Start learning Mandarin Chinese

Where the language comes from

Chinese has a long written tradition and several major spoken varieties. This course teaches Modern Standard Mandarin with simplified characters, not all Chinese varieties. Pinyin is a Latin-script reading system for Mandarin; it does not replace characters. Traditional and simplified writing coexist in different communities. Learn which form your intended conversation partners use.

Writing and sounds

A syllable can have an initial, a final and a tone. Pinyin b/p, d/t and g/k contrast mainly in aspiration: feel the extra air in p, t and k. Keep ü distinct from u. Practise mā, má, mǎ, mà, then neutral ma. The third tone is often low in running speech, not a full dip every time. Our pinyin keeps dictionary tone marks; actual tone changes, including 一 and 不, depend on context.

Your first conversation

Try 你好 nǐ hǎo (hello), 谢谢 xièxie (thank you), and 请再说一遍 qǐng zài shuō yī biàn (please say it again). Do not read pinyin as English spelling. Listen to a whole syllable, then a short phrase. Cover the pinyin once you recognise a character. When writing, notice the position of each component instead of treating a character as a picture.

Grammar to start with

Start with 我喜欢这本书 (I like this book). A yes/no question can end in 吗: 你喜欢这本书吗？ Verbs do not change for grammatical person. Time words and particles help express time and aspect; 了 is not simply an English past-tense ending. Learn measure words with nouns: 一本书, 一支笔. Use complete examples before extending a pattern.

Culture and a seven-day plan

Forms of address vary with age, relationship and setting; ask rather than guessing from appearance. Names usually place the family name first, but individuals may use another order internationally. Day 1–2: tones and initials. Day 3: common finals. Day 4: ten useful words. Day 5: greetings. Day 6: one question pattern. Day 7: listen, recall and write a short message.