I am thinking about studying to learn Chinese, which is better Cantonese or Mandarin?

Answer 1

Mandarin, for it is the national language of China and Taiwan. So, wherever you are, whether in China or Taiwan, and elsewhere, in any Chinatown of big cities of the world, you are safe with Mandarin, and you could communicate effectively..

Answer 2

Definitely mandarin. It is spoken by the majority of the population in China, also spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore and parts of Vietnam. It is easier to learn than Cantonese, more formal and well mannered. Cantonese is actually a dialect, the way you speak it and the way you read written Cantonese is totally different, and very confusing for some. If you learn Mandarin first, you'll find is alot easier to pick up Cantonese later than vice versa the situation.

祝你順利!　（Zhu Ni Shun Li! =Wish you good luck!)

Answer 3

It depends on where you are going to use it. Mandarin is the most spoken language in Mainland China and Taiwan (which makes it the most spoken language in the world), but in Hong Kong, its surrounding area and overseas, Cantonese is the most spoken because they are the ones that actually migrated to this continent. What's more, I speak Cantonese and no, I can't understand Mandarin.

Answer 4

It all depends on what you want to do. If you are wanting do something with Hongkong, Guangdong (south part of China) or most Chinese in America (though this is now changing) then Cantonese is your best bet.
If you want to do something with Taiwan, most of China, Singapore, Malaysia, and many overseas Chinese (notable Europe, but it is getting bigger in N. America as well) then Mandarin.
Once you have decided the reasons why you are wanting to learn Chinese, then you are able to make the choice of which dialect to learn.
Myself, I have just learnt Mandarin. It is the most common dialect (offical language of China as well as in Taiwan).

Answer 5

I think mandarin is widely spoken in china, singapore, taiwan and also malaysia, while cantonese is mostly spoken in hong kong. so i guess learning mandarin is better and its more useful in the future.

Answer 6

Of Course, Mandarin. Only 5% Chinese can speak Cantonese.
"Dialects of Chinese Pronunciation" Please read: http://www.hellomandarin.com/ilovechinese/easy/20060620-07.html

Suggestion: Watch CLTV - Chinese Learning TV Free Program - http://cltv.hellomandarin.com

Answer 7

Mandarin, cantonese is quite a bit more difficult.

Answer 8

Mandarin is more important and mostly used. but Cantonese is more interesting for me.

Answer 9

Unless you are going to Hong Kong, learn Mandarin.

Answer 10

Better is relative. However, Mandarin is much more valuable in the business world, and more widely spoken in general.