How to Learn Chinese by Yourself? Start with an Easy and Free Online Course!

We have adopted an objective and efficient approach to learn how to speak a language easily and quickly. We suggest you start by memorizing words, phrases, and practical expressions that you can use in everyday life and that will be useful when traveling.
Getting used to pronouncing words out loud, such as numbers, is an easy exercise you can often practice and at any time throughout the day.

This will help you get accustomed to the sounds of your chosen language, making it more familiar.
And once your holidays have begun, whether in Shanghai, Nanjing, or elsewhere in China, you will be surprised at how familiar and easy to understand it will seem.

Furthermore, using a pocket dictionary is always useful, particularly during a trip. It allows you to find the translation of new words and enrich your vocabulary.

Why Speak Chinese While Traveling?

Whether you are a potential investor, an enthusiast of Chinese culture, or just curious about languages, speaking Mandarin could be the missing asset in achieving your goals! Above all, it is the most spoken language in the world, as you can see in our ranking of the most spoken languages in the world.

A Giant Global Economic Power

The People's Republic of China is one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. As one of the world's leading economies and the world's largest exporter, China exports mainly textiles, toys, electronics, and steel.

An inventor and the first country to use paper money, China has been establishing international economic relations for centuries. Its recent openness to the West and strong attraction for investors have allowed many international companies to settle there, generating jobs and stimulating the economy even further.

Millennia of History and Culture

China is often recognized as the oldest known civilization. Its influence is strongly felt in East Asia, with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism spreading throughout the region. Chinese vocabulary and characters have also spread widely. Many major inventions, such as the compass, paper, and clockmaking, originate from China.

A great way to discover or rediscover these wonders is to take a trip that will allow you to explore the ultramodern cities of Shanghai and Beijing, the historical sites of Nanjing and Lhasa, and, of course, the wonders of the Great Wall.

Make a Success of Your Stay in China

Whether you are going to spend a few days with friends for a leisure trip or if you are on a business trip, nothing will be more useful than being able to slip in a few words in the language of your interlocutors. They will appreciate your effort and be more willing to help.

How to Succeed in Having Good Pronunciation Within a Week to a Month?

Chinese is a tonal language, with several variations including Mandarin and Cantonese, together spoken by over 1.3 billion people. Mandarin, the most widely spoken, has around 850 million speakers and is the official language in China, Taiwan, and Singapore.

In tonal languages, the pronunciation of syllables is subject to tone or melody. Mandarin has four main tones: the high and flat tone, the rising tone, the high-falling tone, and the descending tone.

There is also a neutral tone. Mastering these tones is essential for correct pronunciation. By learning the approximately 400 syllable groups, you can pronounce almost all the sounds of the language.

Practical Tips for Learning Chinese

• Focus on Tones: Practice the four main tones of Mandarin extensively. Use tone drills and listen to native speakers to get accustomed to the tonal variations.
• Learn Pinyin: Pinyin is the Romanization of Chinese characters based on their pronunciation. It is an essential tool for beginners to learn how to pronounce Chinese words correctly.
• Practice Speaking: Engage in regular speaking practice. Use language exchange platforms to find native speakers to practice with. Speaking with others will help solidify your understanding of tones and pronunciation.
• Immerse Yourself in the Language: Watch Chinese movies, listen to Chinese music, and follow Chinese news. Immersing yourself in the language will improve your listening skills and cultural understanding.
• Write Regularly: Practice writing Chinese characters daily. Start with simple characters and gradually move to more complex ones. Writing helps reinforce memory and understanding of the language.

Resources for Learning Chinese

Here are some online resources to help you learn more:

• Chinese Grammar Wiki: A comprehensive and free resource for understanding Chinese grammar, created by AllSet Learning.
• Coursera's "Learn Mandarin Chinese": Free courses offered by universities like Peking University, covering basics to advanced levels.

With dedication and the right approach, you can start speaking and understanding Chinese in no time. Happy learning!