in the grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture of a particular language. For someone teaching Chinese, a deep understanding of Chinese characters is essential. This course allows one to decode Chinese by learning radicals and the origin of characters. Language teachers may use the course's approach to teaching vocabulary through radicals to better explain the structure and meaning of Chinese words to students. This course's coverage of the Chinese language structure may be useful to language teachers.
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language into another. This course on Chinese characters helps build a foundation for understanding the nuances of the Chinese language, which is essential for accurate translation. A translator must possess a strong grasp of vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. This course is particularly relevant because it focuses on the building blocks of the Chinese language: its characters. The course's emphasis on radicals and vocabulary building may enable a translator to more effectively interpret and convey meaning.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and creates educational materials and programs. For someone creating Chinese language curriculum, a strong understanding of the language's fundamentals is indispensable. This course helps build a foundation in Chinese characters, radicals, and vocabulary. A curriculum developer may draw upon the course’s methods for teaching character recognition and vocabulary building. Also, the course’s discussion of radicals and language structure may be directly incorporated into curriculum design. The best part is that the origin of these characters are discussed in this course.
Interpreter
An interpreter facilitates spoken communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages. The ability to quickly understand and convey meaning is crucial for an interpreter. This course, which focuses on Chinese characters, may improve comprehension of the written form of the language. This may then help an interpreter better grasp spoken Chinese through an understanding of the underlying characters. The techniques for guessing meaning based on radicals may also assist an interpreter in real-time communication scenarios. The course's vocabulary builder may assist the interpreter in expanding the range of topics for which they can provide communication.
Travel Guide
A travel guide assists individuals or groups visiting a particular location. If the travel guide services China, proficiency in Chinese can be valuable. This course provides an introduction on how to understand Chinese characters and expand on important vocabulary, which may allow one to better communicate and understand the location they are guiding in. By decoding the radicals, the travel guide services can be expanded.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts products or content to a specific target market, taking into account linguistic and cultural differences. Success as a localization specialist stems from a deep understanding of a language and its cultural context. This course provides an introduction to Chinese characters and language structure. As a localization specialist, the vocabulary builder may give you exposure to phrases and how to use them in context, allowing one to more accurately adapt content for Chinese-speaking audiences.
Content Creator China
A content creator develops written or multimedia content for various platforms, often targeting a specific audience. For content creators focusing on the Chinese market, fluency in the language and a deep understanding of Chinese culture are beneficial. This course is useful as it may help one to understand Chinese characters and vocabulary. A content creator working in China may find the course's approach to language structure particularly helpful in crafting content that resonates with a Chinese audience. This role may involve an advanced degree.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad, often requiring proficiency in one or more foreign languages. For a foreign service officer working in China, a strong command of Chinese is essential. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in understanding Chinese characters. A foreign service officer may find the course helpful in enhancing their language skills, as well as providing insights into the cultural context embedded within the language.
International Business Consultant
An international business consultant advises companies on strategies for entering or expanding into foreign markets. For a consultant focusing on China, knowledge of the Chinese language and culture is beneficial. This course may be useful as it may assist one in understanding Chinese characters and basic vocabulary. An international business consultant may use the course to enhance their understanding of the Chinese language, enabling more effective communication and negotiation with Chinese partners. The course's vocabulary builder will assist in business communication.
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and analyzes information to support national security or law enforcement efforts. If an intelligence analyst focuses on China, proficiency in Chinese is often required. This course may be useful as it introduces Chinese characters, vocabulary, and language structure. The intelligence analyst may find it helpful in developing a basic understanding of the Chinese language, which is essential for analyzing Chinese-language sources. The course will show you how to expand vocabularies in a smart way.
Librarian
A librarian manages library resources and assists users in finding information. In a library with a Chinese collection, knowledge of the Chinese language is highly valuable. This course may be useful as it provides an introduction to Chinese characters and vocabulary. A librarian may find the course helpful in cataloging Chinese materials, assisting patrons with Chinese language resources, and promoting Chinese culture through library programs. The course talks about knowing the right path for your further study.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. If the research is focused on the Chinese market, knowledge of the Chinese language can be valuable. This course may be useful as it helps in understanding basic Chinese characters and expands vocabulary. The ability to read and understand Chinese text may allow a market research analyst to gather information from Chinese sources, analyze consumer trends, and develop effective marketing strategies.
Archivist
An archivist appraises, collects, organizes, preserves, and controls records that are kept for enduring historical and research value. For an archivist working with Chinese historical documents, a strong foundation in the Chinese language is essential. This course, with its focus on the origin and structure of Chinese characters, helps build a strong understanding of the language. The archivist may find the course's insights into character evolution valuable for interpreting and contextualizing historical records.
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often specializing in a particular region or period. For a historian specializing in Chinese history, knowledge of the Chinese language is indispensable. This course may be useful in building familiarity with Chinese characters. A historian may find that the course provides valuable context for interpreting primary source documents and understanding the evolution of Chinese culture. This role typically requires an advanced degree.
International Aid Worker
An international aid worker provides assistance to communities in need, often in developing countries or regions affected by conflict or disaster. For an aid worker operating in China, knowledge of the Chinese language is helpful. This course may be useful in acquiring basic Chinese language skills. An international aid worker may use the course to better communicate with local populations, understand their needs, and implement effective aid programs. The course also talks about bettering yourself with them.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese Characters You Must Know for HSK 1-2 Volume 1.
This textbook is specifically designed for the HSK 1 exam. It provides comprehensive coverage of the vocabulary, grammar, and characters required for the test. Using this book alongside the course will reinforce learning and improve exam readiness. It is commonly used in HSK preparation courses.

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