Describe people and things

Google voice when available; device voice as a fallback. Pinyin shows dictionary tones; natural speech includes the tone changes taught in the lessons.

An adjective can be the predicate

A simple description often uses subject + 很 + adjective: 我很忙. Do not insert 是 merely because English uses “am”. 我是忙 is not the neutral beginner pattern.

很 can mean “very”, but in a neutral adjective statement it often makes the description flow naturally without strong emphasis. Translation depends on context.

Use 不 for the opposite statement

Place 不 directly before an adjective for a simple negative: 不忙, “not busy”. The basic negative does not need 很. 不很忙 can mean “not very busy”, which has a different emphasis.

You can add 吗 to ask a yes–no question: 你忙吗？ A short answer can repeat 忙 or 不忙.

Use context for weather and size

今天很热 means “It is hot today.” Mandarin does not need a dummy “it” as English does. 今天 supplies the time context.

大 and 小 describe size. 很大 is “big” or “very big” depending on emphasis. Keep this pattern separate from identifying a person with 是 + noun.

Lesson vocabulary

Listen once, say it aloud, and try to recall the Chinese before looking.

Practice questions

Try every question, then check your answers. Capital letters and punctuation do not affect your score. Pinyin tone marks matter. For typed answers, use simplified characters or the taught pinyin (spacing is flexible).

Showing an answer makes that question a practice item worth zero for this attempt. Retry with the answers hidden when you’re ready. If audio cannot play, use Show answer / text to practice by reading.

Independent practice

These are independent practice tasks. The site does not record your voice, save your writing, or grade open-ended answers. Ask a teacher or conversation partner for feedback when you can.