With over a billion speakers globally, Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. One of the most engaging ways to immerse yourself in the language is by watching Chinese TV shows. Not only do you get to hear the language spoken naturally, but you also learn about Chinese culture, traditions, and daily life. Netflix offers an impressive array of Chinese TV shows that cater to language learners of all levels. Language learning with netflix – Here are some of the best Chinese TV shows on Netflix to help you master the language.
The Untamed (陈情令)
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
- Why It’s Great for Learning: The Untamed is a captivating fantasy series based on the popular novel Mo Dao Zu Shi. It’s set in a world of ancient martial arts, clans, and magical intrigue. The language is a mix of formal and poetic speech, ideal for intermediate learners looking to expand their vocabulary. Subtitles in Mandarin, English, and other languages make it easier to follow.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Traditional Chinese idioms
- Cultural expressions rooted in ancient history
- Pronunciation of formal speech
- Pro Tip: Pause and repeat dialogues to practice tones and understand the structure of sentences.
Put Your Head on My Shoulder (致我们暖暖的小时光)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Why It’s Great for Learning: This lighthearted romantic comedy is perfect for beginners. It follows the story of two college students navigating love and career aspirations. The everyday dialogue makes it easier to pick up common phrases, slang, and conversational Mandarin.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Casual, everyday conversations
- Modern slang and idiomatic expressions
- Vocabulary related to school and relationships
- Pro Tip: Use flashcards to memorize new words and phrases from each episode.
The Rise of Phoenixes (天盛长歌)
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Why It’s Great for Learning: For those fascinated by historical dramas, The Rise of Phoenixes offers a sophisticated look at power struggles in ancient China. Its elaborate costumes and intricate plotlines provide a glimpse into Chinese history and culture.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Historical terms and formal language
- Understanding honorifics and titles
- Listening skills through complex conversations
- Pro Tip: Watching this series with subtitles can help you grasp the nuances of classical Mandarin.
4.Meteor Garden (流星花园)
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Why It’s Great for Learning: A modern remake of the Japanese manga Boys Over Flowers, this show has gained immense popularity for its relatable storyline. The characters speak in a mix of formal and informal Mandarin, providing exposure to diverse communication styles.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Conversational Mandarin used among young people
- Vocabulary related to fashion, relationships, and emotions
- Commonly used phrases in urban settings
- Pro Tip: Focus on the main character’s dialogues to improve your fluency in casual Mandarin.
5.Day and Night (白夜追凶)
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Why It’s Great for Learning: If you enjoy detective stories, Day and Night is a gripping series with a unique storyline. The language is straightforward, and the suspenseful narrative keeps you engaged while improving your listening comprehension.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Police and legal terminology
- Formal investigative language
- Regional accents and intonations
- Pro Tip: Try to understand the dialogues without relying too much on subtitles to test your comprehension.
6.A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Why It’s Great for Learning: This sweet and nostalgic series is perfect for learners who want to improve their everyday conversational skills. It follows the lives of high school students, making the language accessible and relatable for beginners.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Vocabulary related to school life
- Phrases for expressing emotions
- Informal speech patterns
- Pro Tip: Take note of commonly used phrases and try incorporating them into your daily practice.
7.Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花)
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
- Why It’s Great for Learning: This epic romance series is set in a mythical world of gods and mortals. The poetic and descriptive dialogue can challenge advanced learners to expand their vocabulary and appreciate the beauty of the language.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Poetic and literary expressions
- Cultural references to Chinese mythology
- Advanced sentence structures
- Pro Tip: Write down poetic phrases and research their meanings to deepen your understanding.
8.Well-Intended Love (奈何老板要娶我)
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Why It’s Great for Learning: This modern romantic drama involves business dealings, love, and a hint of mystery. The mix of professional and casual language is helpful for learners aiming to improve their range.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Professional terms related to work
- Romantic and emotional vocabulary
- Everyday Mandarin phrases
- Pro Tip: Focus on business-related dialogues to enhance your professional Mandarin skills.
9.Tientsin Mystic (河神)
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural
- Why It’s Great for Learning: Set in the 1920s, this supernatural mystery blends historical and modern elements. The mix of standard and regional accents is great for improving listening skills.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Regional accents and dialects
- Vocabulary related to mystery and investigation
- Idiomatic expressions
- Pro Tip: Replay scenes with regional accents to train your ear for different tones and pronunciations.
10.Three-Body (三体)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Why It’s Great for Learning:
Based on the critically acclaimed novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, this series dives deep into the realms of science fiction. It explores the collision of humanity and extraterrestrial intelligence, providing an engaging plot that stimulates the imagination. The language in the series is technical at times, offering an excellent challenge for intermediate to advanced learners interested in science-related vocabulary. - What You’ll Learn:
- Technical and scientific terms
- Formal and precise Mandarin
- Vocabulary related to space, physics, and problem-solving
- Pro Tip: Look up scientific terms mentioned in the series to broaden your vocabulary while understanding how they’re used in context.
Tips for Learning Chinese with TV Shows
- Use Subtitles Wisely: Start with both English and Mandarin subtitles, then gradually switch to Mandarin-only subtitles as your proficiency improves.
- Focus on Listening: Rewind scenes to listen to challenging phrases multiple times.
- Take Notes: Write down new words, phrases, and idioms to review later.
- Imitate Native Speakers: Mimic the tone and rhythm of the characters to improve pronunciation.
- Consistent Practice: Dedicate time daily to watching and reviewing episodes.
Conclusion
Chinese TV shows on Netflix are an excellent resource for language learners. They provide an immersive experience that combines language acquisition with cultural insights. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, shows like The Untamed, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, and Eternal Love cater to various levels of proficiency.
By integrating TV shows into your learning routine, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the language while enjoying engaging storylines.
FAQs
- Can I learn Chinese effectively by watching TV shows?
Yes, watching TV shows helps you improve listening skills, expand vocabulary, and understand cultural contexts. - Should I use subtitles while learning with TV shows?
Start with both English and Mandarin subtitles, then transition to Mandarin-only subtitles as you progress. - Which show is best for beginners?
Shows like Put Your Head on My Shoulder and A Love So Beautiful are ideal for beginners due to their simple and relatable language. - Are these shows available in all regions on Netflix?
Availability varies by region. Use a VPN or check your local Netflix library. - How can I practice speaking while watching?
Pause and repeat dialogues, mimic characters, and practice speaking aloud to improve fluency.