Learn Mandarin: Free Guides for Beginners
Short, practical guides written for English speakers starting Mandarin – tones, pinyin, characters and phrases you can use straight away.
Beginner course
0 of 15 lessons complete
- 1Start here
Lesson 1: Pinyin Explained for Beginners
How Mandarin is written in letters, and the sounds that catch English speakers out.
Start this lesson
- 2
Lesson 2: Mandarin Tones Explained
The four tones and the neutral tone, with simple pitch shapes.
Start this lesson
- 3
Lesson 3: How to Say Hello and Thank You in Mandarin
Everyday and polite ways to say hello and thank you.
Start this lesson
- 4
Lesson 4: How to Introduce Yourself in Mandarin
Say your name, where you live and what you do.
Start this lesson
- 5
Lesson 5: Basic Mandarin Phrases for Beginners
The first phrases every learner needs, from hello to “how much is it?”.
Start this lesson
- 6
Lesson 6: Numbers 1 to 10 in Mandarin
Count from 1 to 10, then build numbers up to 99.
Start this lesson
- 7
Lesson 7: Numbers to 100 and Money in Mandarin
Count to 100, ask prices and talk about money.
Start this lesson
- 8
Lesson 8: Days of the Week and Dates in Mandarin
Days, months and how to say the date.
Start this lesson
- 9
Lesson 9: Telling the Time in Mandarin
Ask the time, and say hours, minutes and times of day.
Start this lesson
- 10
Lesson 10: Family Members in Mandarin
Parents, siblings, children and grandparents.
Start this lesson
- 11
Lesson 11: Question Words in Mandarin
Ask what, who, where, when, why and how.
Start this lesson
- 12
Lesson 12: How to Order Food in Mandarin
Order dishes and drinks, and ask for the bill.
Start this lesson
- 13
Lesson 13: Shopping Phrases in Mandarin
Ask prices, sizes and colours, and pay.
Start this lesson
- 14
Lesson 14: Mandarin Travel Phrases for Beginners
Directions, transport, hotels and asking for help.
Start this lesson
- 15
Lesson 15: Measure Words in Mandarin
The small words between numbers and nouns.
Start this lesson
More guides
Chinese New Year Greetings in Mandarin
The greetings you will hear everywhere during Spring Festival.
Read the guide
Mandarin vs Cantonese: What Is the Difference?
Where each is spoken, how they differ, and which to learn first.
Read the guide
Simplified vs Traditional Chinese Characters
Where each is used, how they differ, and which to learn.
Read the guide
How Long Does It Take to Learn Mandarin?
Realistic milestones for English speakers, and how to progress faster.
Read the guide
Want to practise out loud?
Book a one-to-one lesson with me.
Book a Lesson£10 off your first lesson with code NEW10