Here are 10 best books to learn Chinese that are recommended by native speakers. It’s clear that Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the World. That’s why more and more people are beginning to learn it either for traveling or working. However, it’s not easy to pick up a foreign language. Yet, the collection of good books below would save you a lot of time and effort.
Top Chinese learning books for beginners
In the beginning, It’s crucial to learn the basic language and recognize mandarin characters. Furthermore, knowing basic grammar patterns is essential. After reading these Chinese learning books for beginners, you would be able to have a simple conversation with a native speaker.
1/ Learning Mandarin Chinese Characters Volume 1 (Author: Yi Ren)
- Name: Learning Mandarin Chinese Characters Volume 1: The Quick and Easy Way to Learn Chinese Characters!
- Author: Yi Ren
- Price: $9.86
- Rating: ⭐4.7
- Level: Beginners
The book “Learning Mandarin Chinese Characters Volume 1” provides 534 typical words that use 178 basic Chinese characters. It demonstrates how to write characters using a step-by-step illustration and includes blank boxes for students to practice writing. It also includes the definition and pronunciation of each word, as well as illustrative examples, making it an excellent choice for teaching yourself Mandarin Chinese and passing the AP Chinese Language or Culture Exam or the official Chinese government HSK Level 1 Exam.
2/ Learn Chinese – Word Power 101 (Author: Innovative Language Learning)
- Name: Learn Chinese – Word Power 101
- Author: Innovative Language Learning
- Price: Free Audiobook
- Rating: ⭐3.6
- Level: Beginners
The Learn Chinese – Word Power 101 for beginners contains 101 Chinese vocabulary terms that are commonly used. When you buy the book, you’ll also get free self-learning support for the available vocabulary pronunciation files attached with native Chinese speakers’ accents.
3/ 2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context (Author: Lingo Mastery)
- Name: 2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context: Get Fluent & Increase Your Chinese Vocabulary with 2000 Chinese Phrases
- Author: Lingo Mastery
- Price: $14.62
- Rating: ⭐4.5
- Level: Beginners
The book “2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context” can help learners become masters of Chinese. This book includes a list of unique terms that will significantly increase your word bank in just 7 days. Furthermore, it is the best book for learning Chinese because It includes memorization tips that will help learners understand the language and pass any test.
>>> Read more: 17 Excellent books for Learning English as Second Language
4/ Basic Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook (Author: Po-Ching Yip)
- Name: Basic Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook
- Author: Po-Ching Yip
- Price: $39.87
- Rating: ⭐4.0
- Level: Beginners
Experts highly recommend this book on how to use 25 grammar patterns and there are related practice exercises for you as well. It is also available in two versions: Pinyin romanization and Chinese characters. The Chinese workbook, in particular, contains easy-to-follow contextual explanations by English comprehension for beginners.
5/ Learn Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble for Beginners (Author: Paul Noble)
- Name: Learn Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course: Mandarin Chinese Made Easy with Your Personal Language Coach
- Author: Paul Noble
- Price: $89.95
- Rating: ⭐4.1
- Level: Beginners
This audiobook, titled “Learn Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble for Beginners,” is intended for those who are new to the Chinese language. It is known for having a one-of-a-kind language learning approach that has been used by approximately 1 million people and for getting specific world achievements. The book combines listening lessons with native speakers’ accents, allowing you to learn to listen at your leisure and quickly enhance your Chinese speaking ability.
Top Chinese books for intermediate and advanced learners
You’ll need some of the best books to learn intermediate and advanced Chinese once you’ve mastered the basics. Let’s take it a step further with these fantastic books.
6/ Intermediate Chinese Short Stories (Author: Lin Xiong)
- Name: Intermediate Chinese Short Stories: 10 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Chinese & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way!
- Author: Lin Xiong, Lingo Mastery
- Price: $14.95
- Rating: ⭐4.6
- Level: Intermediate
“Intermediate Chinese Short Stories” is a good learning book that can help you enhance your Chinese language abilities and broaden your vocabulary. It covers a wide range of topics with which you can easily identify while learning about Chinese culture and mythology. You may get the learning book on Amazon, which contains audio to help you improve your Chinese listening skills and language comprehension.
>>> Read more: 10 Best Books to Learn Japanese for Beginners
7/ Intermediate Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook (Author: Po-Ching Yip)
- Name: Intermediate Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook (Routledge Grammar Workbooks)
- Author: Po-Ching Yip
- Price: $52.95
- Rating: ⭐4.8
- Level: Intermediate
“Intermediate Chinese” has 25 sections, and each handles a different grammar topic and includes matching activities at a higher level than its sister volume, Basic Chinese, making it an excellent practice and reference book. It showed both pinyin romanization and Chinese characters, as well as English translations in the majority of situations.
8/ Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar (Author: Claudia Ross)
- Full name: Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide
- Author: Claudia Ross
- Price: $57.66
- Rating: ⭐4.5
- Level: All level
“Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar” is the best book for language learners at all levels. It is a one-of-a-kind reference work that combines traditional and function-based grammar in one volume. Additionally, the book also contains communication strategies with a particular emphasis that are widely applied in modern times.
9/ Advanced Chinese (Author: Yanfang Tang and Qinghai Chen)
- Full name: Advanced Chinese: Intention, Strategy, and Communication: With Online Media
- Author: Yanfang Tang, Qinghai Chen
- Price: $69.0
- Rating: ⭐ 4.0
- Level: Advanced
“Advanced Chinese” was written by Yanfang Tang and Qinghai Chen, the best book for those who want to improve their language skills while learning more about traditional Chinese culture. This book includes an audio program that focuses on the many linguistic abilities needed in ordinary communication. Moreover, actual literary works, as well as writings showing modern life in China, are included in the lessons.
Book series: HSK standard course for all levels
- Name: HSK Standard Course
- Author: Jiang Liping
- Price: $28.62
- Rating: ⭐4.6
- Level: All level
The series is structured into six levels with 16 books in total. The books can be used by self-study students as well as other Chinese educational institutions. It’s the best textbook for learning new-style Chinese courses with the combination of teaching and testing. Moreover, the content is compiled based on a range of real-life situations, and the attractive writing style is illustrated by pictures that make learning enjoyable.
These 10 books to learn Chinese absolutely shorten your studying process. They not only give unique content, but they also stay up with up-to-date learning methods. Make them your own!
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