BlogHow to Learn ChineseHow to Use Spaced Repetition to Learn Chinese Characters

How to Use Spaced Repetition to Learn Chinese Characters

Chinese characters are beautiful, intricate… and maddeningly easy to forget. You spend hours memorizing 认识 (rènshi, to know), and then BAM! It vanishes from your brain like a sock in the dryer. It’s not your fault. Your brain is just doing what it’s designed to do — prioritize new information and discard the old — unless it thinks the old is really important.

Enter our hero: spaced repetition.

This isn’t some arcane, mystical technique involving chanting in Mandarin under a full moon (though, hey, if that works for you, go for it!). No, the spaced repetition method is a scientifically backed approach to learning that works with your brain, not against it. It’s all about showing those pesky Chinese characters to your brain at just the right moment before they decide to stage a disappearing act.

In this guide, we’ll break down spaced repetition, explore its power, and explain how you can harness it to master Chinese characters (and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of 汉字, hànzì). We’ll cover everything from the basic principles to practical applications.

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What is spaced repetition, exactly?

At its heart, spaced repetition is a learning technique that schedules reviews of learned material based on how well you remember it. The idea is simple: review information just before you’re about to forget it. This optimizes your brain’s ability to move information from short-term to long-term memory.

Think of it like tending a garden. You wouldn’t water the same plant every hour, would you? Some plants need more water; some need less. Spaced repetition works the same way with your brain. Information you remember well needs less frequent revisiting, while the information you struggle with needs more frequent attention.

The science-y bit (don’t worry, we’ll keep it short)

The effectiveness of spaced repetition is rooted in the concept of the “Forgetting Curve,” first identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus way back in the 19th century. Ebbinghaus discovered that we forget information rapidly over time if we don’t review it. However, that forgetting process slows down each time we review the information.

The key principle behind a spaced repetition system is that each review session reinforces the information, moving it to a more lasting location in your memory. This isn’t rote memorization, though. It’s about understanding and connecting with the material. The more you retrieve the information, the stronger the memory trace becomes.

Why is spaced repetition so powerful for learning Chinese characters?

Chinese characters are notoriously tricky. They aren’t like the alphabet! They’re pictographic, morphophonetic symbols that pack a lot of information into one little block of lines. Remembering them requires consistent, strategic review, and that’s where spaced repetition shines.

Here’s why it’s your secret weapon:

Combatting forgetfulness: The forgetting curve is your enemy, and spaced repetition is your shield. It helps you fight against that natural tendency to forget.

Personalized learning: Spaced repetition algorithms adapt to your learning pace. You review what you struggle with most often, ensuring that no weak points slip through the cracks.

Efficiency: You spend less time on material you know well and focus more on what needs the most work. This means you’re learning smarter, not just harder.

Long-term retention: By regularly revisiting characters, you’re moving them into your long-term memory, making them readily available when you need them.

Reduced overwhelm: With a systematic approach, you feel less overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Chinese characters you have to learn.

Putting spaced repetition to work (tools, techniques, and tactics)

While you could manually track the perfect timing for each review session, that sounds exhausting (and we’re all about avoiding that!). That’s why we have spaced repetition systems (SRS), which are software or apps that manage the scheduling for you. Here are some popular options:

Anki: This is a free, open-source SRS that is incredibly powerful and customizable. It uses a flashcard-based approach and allows you to create your own cards or use pre-made decks. It’s a favorite among language learners for its flexibility and effectiveness.

The good: Highly customizable, powerful, free, available on all platforms.
The bad: A steep learning curve can feel clunky at first.

Memrise: This is a more gamified approach to language learning that also uses spaced repetition. It’s known for its engaging visuals and user-friendly interface.

The good: Fun and engaging.
The bad: Less customization than Anki and some content behind a paywall.

Pleco (with add-ons): Pleco is a fantastic dictionary app for Chinese learners, and it has flashcard add-ons that utilize spaced repetition. If you already use Pleco, this might be a convenient option.

The good: Integrated with a dictionary app, convenient for looking up words.
The bad: The flashcard functionality is an add-on and can be a bit pricey.

The Anki spaced repetition system (a closer look)

Let’s focus a bit more on Anki, as it’s often the go-to for serious language learners.

Here’s the basic process of using Anki with Chinese characters:

Create flashcards: You’ll create digital flashcards with the Chinese character on one side and the pinyin, English translation, and possibly even a sentence using the character on the other. You can also add mnemonics (memory aids) to help you remember the character.

Review: Anki will show you flashcards based on how well you remember them. If you recall it easily, you’ll see it again less often. If you struggle, it’ll come up more frequently.

Grading: After looking at the answer side, you will have options (e.g., again, hard, good, easy), which will influence when you see that character next time.

Tips for creating effective flashcards

We’ve written a full guide on getting the most from your flashcards, but here’s the quick version.

Context is king: Don’t just memorize isolated characters. Learn them in context, such as in example words or sentences. This will help you understand how the character is used.

Visual aids: Add images or drawings to your flashcards to make them more engaging and memorable.

Include mnemonics: Use mnemonic techniques to link the character with a memorable story or image. We at Mandarin Blueprint are all about a mnemonic or two.

Don’t be afraid to customize: Anki is very flexible. Experiment with different settings and layouts to find what works best for you. The point of the SRS is to work with your brain, not against it.

Keep it concise: Don’t overwhelm your flashcards with too much information. Just stick to what you need to know.

Practical techniques to enhance your spaced repetition

While Anki is powerful, it’s not the only tool at your disposal. Here are some other techniques to maximize your spaced repetition method:

Active recall: When you see a character, don’t just passively look at it. Try to actively recall its pronunciation and meaning. This strengthens your memory more than passively reviewing.

Mix it up: Don’t just review characters in isolation. Use them in writing exercises, reading, and speaking practice. The more you interact with the language, the better you’ll remember it.

Be consistent: Regular daily review sessions, even if they’re short, are more effective than sporadic marathon sessions. Consistency is key for language learning so treat your SRS like a daily ritual.

Don’t be afraid to fail: If you miss a character, just try again. Sometimes, the best way to remember a character is through the very process of failing to remember it!

Have fun: Learning Chinese should be enjoyable. Find ways to make spaced repetition engaging, whether it’s creating fun mnemonics or using creative card designs.

Making spaced repetition your secret weapon for radical fluency

At Mandarin Blueprint, we believe that learning Chinese should be efficient and enjoyable. Spaced repetition is a key component of our approach because it’s such a powerful tool for memorizing the building blocks of the language.

Here’s how we integrate spaced repetition with our approach.

Foundation phase (building the character blueprint)

Our method breaks down Chinese characters into their basic building blocks — radicals, components, and phonetic elements. Instead of trying to memorize each character as a whole unit, we teach you how to understand its structure. This makes them easier to remember and much more logical.

With that solid foundation in place, spaced repetition becomes even more powerful. Instead of memorizing random squiggles, you’re now actively learning structured elements, making memory more efficient. It also helps to think of each character as a story, making a mnemonic for everyone.

The power of context in spaced repetition (and why we insist on it)

We don’t just teach you to memorize characters; we teach you to understand them in context. That’s why we emphasize learning characters in words and sentences, not in isolation. The reason is simple. It’s easier to recall a character when you’re thinking about how it is used. If you see 我 (wǒ, I) in the sentence “我喜欢你” (wǒ xǐhuan nǐ, I like you), it’s easier to remember than just a random character on its own.

Mnemonics are your secret weapon for supercharged character learning

We’re big believers in the power of mnemonics to make character learning stick. Our unique Hanzi Movie Method helps you link each character with a memorable image or story. Adding these mnemonics to your flashcards can turbocharge your learning.

Imagine trying to remember the character for “listen” (听, tīng). Our mnemonic? “A mouth (口, kǒu) listens to an axe (斤, jīn).” It’s weird, but it’s memorable. This approach uses your imagination and emotions, turning rote learning into an engaging exercise.

Integrating spaced repetition into your daily routine

The key to success with spaced repetition isn’t about spending hours glued to your flashcard deck. It’s about making it a regular part of your routine. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Morning ritual: Start your day with a quick review session.
Lunch break booster: Use your lunch break to squeeze in some spaced repetition.
Evening wind-down: Do your reviews right before bed.

The key is consistency. Don’t let days slip by without looking at the characters you’re learning. Treat it like a non-negotiable appointment with your future fluent self.

Related Reading: Can You Learn Chinese While You Sleep?

From spaced repetition novice to Mandarin master

Learning Chinese characters can sometimes feel like scaling a monumental wall — daunting, challenging, and occasionally populated with mischievous gremlins who like to swap strokes. But armed with the knowledge of how to use a spaced repetition method, you’re not just staring at a seemingly insurmountable barrier; you’re holding the blueprints to your very own ladder.

We’ve shown you how the spaced repetition system combats the dreaded forgetting curve, making long-term memorization of those complex Chinese characters not just achievable but actually quite enjoyable. Imagine transforming your frustrating memorization sessions into strategically planned exercises in efficient knowledge acquisition.

This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s the science-backed power of spaced repetition, now tailored specifically for your Mandarin ambitions.

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