Which is more usefull to learn? Chinese or japanese?

Question

I'm currently learning japanese, but some people have told me it might be more usefull to know chinese instead? anyone know of any truth in this?

Answer 1

Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) is a language everyone should know. Japanese is not as valuable because not as many people speak it (it's good to know the basics to get by plus it is sometimes used in Taiwan); Korean is also a better choice. In all likelihood it is the original Japanese. Koreans are far less insular than the Japanese, and would be more open to honest interaction. Besides, South Korea is becoming a super power in the business world. It's the Subject Object Verb language to know. But it's harder because there are far fewer loan words from the West
But learn Chinese, it's very easy by comparison, and China is currently the world's biggest producer. India will surpass it in like 15 - 20 years.

Answer 2

Well, it all depends which language you plan on using. If you're learning Japanese because you think it'll be easier learning Chinese, I'd suggest you just go straight into learning Chinese.
People think all because some languages are similar, that it'll be easier learning the other if you master the harder one (or easier one) first. That is sooo not true. My mom is from the Philippines & the language borrows from Malay & Spanish, but it has hardly helped me in learning either languages.

Personally, I think Japanese is a much easier language to learn considering their 3 alphabets don't have as many characters as the Chinese alphabet, plus more people seem to be more interested in Japan what with their anime & overall culture & style.

Answer 3

This depends entirely on what you plan to do with the language.

Overall, though, I would say that Chinese is more useful (and becoming more so by the day) as they have a larger and faster-growing economy. There are also a LOT more Chinese people than Japanese.

Answer 4

if u r current learning jap why drop this cus wat someone said.
thats sounds silly.

but i do know it is or could be more useful to learn chinese because of th einfluence they have on the world especially in politics n being the largest growing economy.but they r kinda similar this u will learn later.ther both came down from the persions in some time ago this is the reson why so many languages r similar eg spanish n portugese.because of their origin in latin(the founder of all modern languges.

Answer 5

It depends on your ultimate goal - how you plan to use your new language once you have become fluent. I don't know why it might be "more useful" to learn Chinese. The two languages have equal value

Answer 6

It would certainly be more beneficial to learn Mandarin. That is the language used for all business in China.

Answer 7

I think is more use to Chinese because of economic reasons.

Answer 8

Question cannot be answered intelligently. Useful for what? Business? Phone sex? Ordering take-out?

Answer 9

China has far more people than Japan and American is becoming increasingly involved in their economics.

Answer 10

id say chinese their population and economy r growing