How to Remember Chinese Vocabulary by Theme (IGCSE Guide)
Trying to memorize 500 random Chinese words? There's a better way.
The Problem with Random Lists
Most students memorize like this:
- 学习 (xuéxí - study)
- 苹果 (píngguǒ - apple)
- 高兴 (gāoxìng - happy)
Result: Forget 70% within a week.
Why? Your brain needs connections, not random words.
The Solution: Learn by Theme
Group words by real-life situations.
Example: Restaurant Theme
餐厅 (cāntīng - restaurant) → 菜单 (càidān - menu) → 点菜 (diǎncài - order) → 服务员 (fúwùyuán - waiter) → 买单 (mǎidān - pay)
These connect to ONE experience. Easy to remember!
8 IGCSE Themes
1. Personal Identity
2. Daily Life
3. School
4. Food & Dining
5. Shopping
6. Travel
7. Health
8. Technology
How to Use This Method
Step 1: Pick one theme per week
Focus on mastering one context at a time.
Step 2: Create a story
"我早上七点起床,刷牙洗脸,吃早饭,八点上学。"
(Wǒ zǎoshang qī diǎn qǐchuáng, shuāyá xǐliǎn, chī zǎofàn, bā diǎn shàngxué.)
"I wake up at 7am, brush my teeth and wash my face, eat breakfast, go to school at 8."
Learn 10+ words in context!
Step 3: Visualize the scene
Picture yourself doing these actions. The more vivid, the better.
Step 4: Use the words this week
Speak, write, listen. Active use = long-term memory.
Step 5: Quick review before next theme
5-minute review keeps it fresh.
Pro Tips
Opposite Pairs:
买 (mǎi - buy) ↔ 卖 (mài - sell)
便宜 (piányi - cheap) ↔ 贵 (guì - expensive)
One memory slot, two words!
Action Sequences:
进餐厅 (jìn cāntīng - enter restaurant) → 找位子 (zhǎo wèizi - find seat) → 看菜单 (kàn càidān - look at menu) → 点菜 (diǎncài - order) → 吃饭 (chīfàn - eat) → 买单 (mǎidān - pay)
Learn the process, not random words.
8-Week Plan
Week 1: Personal Identity
Week 2: Daily Life
Week 3: School
Week 4: Food
Week 5: Shopping
Week 6: Travel
Week 7: Health
Week 8: Technology
Result: 400-600 words organized by theme!
IGCSE Exam Benefits
📖 Reading:
Context = faster understanding
🗣️ Speaking:
Theme folder opens instantly
✍️ Writing:
Complete vocabulary ready
👂 Listening:
Predict words by theme
Try Now
Pick "Daily Routine" theme.
- Write 5 morning words
- Write 5 school words
- Write 5 evening words
Create ONE sentence using 3 words.
Want structured practice?
Pack #2: Vocabulary Mastery (Coming Jan 2026)