Chinese Character Comparisons
Master commonly confused Chinese characters with clear explanations, examples, and memory tips.
Same Sound, Different Meaning
Characters that sound alike but have different uses
那 vs 哪: That vs Which/Where
那 means "that" (demonstrative); 哪 means "which" or "where" (interrogative).
做 vs 作: Everyday Actions vs Formal Creations
做 is for concrete, everyday actions; 作 is for abstract, formal, or creative work.
在 vs 再: Location vs Repetition
在 indicates location or ongoing action; 再 means "again" or "then" for future actions.
Understanding 的, 得, and 地: The Three "de" Particles
的 modifies nouns (possession/description), 得 follows verbs to indicate degree/result, 地 precedes verbs to describe manner of action.
Similar Looking Characters
Characters that look alike but have different meanings
Similar Meanings, Different Usage
Characters with related meanings used in different contexts
说 vs 讲 vs 谈: Different Ways to "Speak" in Chinese
说 is general speaking; 讲 is explaining/lecturing; 谈 is discussing/chatting.
会 vs 能 vs 可以: Can, Able, and May in Chinese
会 = learned skill; 能 = physical/circumstantial ability; 可以 = permission or possibility.
看 vs 见 vs 望: Different Ways to "See" in Chinese
看 is active looking; 见 is perceiving/meeting; 望 is gazing into the distance or hoping.
Demonstratives & Pronouns
This, that, and personal pronouns
All Comparisons
说 vs 讲 vs 谈: Different Ways to "Speak" in Chinese
说 is general speaking; 讲 is explaining/lecturing; 谈 is discussing/chatting.
会 vs 能 vs 可以: Can, Able, and May in Chinese
会 = learned skill; 能 = physical/circumstantial ability; 可以 = permission or possibility.
看 vs 见 vs 望: Different Ways to "See" in Chinese
看 is active looking; 见 is perceiving/meeting; 望 is gazing into the distance or hoping.
买 vs 卖: Buy vs Sell
买 (mǎi) means "to buy"; 卖 (mài) means "to sell". Note the extra 十 on top of 卖.
己 vs 已 vs 巳: Three Similar Characters
己 (jǐ) means "self"; 已 (yǐ) means "already"; 巳 (sì) is the 6th Earthly Branch (9-11am).
那 vs 哪: That vs Which/Where
那 means "that" (demonstrative); 哪 means "which" or "where" (interrogative).
他 vs 她 vs 它: Chinese Pronouns for He, She, and It
他 is for males, 她 is for females, 它 is for animals and objects. All pronounced "tā".
做 vs 作: Everyday Actions vs Formal Creations
做 is for concrete, everyday actions; 作 is for abstract, formal, or creative work.
在 vs 再: Location vs Repetition
在 indicates location or ongoing action; 再 means "again" or "then" for future actions.
Understanding 的, 得, and 地: The Three "de" Particles
的 modifies nouns (possession/description), 得 follows verbs to indicate degree/result, 地 precedes verbs to describe manner of action.