Here's a breakdown of what makes it "simplified":
* Character simplification: Simplified Chinese reduces the number of strokes in many traditional characters. This makes them easier to learn and write, especially for children.
* Standardization: The simplified system was officially adopted in mainland China in the 1950s, and it is the standard form of writing used in education, government, and most media.
* Accessibility: Simplified Chinese is considered more accessible for non-native speakers as it reduces the complexity of learning traditional characters.
Here's the key difference between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese:
* Traditional Chinese: Used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and some overseas Chinese communities. Characters are generally more complex, retaining their historical forms.
* Simplified Chinese: Used in mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Characters are generally simpler, with fewer strokes and simplified structures.
Important Notes:
* Although simplified characters are designed to be easier to learn, they are not always visually intuitive.
* Understanding the relationship between simplified and traditional characters can be helpful for those who are interested in studying both systems.
* Both Simplified and Traditional Chinese are valid and widely used forms of the Chinese language. There is no "better" or "more correct" form.