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Common Mistakes Made by Chinese English Learners | Native English Reference

Chinglish is a non-native form of English influenced by Chinese grammar, word order, and culture. Below is a complete comparison of common Chinglish errors and natural, standard English expressions used by native speakers.

1. Daily Life Phrases

Chinese Original Meaning Chinglish (Incorrect) Standard English (Correct)
Turn on/off the light open/close the light turn on / turn off the light
The price is high/low The price is expensive/cheap The price is high/low
I like it very much I very like it I like it very much
Wait for you wait you wait for you
Be afraid of the dark afraid dark afraid of the dark

2. Personal Descriptions

Chinese Original Meaning Chinglish (Incorrect) Standard English (Correct)
He is very tall His height is very tall He is very tall
I am very happy I very happy I am very happy
My mother is very kind My mother she is very nice My mother is very kind

3. School & Study

Chinese Original Meaning Chinglish (Incorrect) Standard English (Correct)
Gain knowledge learn knowledge acquire/gain knowledge
Many students many student many students
Go to school go to the school go to school

4. Social & Cultural Phrases

Chinese Original Meaning Chinglish (Incorrect) Standard English (Correct)
Cheer up / Come on add oil come on / keep it up
Take care / See you please walk slowly take care / goodbye
Help yourself eat casually help yourself