Beginner guide

Mandarin basics

Start here before your first lesson. This page gives new learners a calm overview of how Mandarin works and what to learn first.

01

Pinyin

Explain initials, finals, and why pinyin is a pronunciation guide rather than English spelling.

02

Tones

Introduce the four main tones plus the neutral tone, with links to listening drills.

03

First phrases

Teach greetings, thank you, yes/no, numbers, family words, and short self-introductions.

04

Characters

Show radicals, stroke order, and why characters become easier when learned visually.

Your first character
is waiting.

Five minutes today. A new language for life.