Survey on Chinese Language Learning: Can Chinese be Mastered in 30-60 Minutes a Day? Survey of 97 HSK Test Takers Reveals Working Adults Tend to Continue Short-Time Study

Glats Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Satoshi Sugihara), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara) and provider of the online Chinese conversation service "CC LESSON," conducted a survey on Chinese language learning among 97 HSK (Chinese government-certified global standard Chinese proficiency test) Level 1-2 test takers. This survey revealed that many cases involve continuous study of 30-60 minutes a day, leading to challenging the HSK beginner level in 1-3 months. While Chinese is often perceived as having a high barrier to acquisition, the survey clarified that even working adults can challenge the beginner level by utilizing their spare time. ■ Is Chinese really difficult? In recent years, language learning has gained attention as a means of reskilling for working adults, and the demand for Chinese language professionals is increasing. On the other hand, many people hesitate to start learning Chinese due to its image as a "difficult language to master." Therefore, this survey investigated the necessary study period and daily study time until the exam, based on data from HSK Level 1-2 test takers. ■ Detailed Survey Results

・Most common study time is 30-60 minutes a day ・Study frequency is mostly "daily" or "2-3 times a week" ・The study period until the exam is mainly 1-3 months ① Many people start learning at a beginner level The responses showed that many people started learning from a beginner level, indicating that a considerable number of people challenge the HSK starting from zero Chinese knowledge. ② "Short-time x continuous" study of 30-60 minutes a day is mainstream The survey results showed that the most common study time was "30-60 minutes a day." Also, the study frequency was "daily" or "2-3 times a week," indicating a tendency for many people to continue at a manageable pace. This suggests that a learning style of continuous short-time study, rather than long hours of intensive study, is mainstream. ③ Aim to reach "simple daily conversation level" in as little as 1 month, generally 1-3 months The most common study period until the exam was "1-3 months," revealing that many challenge the HSK exam in a relatively short period. HSK Level 1-2 is considered the level where one understands basic vocabulary and expressions and can engage in simple daily conversations. These results indicate that even those with no prior Chinese experience can aim to acquire basic communication skills through short-term study. ④ Many test takers reported, "I was able to continue even in my spare time." Many test takers commented, "I was able to continue learning by studying for just 5 minutes during my commute," and "The habit of listening for only 10 minutes before going to bed was effective." They also frequently said, "It wasn't as difficult as I thought," suggesting that it is an achievable goal with proper preparation. This survey revealed that Chinese is not a language that requires long hours of study, but rather one that can be aimed for acquisition through the accumulation of short study sessions utilizing spare time. Chinese can be considered one of the realistic options for reskilling among working adults. ■ Survey Overview Target of this survey: HSK Level 1-2 test takers Number of responses: 97 Survey method: Questionnaire survey Survey period: March 3 to March 10, 2026 Details here: https://www.cclesson.com/blog/archives/4025 ■ Online Chinese Conversation CC LESSON CC LESSON is an online Chinese learning service operated by the Gakken Group, which has over 80 years of history as an educational publisher. Since its establishment in 2008, it has a track record of being used by over 30,000 Chinese language learners and offers one-on-one lessons by approximately 500 instructors. It features a flexible lesson system that caters to various goals, from beginners to advanced learners. It provides a learning environment that is easy to continue, with reasonable pricing utilizing Gakken's unique educational know-how, learning support through instructor comments, and a discounted exam system as an HSK certified school. Furthermore, new learning methods such as AI instructors and video materials have been introduced, aiming to be a service where anyone can enjoy and acquire practical "speaking Chinese skills." ■ Glats Co., Ltd. Glats Co., Ltd. is an EdTech company that provides online English conversation services and online Chinese services, with the motto "Real learning with the best technology." ・Kimini English Conversation Official Website: https://kimini.online/company/ ・Gakken Online English Conversation for School: https://kimini.online/school/ ・CC LE