Meaning & use
intermediate Chinese
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Meanings
noununcountable
The level of ability in the Chinese language that is between beginner and advanced.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: 'She is studying intermediate Chinese.'
Patterns
- study intermediate Chinese
- intermediate Chinese course
- intermediate Chinese level
He took a class in intermediate Chinese to improve his conversation skills.
After two years of study, she reached intermediate Chinese.
The textbook is designed for intermediate Chinese learners.
adjectivebefore a noun
Of or relating to a middle level of Chinese language instruction or proficiency.
Grammar: Used before a noun: 'intermediate Chinese grammar'.
Patterns
- intermediate Chinese class
- intermediate Chinese textbook
The intermediate Chinese exam includes reading and writing sections.
She teaches an intermediate Chinese course at the university.
Common combinations
- intermediate Chinese course
- The intermediate Chinese course focuses on speaking and listening.
- intermediate Chinese level
- His intermediate Chinese level allows him to read simple newspapers.
- intermediate Chinese learner
- Intermediate Chinese learners often struggle with tones.
- intermediate Chinese grammar
- The book covers intermediate Chinese grammar in detail.
Synonyms and how they differ
- middle-level Chinese
- Less common and more literal, but can be used in some contexts to mean the same.
Opposites
Word family
- Chinese noun
- The language spoken in China and other places.
- intermediate adjective
- At a middle level.
Commonly confused: intermediate Chinese or Mandarin?
intermediate Chinese vs Mandarin
Mandarin is a specific dialect of Chinese, while intermediate Chinese refers to a proficiency level in the language, which could be in Mandarin or another variety.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'intermediate Chinese' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Intermediate Chinese' is a level of language ability, so it correctly describes a class in option A. Option B is contradictory because 'fluently like a native' suggests advanced, not intermediate. Option C uses it as a food, and option D as a place, both incorrect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “intermediate Chinese”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.