Starting from zero? These guides cover Chinese tones, pinyin, characters, and everything you need to know as a complete beginner.
13 articles
Chinese doesn't have an alphabet — it uses characters (汉字). Learn how the writing system works, what pinyin is, and how to start.
Chinese numbers follow a logical system: learn 1-10 and count to 99. Full guide covering 0-100, large numbers, and cultural meanings.
Complete pinyin chart with all ~400 syllables organized by initial and final sounds. Master this chart and pronounce any Chinese word.
The 100 most frequently used Chinese words cover ~50% of everyday conversation. Each word includes character, pinyin, meaning, and example.
The first 200 Chinese words every beginner should learn. Essential vocabulary to get started.
Complete pinyin guide for beginners. Learn Chinese pronunciation from scratch.
How to start learning Chinese characters. A beginner-friendly introduction to reading and writing.
Complete guide to Chinese radicals. Learn how radicals work and use them to learn characters faster.
An honest look at how hard Chinese really is to learn. What makes it challenging and what makes it easier than you think.
The largest dictionaries have 85,000+ characters, but you only need 3,000 for daily life. HSK level breakdown and realistic learning goals.
Understand Chinese proficiency levels. How HSK, CEFR, and other frameworks compare.
Realistic timelines for learning Chinese: 6-12 months for basic conversation, 1-2 years for professional use. Based on FSI data and real learner experience.