LexCHI
LexCHI is a quick vocabulary check for simplified Chinese grounded in peer-reviewed research*. In just one to two minutes, you will see how closely your reading vocabulary matches that of a native speaker.
How it works
- You will see sixty items, one at a time. Forty are real words; twenty are plausible-looking fakes, mixed in random order.
- For each item, answer Yes if you recognize it as a real word, No if you do not.
- Do not use a dictionary. If you are unsure, choose No.
Read your score in context
Compare with people who share a similar language background and Chinese proficiency level. Your answer is anonymous and not linked to anything identifying.
What draws you to Chinese?
Three statements about why people study Chinese. Mark how true each one feels for you — there are no right answers.
I'm learning Chinese to reach a practical goal — work, study, travel, or living abroad.
I'm learning Chinese to connect with its speakers and feel closer to their culture and community.
I'm learning Chinese because the process itself is enjoyable and rewarding, regardless of outcomes.
Your result
Breakdown
| Item type | Total | "Yes" | "No" | Correct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real words | — | — | — | — |
| Non-words | — | — | — | — |
Review every item
| Item | Gloss / type | Your answer |
|---|
How to read this
The normalized Ghent score ranges from −100% to +100%. A participant who answers "yes" or "no" to every single item gets 0. The formula is:
score = (Yes-to-words − 2 × Yes-to-non-words) / 40 × 100
Reference points from the original validation study:
- Native Chinese speakers typically score above 90%.
- 70% is the cut-off used to identify native-like proficiency (≈ CEFR C2). Below 70% strongly suggests a non-native speaker.