Learning Chinese through watching TV shows can be an enjoyable and effective way to improve your language skills. Chinese TV shows, or “dianshiju” cover a wide range of genres and styles, providing learners with diverse content to explore. Here are some Chinese TV shows across different genres that are suitable for language learners:
1. Modern Urban Dramas:
“Love O2O”: This romantic comedy follows the story of a gaming expert and a university student who fall in love through an online game. The dialogue is modern and conversational, making it suitable for beginners.
“Meteor Garden” A classic romance drama based on the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers.” It features simple language and everyday conversations, making it accessible for learners.
2. Historical Dramas:
“Story of Yanxi Palace”: Set in the Qing dynasty, this palace drama revolves around the story of a courageous young woman who rises through the ranks of the imperial harem. While the language may be more formal, it offers exposure to historical vocabulary and speech patterns.
“The Longest Day in Chang’an”: A suspenseful thriller set in the Tang dynasty, this drama follows the events of a terrorist plot in the capital city of Chang’an. The language is rich and descriptive, providing learners with exposure to historical contexts and terminology.
3. Comedy Shows:
“Happy Camp”: A long-running variety show featuring celebrity guests, games, and comedic sketches. The language used is lively and colloquial, making it ideal for learners who enjoy humor and entertainment.
“Go Fridge” A reality cooking show where celebrities compete to create dishes using ingredients from a refrigerator. The conversations are natural and often include slang and informal expressions.
4. Educational Programs:
“Growing Up with Chinese”: An educational series designed specifically for Chinese learners. Each episode covers everyday topics such as greetings, family, food, and travel, with explanations of vocabulary and grammar points.
“Chinese Breeze”: A series of short stories and dramas aimed at learners of Chinese. The episodes are accompanied by subtitles in Chinese characters and Pinyin, making it easier for learners to follow along.
5. Reality Shows:
“Keep Running”: The Chinese version of the popular Korean variety show “Running Man.” It features celebrity guests competing in physical challenges and games. The language used is conversational and includes a mix of formal and informal speech.
“The Rap of China”: A reality competition show where aspiring rappers compete for a chance to showcase their talent. The language is contemporary and includes slang and expressions commonly used in hip-hop culture.
Tips for Learning Chinese through TV Shows:
Use Subtitles: Start by watching with subtitles in both Chinese characters and Pinyin. As you become more comfortable, switch to subtitles only in Chinese characters, and eventually try watching without subtitles.
Repeat and Mimic: Pause the video and repeat phrases or sentences spoken by the characters. Pay attention to pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.
Take Notes: Keep a notebook to jot down new vocabulary, phrases, and grammar structures. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning.
Watch Regularly: Consistency is key to language learning. Try to watch Chinese TV shows regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Discuss with Others: Join language exchange groups or forums to discuss the TV shows with other learners. Sharing insights and opinions can deepen your understanding and provide additional learning opportunities.
Conclusion
By incorporating Chinese TV shows into your language learning routine, you can improve your listening comprehension, vocabulary, and cultural understanding while enjoying entertaining and engaging content.
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