The Chinese written language is based on characters rather than the Roman alphabet. When reading Chinese, the characters are pronounced differently under Mandarin and Cantonese. The meaning of the text remains the same. Thus, a Mandarin speaker and a Cantonese speaker can understand the same written text but cannot understand each other when speaking.
Both Mandarin and Cantonese are tonal languages. For tonal languages, words and their meanings are distinguished by pitch. As with learning any language, learning Cantonese will allow you to connect on a deeper level with native Cantonese speakers. While there are a few regional varieties of Mandarin, all of them are understandable to any Mandarin speaker.
As a learner, all it takes is a bit of exposure, listening comprehension practice and ear-adjusting to be able to identify different Mandarin accents and dialects from one another, as well as to understand them. FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
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There are two different Chinese writing systems: simplified and traditional Chinese. In , the Chinese Communist Party declared simplified Chinese to be the new common writing system in order to reform the nation.
Cantonese speakers primarily use traditional characters. In addition to the appellation of family members, Cantonese and Mandarin are very different in terms of verbs, adjectives, and other vocabularies.
The differences in vocabulary, even at the written level, make those accustomed to speaking Cantonese out of touch with Mandarin and vice versa. There are many differences in grammars between Cantonese and Mandarin, but the order of adverbs and double objects are particularly obvious:. In Mandarin, adverbs are usually placed before verbs, while in Cantonese, many adverbs can be placed after verbs.
Another big difference is in their double objects. Mandarin and Cantonese have their double objects in the opposite order. In Mandarin, the indirect object comes before the direct object, while in Cantonese, the direct object goes before the indirect object.
Both languages use different idioms and expressions , too, so that even if someone from Hong Kong was able to read a piece of simplified Chinese writing, they may not be able to understand what is actually being conveyed by the writer if idioms or colloquialisms were used and more so vice versa. Maybe you know someone who speaks Cantonese and wants to make a trip to the Cantonese heartland. Here is our most-selected sample tour that takes in both Mandarin-speaking and Cantonese areas, not to mention a great range of Chinese cuisine.
Our customizable 4-Day Hong Kong Family Tour makes it easier to discover this incredible city with kids. China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy. Home Chinese Culture Chinese Language. Read on to find out what you need to know about the differences before embarking on your trip to China… the seven main differences follow our general comparison What are Cantonese and Mandarin?
Cantonese vs Mandarin: Which one is harder to learn? If I speak fluent Mandarin, is it easier to learn Cantonese? Different Spoken Languages In terms of speaking, Cantonese and Mandarin are not mutually intelligible , and on that basis should be called different languages. Written Cantonese With the spread of electronic communication, a form of written Cantonese was introduced to represent idiomatic sounds and words in Cantonese.
Different Grammar There are many differences in grammars between Cantonese and Mandarin, but the order of adverbs and double objects are particularly obvious: In Mandarin, adverbs are usually placed before verbs, while in Cantonese, many adverbs can be placed after verbs.
Different Expressions and Idioms Both languages use different idioms and expressions , too, so that even if someone from Hong Kong was able to read a piece of simplified Chinese writing, they may not be able to understand what is actually being conveyed by the writer if idioms or colloquialisms were used and more so vice versa. We would recommend you to start learning Mandarin first since it's said to be easier to learn and then build up to Cantonese. Tandem Language Exchange connects language learners with native Mandarin and Cantonese speakers all over the world through our web and mobile app.
With millions of members, you will have a pretty easy time finding a language exchange partner who matches your interests and language learning goals. Through two-way, open, and direct communication with your language partner, you are given a unique insight into the Chinese cultural identity. Use our in-app translation feature to help compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress.
Still not sure about Chinese pronunciation? Your learning preferences are covered on Tandem with options to practice your Cantonese, Mandarin simplified and traditional , or Chinese sign language via text, voice notes, and video calling. Download the Tandem app or head to our web app and master the Chinese language now! C December 7, 3-min read. What language do you want to practice?
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