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So, you're wondering where in the world Chinese is spoken? Don't worry, you're in the right place. If you thought Mandarin was reserved for China and a few peaceful temples deep in the mountains, think again: Chinese has traveled far and wide, even finding its way into the suitcases of expats, the hearts of diasporas, and the textbooks of several countries.
Chinese—primarily Mandarin—is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. But the real question, the one that's been nagging us, is: in which countries do people actually speak Chinese? And we're talking about a significant presence here, not just a Chinese restaurant on the corner.
Spoiler: there are 21 of them. And not just China's neighbors! Come on, let's pack our linguistic suitcases and take a look around.
Let's start with the simplest: China. Unsurprisingly, it's the birthplace of Mandarin Chinese, the official language, used in government, education, the media, and even in Beijing's traffic jams (yes, they shout in Mandarin there too). There are also other Chinese dialects like Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Hakka, but Mandarin rules. And in this linguistic diversity, each dialect brings its own unique touch, a bit like a collection of Chinese hats : different styles, but all stemming from the same rich and fascinating culture.
Standard Chinese (Putonghua) is taught in schools, used in official documents, and understood by the overwhelming majority of the population. In short, if you speak Mandarin, you'll be understood in Shanghai, Chengdu, or Urumqi. Not bad, eh?
In Taiwan, Mandarin is also spoken. It's even the country's official language . But beware: Taiwanese Mandarin has its own accent, local expressions, and pronunciation peculiarities. A bit like Quebec French for us French speakers.
In Taiwan, everything is done in Mandarin: television, newspapers, conversations at the market. But you'll also hear other languages like Taiwanese (a Min Nan language) or Hakka. It's a bit of a linguistic cocktail, but Mandarin still rules.
Singapore is the ultimate melting pot. There are four official languages here, and Chinese is one of them (along with English, Malay, and Tamil). In fact, it's the most widely spoken language at home , according to statistics.
In Singapore, Mandarin has gradually replaced traditional dialects such as Hokkien and Cantonese. A policy called the "Speak Mandarin Campaign" was launched in the 1970s to unify the Chinese population around Mandarin, while promoting cultural elements such as Chinese robes .
In Malaysia, Chinese has no official status, but it is everywhere . About 20% of the population is of Chinese descent, and many speak Mandarin or dialects like Cantonese, Hokkien, or Hakka.
There are even Chinese schools (called SJK(C)) where instruction is in Mandarin. The government tolerates this diversity, and you will find Chinese-language newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations.
Indonesia has a slightly more complex history with Chinese. For a long time, the language was repressed, especially under Suharto. But since the 2000s, Mandarin has made a comeback , particularly in schools and the media.
Today, Indonesians of Chinese descent can learn Mandarin, use it in business, and watch Chinese series without hiding. It's a wonderful linguistic revenge.
In Thailand, it's not uncommon to hear Chinese spoken in shopping districts. About 14% of the population is of Chinese descent, and while many have been assimilated, the language survives, especially in Sino-Thai communities, where traditions such as the Lunar New Year and the wearing of Hanfu at cultural events are still celebrated.
More and more Thai schools are offering Mandarin Chinese courses. It has become a popular choice, especially for those who want to pursue careers in business or tourism.
Manila is certainly not Beijing, but Chinese has found its place there . The Chinese community is influential, especially in business. Mandarin is taught in Chinese schools and used in some media.
In Chinatowns (like Binondo), you can even order your dim sum in Mandarin, which isn't unpleasant at all.
Chinese was the language of administration in Vietnam for over 1,000 years . Although Vietnamese is still spoken today, Chinese has left its mark on the vocabulary and culture.
Nowadays, Mandarin is taught as a foreign language, and much trade with China has revived its learning.
Yes, Chinese is spoken in the United States too! It's even the third most spoken language at home , after English and Spanish. Not bad for an Asian language, right?
From New York to the streets of San Francisco, Mandarin (and Cantonese!) resonates between buildings. Schools offer Chinese lessons, businesses integrate it into their services, and even children want to learn it (thanks, TikTok?). Between viral videos and stylish choreographies, Chinese fans are also making an appearance, symbols of a culture that seduces and invites itself everywhere.
Canada, always very open to the world, is home to a large Chinese community, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto. Mandarin is a widely spoken language in homes .
Chinese children often grow up speaking Mandarin, English, and sometimes Cantonese. And Canadian schools are not shy about offering Chinese as a foreign language.
In Australia, too, Mandarin is part of the landscape. In some cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, it is the most widely spoken language at home after English .
Chinese is taught in many schools and universities. And with Asia's proximity, speaking Mandarin is a real plus for doing business.
Mandarin is gaining ground in the UK. The Chinese community is well established, and Mandarin is becoming an increasingly popular foreign language taught in secondary schools.
With the economic relations between London and Beijing, speaking Chinese is an asset that young Britons do not want to miss.
In France, Chinese is not widely spoken in homes, but it is popular in schools . It is even one of the most popular languages chosen as LV2 or LV3.
In Paris, Chinatown is a hotspot for Mandarin. And with cultural and commercial exchanges, more and more French people are taking it up. Not always with the right intonation, but the desire is there—a bit like learning how to use chopsticks for the first time.
With the growth of Sino-African relations, Chinese is increasingly being taught in South Africa . There is even a Confucius Institute in the country.
Mandarin is offered in some schools, especially private ones, and economic ties with China encourage its learning.
Mauritius is a gem of diversity. Among its languages, Mandarin finds its place , particularly thanks to the Sino-Mauritian community.
Chinese schools, temples, Chinese-language newspapers: the island also lives to the rhythm of Beijing... in its own way.
Brunei is small, but open. Chinese is spoken by a small part of the population , particularly the descendants of Chinese migrants.
Mandarin is taught, and even if it is not official, it is very present.
In northern Myanmar, near China, Mandarin is spoken by many communities. There are many exchanges, sometimes marked by shared traditions such as the Chinese Gong , and the language is very much alive.
It's not everywhere in the country, but where Chinese is spoken, it REALLY speaks Chinese.
Cambodia is home to a large Chinese diaspora. And Mandarin is taught in several private schools , especially in Phnom Penh.
Economic relations with China are boosting interest in the language, especially among young people.
In Laos, they speak Lao, of course. But Chinese is never far away. It's spoken in some villages and taught in the big cities.
Nothing official, but a stable and growing presence.
We couldn't forget Hong Kong! Here, Cantonese reigns supreme, but Mandarin is gaining ground, especially in government offices and schools. Amidst gleaming skyscrapers and bustling markets, there's also a wide selection of Chinese watches , a symbol of the ever-stronger bond between tradition and modernity.
In Hong Kong, you have to juggle three languages: English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Not easy, but exciting.
In Macau, as in Hong Kong, Cantonese dominates , but Mandarin is increasingly present . It is found in schools and in official relations with Beijing.
Between Portuguese, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Macau is a veritable all-you-can-eat buffet of languages. But Chinese, in its various forms, is everywhere, as is the case inseveral other places .
So there you have it, the 21 countries where Chinese is spoken. From China to Australia, via the United States, Mauritius, and Singapore, Mandarin has become a veritable linguistic passport . It's not uncommon today to come across a Swede or a Brazilian who throws you a "Nǐ hǎo" without batting an eyelid.
Chinese is more than a language. It's a bridge between cultures, an economic force, and sometimes... a real pain to learn. But hey, if millions of people can do it, why can't you?