Traditional vs. Simplified Chinese: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Learn?

Chinese has two main writing systems: Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. Both represent the same language but use different character forms.

Traditional Chinese is mainly used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The characters are more complex, with more strokes and historical meanings preserved. Many learners find them beautiful and artistic, as they show the roots and structure of the language.

Simplified Chinese is used in Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. The characters were simplified in the 1950s to make writing and reading easier. They are generally faster to write and easier to recognize for beginners.

When choosing which one to learn, it depends on your goals and interests. If you plan to live, work, or travel in China, Simplified Chinese is more practical. If you’re interested in Taiwanese culture, traditional literature, or Chinese calligraphy, Traditional Chinese might be a better choice.

No matter which you choose, the spoken language- Mandarin Chinese, remains the same. You can always switch or understand both forms over time.