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Japanese vs Chinese
Which Language should I Learn?
Ready to take your language skills to the next level? Deciding between mastering Japanese or Chinese can be tough, but we're here to help! We'll break down the nuances of these two major Asian languages, giving you all the insights you need before embarking on your new language-learning adventure.
准备好了吗? 準備はできましたか？
Are you ready?
How do learners normally think?
Learning both Chinese and Japanese has been rewarding but challenging. I found Kanji easier to understand if you have a Chinese learning background, though reading Kanji in Japanese was tricky due to pronunciation and the Chinese character system is insane. The biggest challenge was Japanese grammar, which has many exceptions compared to Chinese's simpler, more systematic grammar.
Characteristic?
Japanese
Chinese
Speaking Countries
Mainly Japan
Official language in Hong Kong, China, Macao, Taiwan and Singapore, also spoken in 21 other countries
Speakers
History
130 millions
Around 1200 years
1.4 billions
Over 3000 years
Living in Japan vs China
Both Japan and China offer fascinating but very different experiences.
Let's dive into the key differences between the two, some might surprise you!
Safety
Japan is universally safe, while China has some areas with higher crime rates. However, both are far safer than most Western countries, with little violent crime and no guns to worry about. In China, there’s a slight risk of government actions against foreigners during political tensions, but overall, personal safety in both countries is solid.
Hygiene
Japan wins here, but China has improved significantly over the past decade. Airports and major facilities in China are decent, and streets are cleaner thanks to an army of workers. However, spitting in public and occasional public urination are still issues in China, while Japan’s cleanliness is second to none.
Pollution
Japan enjoys clear blue skies most of the time, with low PM2.5 levels around 20–40. In contrast, China’s air pollution can be heavy, with average levels around 120 or higher, despite official numbers. Nuclear pollution in Japan is a concern, but only in specific areas, while China’s increasing reliance on nuclear power adds potential risks.
Friendliness
Japan tends to be more open and polite, with people going out of their way to be helpful and avoid offense. In China, interactions can be more hit or miss—some are friendly, others indifferent. Deeper friendships are possible in both, but they take time to develop.
Food
Both countries offer amazing cuisine, so it’s a matter of preference. China’s food culture has expanded to include more international influences, whereas Japan remains a paradise for food lovers with high-quality dining experiences.
Daily Life
Life in Japan is convenient, with excellent public transport, reliable service, and top-notch infrastructure. In contrast, daily life in China can be exhausting, with frequent inconveniences, chaotic traffic, and inconsistent service quality.
Cost of Living
Japan is generally more expensive than China, but high-end living in major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai can be costly. In regional areas, both countries offer more affordable options, but Japan’s higher-quality services justify its prices. In China, quality can vary, and you often get what you pay for.
Freedom of Expression
Japan, as a liberal democracy, allows for much greater freedom of speech and association. China has more restrictions, including bans on VPNs, which limit internet access to the wider world.
Doing Business
Japan is more predictable for business, but China offers more dynamic opportunities. Although China is more challenging and can be frustrating, it has greater potential for economic growth and financial success.
>>>Final Verdict<<<
Japan is ideal for a peaceful, comfortable life with its safety, convenience, and fascinating culture. China, however, is where the action is—rapid change, contradictions, and boundless energy make it an exhilarating, albeit tiring, place to live and work. Both countries are captivating in their own ways, depending on your lifestyle and career goals.
Difficuty?
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Japanese and Mandarin Chinese are categorized as the Highest Difficulty (V), requiring approximately 2200 hours to master, known as exceptionally difficult for native English speakers, the distinct challenges are :
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Japanese:
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Uses a combination of Kanji (Chinese characters), and two syllabaries: Hiragana and Katakana, forming combinations with specific meanings.
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The meaning of Kanji in Japanese differs from its Chinese origins.
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Counting objects is complex, with different counters for shapes and sizes (e.g., long objects, round items, flat surfaces).
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The language varies based on gender, with distinct speech styles for men and women.
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The system of honorific speech is confusing, also called keishō (敬称), which includes suffixes and prefixes involved in different conversations.
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Creating an Intensive immersion in Japan is recommended for significant progress.
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Mandarin/Cantonese:
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Mandarin is the official language of China, while Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong and some regions. Both share a common writing system.
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There are two writing systems: traditional Chinese (used in Hong Kong/Taiwan) and simplified Chinese (used in mainland China).
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Written characters can have the same meaning but different pronunciations across dialects (e.g., 飛 in traditional vs. 飞 in simplified).
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Chinese is tonal: Mandarin has 4 tones, while Cantonese has 9, making pronunciation highly dependent on pitch.
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Every word’s pronunciation must be memorized, as characters offer no phonetic clues.
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To make real progress in learning Chinese, it's highly recommended to immerse yourself in a Chinese-speaking environment. Join group lessons, interact with native speakers, and surround yourself with the language daily.
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Key Takeaways:
Japanese relies heavily on grammar, gendered speech, and multiple writing systems, while Chinese languages focus more on tonal pronunciation, complex characters, and two main writing styles.
Both Japan and China offer fascinating but very different experiences.
For a steady retirement income and a peaceful second home, Japan wins with its safe, healthy, and civilized lifestyle. It's a developed country where you can live comfortably, surrounded by a unique, captivating culture. However, Japan's calm is balanced by China’s dynamic energy. If you're doing business, China is the place to be. It's thrilling, unpredictable, and full of contradictions. Note that both countries are constantly changing and offer immense opportunities, pick up your language skills today and get packed for an unforgettable journey.
Improve Your Knowledge of Mandarin Chinese
There is no quick fix with this one. Learning those vocabularies takes time and practice but we promise it will be worth it! By unlocking this knowledge you can undertake far greater strides in self-study, reading and daily communication.
Starting from memorizing some characters is a good idea, we've covered beginner classes that help start everything from scratch. They will help you build a strong foundation on your Chinese learning journey! 🌻
Improve Your Knowledge of Japnese
Learning Japanese might seem like climbing Mount Fuji—it looks tough at first, but once you start, it’s a fun adventure! If you’re someone who avoids making mistakes like dodging wasabi on sushi, the idea of learning a new language might feel a little nerve-wracking.
However, here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own and risk going in the wrong direction. Let the language pros guide you, so you can skip the frustration and enjoy the journey to success! 🌸