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Easily confused Chinese words 易混词

15 pairs of Chinese words that learners mix up, each explained in plain English with real example sentences from the readings on this site. Some come with a short video lesson.

这儿 · 这里here and whereThey mean the same thing; the difference is where you are.From HSK 1 · ▶ video二 · 两two ways to say two二 for counting and numbers, 两 before a measure word.From HSK 1知道 · 认识know a fact or know a personKnowing information vs being acquainted with someone or recognising something.From HSK 1怎么 · 真怎 and 真, a pronunciation pairz vs zh and third tone vs first tone, the two differences that keep these apart.From HSK 1 · ▶ video哪 · 几which or how many哪 asks which one, 几 asks how many (a small number).From HSK 1 · ▶ video会 · 能 · 可以can, three waysA skill you learned, an ability or circumstance, or permission.From HSK 2了 · 过done, or ever doneCompletion or change vs experience at some point in the past.From HSK 2的 · 得 · 地three particles, one soundBefore a noun, after a verb, before a verb.From HSK 2再 · 又again, before or after it happens再 for an again that has not happened yet, 又 for one that already has.From HSK 2在 · 正在doing it nowBoth mark an action in progress; 正在 stresses right at this moment.From HSK 2还是 · 或者or, in questions and in statements还是 when you are asking someone to choose, 或者 when you are not.From HSK 2有点儿 · 一点儿a little, before or after有点儿 before an adjective (often a complaint), 一点儿 after it or with a noun.From HSK 2以后 · 后来after, later, afterwards以后 works for past and future; 后来 only tells what happened next in the past.From HSK 3预订 · 预定book or schedule?Same sound, different character: booking something vs fixing a plan.From HSK 4 · ▶ video栋 · 座measure words for buildingsHow to say your building and unit, and which measure word goes with a building.From HSK 4 · ▶ video