Are Chinese good at maths?
Christopher Davis
Updated on April 25, 2026
Chinese is better for math, research shows
Some studies suggest yes. “The digit system is very simple in Chinese,” Leung says, “making at least arithmetic very easy to learn.” Researchers of early childhood education have found that the way a language describes numbers can affect how quickly children do sums.How hard is math in China?
When it comes to school mathematics, China sets notoriously high standards. The format and difficulty of the Chinese Gao Kao (High School Examinations) varies somewhat throughout China. But mathematics is compulsory everywhere. Below are 3 multiple choice questions I have translated from the 2021 Shanghai Gao Kao¹.Does Chinese make math easier?
Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Turkish use simpler number words and express math concepts more clearly than English, making it easier for small children to learn counting and arithmetic, research shows.How the Chinese do maths?
The Chinese Method, or stick method, of multiplication involves properly placing and crossing sticks. You simply lay out sticks consistent with the place values of the digits being multiplied. Then, you count the places where the sticks cross.Which country is good at maths?
Singapore is the highest-performing country in mathematics, with a mean score of 564 points – more than 70 points above the OECD average. Three countries/economies – Hong Kong (China), Macao (China) and Chinese Taipei – perform below Singapore, but higher than any OECD country in PISA.Are Chinese People Really Good At Math? | ASIAN BOSS
Which country is smartest?
Another OECD study, which used multiple data points including adult education level, chose Canada as the most intelligent nation. Japan placed second, while Israel came in third. Other high-ranking nations include Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Finland.Are Indian good at maths?
MUMBAI: Here's proof that Indians have a flair for mathematics. Indians scored higher than the global average in GMAT's quantitative section that tests math skills in 2010. But Chinese students have the highest average in quantitative scores, and India is far behind, at seventh position.Why is China better at math?
Chinese is better for math, research shows“The digit system is very simple in Chinese,” Leung says, “making at least arithmetic very easy to learn.” Researchers of early childhood education have found that the way a language describes numbers can affect how quickly children do sums. Take the number 11, for example.
Why are Chinese students smart?
The academic achievement Chinese students have can due to many variables such as past experience, family environment, and even thinking patterns. Besides the “smart” stereotype, there are also “not creative”, “rich”, and many other stereotypes about Chinese students.Why are Chinese students so good?
Different Education CultureChildren in China are taught to investigate and take responsibility for their learning. The parental engagement in children's education is much higher in the Asian culture, which means that getting good grades, a degree, and a well-paid job is one of the top priorities of parents.
Are Japanese good at math?
In international tests, Japanese students outperform US students in math skills and concepts. Despite cultural differences, many educators insist that there is much US teachers could learn from how they learn.How is maths taught in China?
The Chinese curriculum in maths is a nine-year programme divided into four mathematical stages, running from primary school to grade 9, when a child is 14 years old. The curriculum sets out four teaching periods a week for maths in primary and junior high schools.What should you not say to a Chinese person?
In China, you can't say these words
- Winnie the Pooh (小熊维尼) — Chinese internet users use images of Winnie the Pooh to represent President Xi Jinping.
- Baozi (包子) — Steamed bun. ...
- Dalai Lama (达赖喇嘛) — The Tibetan leader in exile. ...
- Tibet Independence (西藏独立) — Talking about independence for Tibet is forbidden.