Learning Chinese is an exciting journey, but finding engaging and accessible resources can be challenging. Luckily, iQIYI, one of the leading streaming platforms, offers a treasure trove of free Chinese drama series perfect for language learners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to seven must-watch Chinese drama series available for free on iQIYI that will not only entertain but also significantly improve your language skills.
We’ll introduce you to Pinyintube, an invaluable Chrome extension that transforms iQIYI into a magical language learning experience.
1. 致我们单纯的小美好 (Zhì wǒmen dān chún de xiǎo měi hǎo) – A Little Thing Called First Love
This heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the journey of Chen Xiaoxi (陈小希), a bright and bubbly high school student, and her not-so-secret crush, the intelligent and aloof Jiang Chen (江辰). As they navigate the complexities of friendship, academic pressures, and the awkwardness of first love, their lives become intertwined in a story of self-discovery and emotional growth.
This movie is perfect for the learners because of the series features natural conversations between students and teachers, making it ideal for practicing basic greetings, classroom vocabulary, and expressions used in daily life.
Slow and clear pronunciation: The youthful characters speak at a moderate pace with clear pronunciation, allowing learners to grasp sentence structures and individual words more easily.
Relatable themes: Universal themes of friendship, teenage crushes, and academic struggles resonate with learners, making the story engaging and memorable.
Example:
陈小希 (Chén xiǎoxī): 江辰，我喜欢你 (Jiāng Chén, wǒ xǐhuān nǐ) – Jiang Chen, I like you. (Simple confession of feelings)
2. 爱上特种兵 (Ài shàng tè zhǒng bīng) – Falling in Love with a Special Forces Soldier
This action-packed drama follows Xia Lin (夏林), a bold and independent doctor, as she crosses paths with Liangliang (梁梁), a stoic and disciplined special forces soldier. Their initial clash of personalities soon evolves into a captivating romance amidst the backdrop of Liangliang’s dangerous missions and Xia Lin’s unwavering support.
Why it’s perfect for learners:
Technical vocabulary: The series introduces military-related terms and commands, expanding your vocabulary in a specific yet interesting domain.
Formal and informal speech: Observe the characters code-switching between formal language in professional settings and informal speech during casual interactions.
Fast-paced dialogue: As the plot thickens, the dialogue becomes quicker, helping learners train their listening comprehension for natural speech patterns.
Example:
梁梁 (Liángliáng): 迅速集合 (Xùsù jíhé) – Assemble quickly. (Military command)
3. 欢乐颂 (Huānlè sòng) – Ode to Joy
This slice-of-life drama revolves around five women from different backgrounds who share an apartment in Shanghai. Each woman grapples with her own career aspirations, family dynamics, and romantic entanglements, offering a relatable and heartwarming portrayal of modern Chinese womanhood.
Why it’s perfect for learners:
Diverse vocabulary: The series covers a wide range of topics, from professional discussions to personal struggles, enriching your vocabulary in various aspects of life.
Emotional expressions: Witness a spectrum of emotions portrayed through dialogue and body language, helping you understand emotional vocabulary and nonverbal cues.
Cultural insights: Gain a glimpse into contemporary Chinese urban life, workplaces, and social interactions, fostering cultural understanding.
Example:
安迪 (Āndì): 你最近很忙吗？ (Nǐ zuìjìn hěn máng ma?) – Are you very busy lately? (Informal way to ask about someone’s well-being)
4. 武林外传 (Wǔlín wài zhuàn) – My Fair Lady
Story: Set in a fictional inn during the Qing Dynasty, this lighthearted comedy explores the lives of its eccentric staff and the various quirky characters who pass through their doors. With its blend of martial arts, slapstick humor, and heartwarming friendships, “My Fair Lady” is a delightful introduction to classical Chinese culture with a modern twist.
Why it’s perfect for learners:
Historical context: Though lighthearted, the series offers glimpses into historical settings, clothing styles, and social norms, providing a cultural context for learning.
Figurative language: The dialogue incorporates some proverbs and idioms, introducing you to common expressions that
Here’s how PinyinTube enhances your learning experience on iQIYI.
With PinyinTube on iQIYI, you delve into the cultural intricacies woven into movies and TV series, expanding your comprehension beyond textbook lessons. PinyinTube shines brightly with Chinese content, and iQIYI’s extensive library presents a wealth of opportunities for language learners. Whether you’re drawn to popular dramas or timeless classics, iQIYI offers captivating content tailored to your interests and learning objectives.
PinyinTube is readily accessible on iQIYI’s free platform, making it an invaluable resource for Chinese learners. While the free version provides essential features of PinyinTube, opting for the premium upgrade unlocks additional benefits, such as voice recording functionality and broader platform compatibility.
Consistent use of PinyinTube alongside iQIYI can greatly enhance your Mandarin listening skills, pronunciation accuracy, and overall language fluency. The best part? PinyinTube remains free on iQIYI! Don’t miss out—download it now while it’s still available at no cost! So, grab your popcorn, tune into your preferred show, and let PinyinTube lead you on a fulfilling journey of language learning!
The best way to learn a language is by imitation. So with PinyinTube, you can enjoy your favorite movie while learning any language.
This instruction video shows how to add PinyinTube to your Chrome extensions.
