When you’re learning Chinese, there’s a big leap from the formal written Chinese you see in textbooks to the casual spoken Chinese you’ll use in everyday conversations. Written Chinese tends to be structured and formal, while spoken Chinese is more relaxed, flexible, and filled with expressions you won’t find in textbooks. If you want to sound more fluent and natural when speaking, understanding these differences is key!
1. Simplify Your Sentences
In written Chinese, you’ll often find long, complex sentences filled with connectors like “因为…所以” (because… therefore) or “尽管…但是” (although… but). These connectors are great for formal writing, but in spoken Chinese, it’s all about keeping things short, simple, and to the point.
For example, look at this written sentence:
Written Chinese:
Yīnwèi tā gōngzuò fēicháng nǔlì, suǒyǐ dédàole jìnshēng.
因为他工作非常努力，所以得到了晋升。
Because he worked very hard, he got promoted.
In conversation, you would say something much simpler:
Spoken Chinese:
Tā hěn nǔlì, shēngzhí le.
他很努力，升职了。
He worked hard and got promoted.
Notice how the formal connectors in the written version disappear, and the sentence becomes more direct. Keep your sentences clear and straightforward when speaking!
2. Forget About Fancy, Formal Words
In formal written Chinese, you’ll come across words that sound archaic or overly business-like, like “本公司” (běn gōngsī, our company) or “贵国” (guì guó, your country). But in everyday conversation, we just use simpler words.
For example, look at how “本公司” is used in writing:
Written Chinese:
Běn gōngsī jiāng yú míngnián tuīchū xīn chǎnpǐn.
本公司将于明年推出新产品。
Our company will launch new products next year.
In spoken Chinese, it’s much more casual:
Spoken Chinese:
Wǒmen gōngsī míngnián huì tuīchū xīn chǎnpǐn.
我们公司明年会推出新产品。
Our company will launch new products next year.
You’ll see how “我们公司” (wǒmen gōngsī) replaces “本公司” (běn gōngsī), making it sound more natural and less stiff. Stick with the words that feel more like something you’d say in everyday life.
3. Drop the “的” (de) When You Can
In written Chinese, “的” (de) is often used to show possession or form adjectives. But when speaking, you can often leave it out—especially in casual conversations—without losing any meaning. It just makes the sentence flow more naturally.
For example:
Written Chinese:
Wǒ de gēge hěn gāo.
我的哥哥很高。
My older brother is very tall.
In spoken Chinese, the “的” disappears:
Spoken Chinese:
Wǒ gēge hěn gāo.
我哥哥很高。
My older brother is very tall.
It’s cleaner, smoother, and easier to say without “的”. You’ll sound more like a native speaker!
4. Use “挺” Instead of “很”
Another trick in spoken Chinese is swapping “很” (hěn, meaning “very”) with “挺” (tǐng). In conversation, “挺” is much more common, and it gives the sentence a more casual vibe.
For example:
Written Chinese:
Tā hěn cōngmíng.
他很聪明。
He is very smart.
In spoken Chinese, you’d likely say:
Spoken Chinese:
Tā tǐng cōngmíng de.
他挺聪明的。
He’s pretty smart.
By using “挺”, the sentence sounds more relaxed, and it gives off a friendlier tone. It’s a subtle change that makes a big difference in sounding natural.
How Can eChineseLearning Help You Speak More Naturally?
Speaking Chinese naturally, just like a native, can be a challenge for many learners. The key is mastering not just vocabulary and grammar, but also the subtle nuances of tone, rhythm, and expressions used in everyday conversation. At eChineseLearning, we provide personalized one-on-one lessons that focus on both the foundational aspects of the language and the practical skills needed to sound more fluent.
Our experienced teachers tailor each lesson to your specific goals, whether you’re looking to improve your conversational skills, refine your pronunciation, or learn common idioms and expressions that natives use in casual and professional settings. You’ll have the opportunity to practice real-life conversations and receive instant feedback to help you speak more confidently and naturally.
With our flexible online platform, you can learn at your own pace and schedule lessons that fit your life. Plus, the one-on-one attention ensures that you’re getting the exact support you need to sound more fluent and natural in any situation.
Start your free trial lesson today, and let’s begin working together to make your spoken Chinese smoother, more natural, and more confident!
