White Guy Speaking PERFECT Mandarin Chinese to Locals in Yantai, China

Recently, there has been an influx of videos on YouTube of non-Chinese people claiming that they speak perfect Chinese. Then, they speak their "perfect" Chinese to get reactions from native Chinese speakers.

In many cases, these "perfect" Chinese speakers do not actually speak very native Chinese. Sure, they may be at an intermediate to advanced level, but their Chinese is far from "perfect" and "native" due to their inability to nail down the four tones in Chinese. Chinese people are generally very friendly to foreigners in China and would praise your Chinese even if it is at a beginner level.

Today, I go with my friend Kiko, a white American dude who in my opinion actually speaks pretty native Chinese, and have him speak Chinese to local folks here in Yantai, China. Watch the video to see their reactions!

[Blessmywill]

I would rather say his Chinese is pretty natural, fluent, tones are right in place. But I wouldn't say his Chinese is perfect by just watching this video. I think that having "perfect" mandarin requires time, dedication, immersion in the country. He is definitely in the right way. I also wish to thank for him his simplicity, instead of showing off some retroflex pronunciation (儿化音), out of blue 成语, or fancy ways to speak. It is pretty rare in China, so keep it up!

[Bacon]

LOL Youtube just recommended these videos to me today. So cool. Been watching Xiaoma/Chris/Laoshu/etc. for so long! 好棒

[maryrooster]

It's hilarious that the Chinese people he talks to are barely even surprised by his fluency. But to be fair he could pass as Russian and a Russian guy with native Mandarin fluency is not unheard of.

[hailu]

I know a white guy that works in a Asian supermarket in the State. I don't know if he speaks perfect Mandarin but he communicate with every Chinese person fluently. He said, he only study Mandarin for 2 years. I guess anybody can learn if they try.

[vinsane]

He’s great and so is xiaoma whom I’m guessing the title refers to?

[Endsomniac]

Laoshu needs to get his credit, I swear he’s been recording videos like this over 10 years ago.

[boykekp]

I found your channel and I am your new subscriber! You guys need to make more videos!

[BruinWalker]

I’ve watched a lot of the reaction videos you are referring to and I don’t hear them claim they know perfect Chinese. I think your observation is unfair.

[xiaospetsnaz]

This video was so amazing I had to sub and I beat the hell out of that like button!!! Well done guys!!!!

[ushireborn]

lol. he is a full Chinese he didn't even know who won the election 🤭

[petergriffin]

They are so friendly and respect people who appreciate their language.
好国人！！

[monkeyslap]

I think what contributes to the unnatural sounding Chinese is that their Chinese has the “trying way too hard” quality to it, and they tend to cut their aspirations short. Don’t know any other way to describe it.

[jiekabu]

Thank you! I really can't stand those false perfect Chinese reaction videos. This is much better, still not perfect.

[francoarana]

Great video bro but you need to improve your microphone 🎤📹😂

[nadjasarchive]

been to Yantai two years ago, what a throwback!!

[charleswang]

good job, he speaks very good Mandarin

[andreasglaesel]

haha, Ketchup and Mayonnaise... the red and white. Is this China or Germany ?

[bmwkaes]

When "Kiko" introduces himself, well ... I guess he's not American ... I'm quiet sure he is Dutch ... from Holland .
Nice video anyway 😉

[hemikiwi]

Nomad, of all the foreign chinese speaking youtubers, who in your opinion is most fluent?

[ИдущийкРеке-дж]

Спасибо вам за видео! Я все понимаю что вы говорите на английском но вот китайский я мечтаю выучить. Жил и работал в Яньтае 1, 5 года . Город красивый