Starting from zero? These guides cover Chinese tones, pinyin, characters, and everything you need to know as a complete beginner.
9 articles
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.
How many Chinese characters you need for different proficiency levels and goals.
Understand Chinese proficiency levels. How HSK, CEFR, and other frameworks compare.
Honest timeline for learning Chinese based on your goals and study intensity.
Learn the 4 Chinese tones with clear examples and common mistakes to avoid. The essential guide for Mandarin beginners.