Ever feel like you’re reading the same page over and over, but nothing sticks? Or maybe you’ve got a big exam coming up, and the thought of cramming all that information makes your head spin.

We’ve all been there. Staring at a textbook, hoping the words will magically transport themselves into our long-term memory. But what if there was a smarter way to learn?

It turns out there is. For generations, Chinese students have used powerful, yet simple, techniques to master difficult subjects and ace their exams. These aren't magic tricks. they're brain-friendly strategies that work with how we naturally learn.

Forget pulling all-nighters. Here are five proven Chinese tricks to help you learn and memorise anything faster.

1. Zìwǒ Jiěshì – The "Teach It to Yourself" Trick

Have you ever tried to explain something to a friend and suddenly realised you don't understand it as well as you thought? That’s the magic of this technique.

What it is: Zìwǒ Jiěshì literally means self-explanation. Instead of just passively reading your notes, you actively teach the concept to yourself.

How to do it:
After you study a topic, close the book. Now, try to explain it out loud, as if you were teaching it to someone who knows nothing about it. Use your own words. Draw diagrams. If you get stuck on a part, that’s your cue! It shows you exactly where the gap in your knowledge is. Go back, review that specific section, and then try explaining it again.

Why it works: Teaching forces your brain to organise information in a clear, simple way. It’s the ultimate test of whether you truly understand something or have just skimmed it.

2. Kèyì Liànxí – The Power of Deliberate Practice

Do you ever find yourself just re-reading the chapters you already know because it feels good and easy? That’s normal, but it’s not effective. Deliberate practice is the opposite.

What it is: Kèyì Liànxí means focusing only on what you find difficult. It’s about targeting your weaknesses instead of practicing your strengths.

How to do it:
After a practice test or quiz, don't just look at your score. Find every single question you got wrong. This is your new study guide. Spend 80% of your time working on these specific types of problems or concepts. If you’re learning a language, don’t just repeat the easy words. drill the ones you always forget.

Why it works: This method is all about efficiency. It stops you from wasting time on what you already know and forces you to put your energy where it matters most. This is how you make real progress, fast.

3. Cuòtí Běn – Your "Mistake Notebook"

Mistakes aren't failures. they are lessons. This technique turns that idea into a powerful study tool.

What it is: Cuòtí Běn is a dedicated notebook where you record only your mistakes.

How to do it:
Get a new notebook. Every time you make a mistake on a test, in your homework, or during practice, write it down. But don't just write the correct answer. Structure it like this:

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1. Write the original question.
2. Write down your wrong answer.
3. Write the correct answer.
4. Most importantly: Write a short sentence about why you made the mistake. (e.g., "I forgot the formula," "I misread the question," "I made a simple calculation error.")

Why it works: This notebook becomes a personalised guide to what you need to work on. Regularly reviewing your Cuòtí Běn helps you see patterns in your errors and stops you from making the same mistakes again and again.

4. Jiàngé Fùxí – Master with Spaced Revision

Cramming the night before a test might get you a passing grade, but you’ll forget everything a week later. Spaced revision is the secret to long-term memory.

What it is: Jiàngé Fùxí means reviewing information at increasing intervals of time.

How to do it:
Instead of studying a topic for three hours in one go, break it up. Here’s a simple schedule:

• Review 1: A day after learning it.
• Review 2: A few days later.
• Review 3: A week later.
• Review 4: A month later.

Each review doesn't have to be long even 10-15 minutes is enough to refresh your memory.

Why it works: Our brains forget things over time. By reviewing just as you’re about to forget, you signal to your brain that this information is important and needs to be stored for the long haul.

5. Chāifēn Xuéxí – The Art of "Chunking"

Looking at an entire syllabus or a huge chapter can feel incredibly overwhelming. The 'chunking' method makes it manageable.

What it is: Chāifēn Xuéxí is the practice of breaking down a large topic into smaller, bite-sized pieces or 'chunks.'

How to do it:
Don't try to memorise an entire chapter at once. Instead, divide it into smaller sections with subheadings. Focus on understanding just one small chunk at a time. Once you feel confident with that piece, move on to the next. It’s like eating a pizza you eat it one slice at a time, not all at once!

Why it works: Chunking reduces stress and makes learning feel less intimidating. It helps you build a solid foundation of knowledge step-by-step, ensuring you understand each part before moving on.

Ready to Learn Smarter?

You don't need to be a genius to learn effectively. You just need the right strategy. Pick one or two of these Chinese study tricks and try them out this week. You might be surprised at how much faster you learn and how much more you remember.

Happy learning