A Simple Spaced-Repetition Plan

Spaced repetition means returning to material across separate study sessions. For Chinese, make those returns active: try to remember a word or sentence before revealing it. A card that looks familiar is not necessarily a phrase you can produce when you need it.

Research on retrieval practice and vocabulary learning examines how recalling words under different cues can support retention. The routine below is a practical starting suggestion, not a scientifically fixed schedule for every learner.

Make a card that asks you to do something

Start with five expressions you expect to use. Put a situation on the front, not the Chinese answer. For example:

Front: Ask whether someone has time tomorrow.

Back: 你明天有空吗？Nǐ míngtiān yǒu kòng ma? — Do you have time tomorrow?

Include an audio model if available. 空 is kòng in 有空, “have free time”; recording it inside this expression helps you learn the relevant pronunciation and meaning together.

Try a small review rhythm

Review later the same day, then the next day, a few days later, and roughly a week later. At each review, say the answer before turning the card. Check both meaning and pronunciation.

If you cannot recall it, look at the answer, say it with understanding, and test it again after other cards. Bring that item back sooner next time. If recall feels comfortable on separate occasions, leave a longer gap. Your actual performance should adjust the schedule.

Change the cue, not just the card order

Once you can ask about tomorrow, change the situation: ask about this afternoon. Try 你今天下午有空吗？Nǐ jīntiān xiàwǔ yǒu kòng ma? Then answer the question yourself: 我下午有课。Wǒ xiàwǔ yǒu kè. — “I have a class this afternoon.”

This checks whether the expression can support a conversation. Keep a separate note for a missing word, a wrong tone, or a sentence you understand but cannot retrieve.

If reviews pile up, pause new cards and keep the useful expressions. A small collection you can use is easier to maintain than an expanding backlog. Test a reviewed phrase in Daily speaking practice, or ask a teacher in your online Chinese course to reuse it in a fresh conversation.