Learn Mandarin in six connected steps

Six connected steps

A clear path from listening to using Mandarin

You do not need to master everything at once. Work through each step, practise often and return whenever you need a review.

1. Step 1 of 6Hear the languageBegin with short, clear audio. Listen for the rhythm of Mandarin and become familiar with useful words and phrases. Replay each example as often as you need.Listen and notice
2. Step 2 of 6Understand sounds and tonesLearn how Mandarin sounds are formed and how a tone can change meaning. Pinyin uses the Latin alphabet to show pronunciation. Listen, compare and practise one sound at a time.Compare and practise
3. Step 3 of 6Connect pinyin, characters and meaningMeet each new word or phrase with simplified Chinese characters, pinyin with tone marks, a clear English meaning and audio. Link what you hear with what you say and read.你好nǐ hǎoHelloLink sound, characters and meaning
4. Step 4 of 6Use Mandarin in practical situationsBuild useful sentence patterns and short dialogues for everyday situations. First recognise the right response. Then choose words and create a response of your own.Recognise, then respond
5. Step 5 of 6Review and rememberWords and sentence patterns return in later lessons. Short review activities help you recall them, use them in new contexts and strengthen your memory over time.Recall and reuse
6. Step 6 of 6Keep progressingContinue with the next step in your guided journey, or use the library to revisit a topic. You keep a clear direction while choosing a pace that works for you.Continue or explore