What Chinese Language Is the Most Common?

What Chinese Language Is the Most Common?

When people say they want to learn "Chinese," what they usually mean is Mandarin—but Chinese isn't just one language. It's actually a language family made up of many spoken varieties, some of which are as different from each other as Spanish is from Italian.

So, what is the most commonly spoken Chinese language?
Let’s break it down.

1. Mandarin: The Most Common Chinese Language

Mandarin (普通话 / Pǔtōnghuà) is by far the most widely spoken Chinese language. It's the official language of:

• Mainland China

• Taiwan (known there as 国语 / Guóyǔ)

• Singapore (known there as 华语 / Huáyǔ)

Mandarin is also taught in schools, used in media, and spoken in government and business. According to estimates:

• Over 70% of Chinese people speak Mandarin as a first or second language

• There are more than 900 million native Mandarin speakers—the largest of any language in the world

2. Other Major Chinese Languages

While Mandarin is the most common, many regions of China (and overseas communities) speak other Chinese languages, often called "dialects," though they are usually not mutually intelligible.

Here are a few of the most prominent:

Cantonese (粤语 / Yuèyǔ)

• Spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and parts of Guangdong

• Widely used in overseas Chinese communities in Canada, Malaysia, and the U.S.

• Known for its rich tone system (6–9 tones) and cultural identity

Hokkien (闽南语 / Mǐnnányǔ)

• Spoken in Taiwan, Fujian, Singapore, and Malaysia

• Includes variants like Teochew, Amoy, and Penang Hokkien

• Strong presence in Southeast Asia’s Chinese diaspora

Hakka (客家话 / Kèjiāhuà)

• Spoken in Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia

• Known for preserving many ancient Chinese features

Shanghainese (吴语 / Wúyǔ)

• A branch of Wu Chinese spoken in Shanghai and surrounding areas

• Not mutually intelligible with Mandarin

3. Mandarin as the National Standard

In an effort to promote national unity, China introduced Mandarin as the standard spoken language in schools and public life. This means:

• Most people in urban areas speak Mandarin fluently, even if it’s not their native language

• Local dialects may still be spoken at home or within communities, especially among older generations

4. What Should You Learn First?

If you're learning Chinese as a second language, Mandarin is the most practical and useful choice. Here’s why:

• It’s the official language used across the country and in Chinese-speaking regions

• Learning materials, teachers, and courses are easiest to find in Mandarin

• It’s used in business, education, travel, and government

However, if you're connecting with a specific region or community—like Hong Kong (Cantonese) or Taiwan (Mandarin + Hokkien)—you may want to learn the local language in addition to or instead of Mandarin.

In Summary

Final Thoughts

Mandarin is the most commonly spoken Chinese language—and the best place to start if you're learning Chinese for the first time. But Chinese linguistic diversity runs deep, and each regional language offers its own unique charm and cultural identity.

Whether for business, travel, or heritage, choosing the right variety of Chinese to learn depends on your goals, location, and personal connection to the language.