Japanese VS Mandarin - Which is more difficult?

@ryivhnn: I’m doing both simultaneously coz I’m dumb and it’s simultaneously helping me learn the other and also confusing the hell out of me 🤣

@ai-summaries: Here is a detailed summary article about the episode: Comparing the Difficulty of Learning Japanese and Mandarin Chinese After years of studying both Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, the host shares insights on which language is more challenging to learn. However, they caution that the answer is not straightforward, as language difficulty depends on a variety of factors. Pronunciation Differences The host found Japanese pronunciation relatively easy, allowing them to start speaking the language quickly. In contrast, Mandarin's four tones presented more of a hurdle, though the host was able to develop a decent accent through imitation. Grammar Complexities One of the biggest challenges with Japanese was navigating the different levels of politeness, each with their own grammatical structures. Constantly having to choose the appropriate level made speaking Japanese mentally demanding. Mandarin grammar, on the other hand, was more straightforward for the host. Vocabulary Breadth The host noted that Japanese people tend to have a very expansive active vocabulary, making it difficult to understand media and literature without knowing a large number of words. Mandarin conversations, while still requiring substantial vocabulary, tended to use simpler, more common terms. Writing Systems Learning hiragana, katakana, and kanji in Japanese was tricky initially, but became manageable once the host got accustomed to the writing system. Mandarin's character based script, without an alphabet, was more overwhelming for lengthy reading and writing tasks. Opportunities to Practice The host had an easier time speaking Mandarin due to more chances to converse with friends. In Japan, the cultural tendency towards shyness provided fewer opportunities for spontaneous practice, especially when sober. Influence of Prior Language Experience The host's previous experience learning Japanese made Mandarin's Chinese characters easier to pick up. Conversely, someone with a Korean language background would likely find Japanese grammar more accessible. Goals and Interests Ultimately, the host found Mandarin slightly easier overall, in large part because their goals centered more on casual conversation rather than consuming media or literature. For those aiming to study academic or literary topics in the respective languages, the challenges may be quite different. In conclusion, there is no simple answer to which language is more difficult. The relative ease or difficulty depends heavily on the learner's background, strengths, interests, and specific learning objectives. Understanding these factors is key to assessing one's own language learning journey.