Chinese learning resources

Follow everyday situations through guided Mandarin listening and speaking practice. The first beginner level includes 30 lessons of about 30 minutes.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Start with the free first lesson, pause to answer aloud, and revisit useful phrases the next day.

Complementary practice

Add character reading, pinyin practice, and real conversation with feedback.

Access

The first two lessons of each listed Mandarin level are marked free; later lessons require a subscription. Confirm current access and pricing before subscribing.

Limitations

Listening to a lesson is not the same as being able to respond spontaneously. Provider level names are not independent proficiency assessments.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese, with audio instruction in English.

Review notes

Mandarin catalogue and the first beginner lesson checked on October 29, 2026. Featured at the site owner’s request; placement is an editorial choice, not evidence of comparative effectiveness.

Short Mandarin lessons with listening, vocabulary, and character practice.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)

How to use it

Work through a small lesson, then say two new sentences without looking.

Complementary practice

Use recorded listening and a conversation partner for feedback.

Access

Free download with paid in-app options. Confirm the current free lesson limit and subscription inclusions in the app.

Limitations

Speech recognition scores and app progress do not establish conversational ability.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Official site confirms the learning features. Current plan limits are not stated clearly on the public page; verify in the app before subscribing.

Structured video courses and free introductory Mandarin materials.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Choose a course section, practice its examples aloud, and review the accompanying vocabulary.

Complementary practice

Add graded listening and conversations beyond the course exercises.

Access

Free introduction and pronunciation courses; larger course bundles are paid. Check the selected course’s current terms.

Limitations

Provider HSK labels describe its own courses; they do not align this website to an exam.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

University Mandarin course materials for structured independent study.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)

How to use it

Follow the syllabus in manageable sections and use its pronunciation materials alongside character practice.

Complementary practice

Arrange feedback on pronunciation and writing.

Access

Public OpenCourseWare materials are free. Availability of particular readings and recordings varies by course page.

Limitations

An archived course does not provide a live teacher, grading, or university credit.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Mandarin dialogues with explanations and vocabulary for listening practice.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Listen to a short dialogue before reading, then repeat it with the transcript.

Complementary practice

Retell the situation and use a useful phrase with a partner.

Access

The published free plan offers lesson listening with ads and limited study features; Premium unlocks fuller learning tools.

Limitations

Understanding an explained dialogue is easier than following an unprepared conversation.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Graded stories with audio, word lookup, and translations.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Read a comfortable story, listen again, and save a few useful words.

Complementary practice

Try a short spoken summary without the translation.

Access

Selected lessons are free; an auto-renewing Premium subscription opens the full library.

Limitations

A story’s level is a provider label, not a proficiency assessment.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Graded reading and listening with pinyin and teacher-recorded audio.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Read a short passage with pinyin hidden, then check unfamiliar words and listen.

Complementary practice

Talk about the passage in your own words.

Access

Graded reading lessons are free. Premium adds features; check what is included before purchasing.

Limitations

The free reading offer does not make every extra product or practice feature free.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

News-based graded reading with listening and vocabulary support.

Suggested stages

• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Pick a short article on a familiar subject and give a one-minute summary.

Complementary practice

Continue easier dialogues and targeted conversation practice.

Access

Subscription plans provide access. Check the current sample or trial terms separately.

Limitations

News vocabulary may be less immediately useful than everyday conversation for a new learner.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

A Chinese dictionary for looking up words as you read and study.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Look up a whole word, check its pronunciation, and keep the example where you found it.

Complementary practice

Practice new words in listening and your own short sentences.

Access

The basic dictionary is free; optional dictionaries and advanced tools are paid add-ons.

Limitations

A dictionary entry can include several senses; choose the one that fits the sentence.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Flexible flashcards for spaced recall of words and phrases.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Make a few cards from language you have met, including audio or a useful sentence.

Complementary practice

Keep reading and listening so vocabulary is connected to meaning.

Access

Desktop Anki and AnkiWeb are free; the official iOS app is paid. Follow the official links for your platform.

Limitations

Shared decks vary in accuracy and licensing. Review unfamiliar material before relying on it.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Character-writing practice with stroke feedback and scheduled review.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)

How to use it

Practice a small set of useful characters and then write them in words.

Complementary practice

Use the same vocabulary in spoken phrases and graded reading.

Access

Paid plans with a limited free trial are advertised. Check renewal terms before starting.

Limitations

Character recall alone does not build conversation or listening comprehension.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

A browsable reference for Mandarin grammar and sentence patterns.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Look up a pattern you encountered and make two new sentences with it.

Complementary practice

Read or listen for the pattern in a meaningful passage.

Access

The online grammar reference is freely accessible; related books or other services may be paid.

Limitations

Level groupings organize the reference; studying a page does not establish a proficiency level.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

AllSet Learning publishes this grammar reference. Automated access to the wiki can be restricted; the listing links directly to the resource.

Audio and video demonstrations of Mandarin syllables.

Suggested stages

• Basic introductions and questions (FOUNDATIONS)
• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)

How to use it

Compare two similar syllables, listen repeatedly, and then practice them in words.

Complementary practice

Repeat short sentences and ask for pronunciation feedback.

Access

The interactive pinyin chart is free. Other Yoyo Chinese courses have their own access terms.

Limitations

Isolated syllables do not demonstrate every tone change in connected speech.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.

Find language-exchange partners for reciprocal conversation practice.

Suggested stages

• Everyday interactions (EVERYDAY USE)
• Independent communication (INDEPENDENT USE)
• Extended conversation and texts (EXPANDING YOUR RANGE)

How to use it

Agree on a small topic and divide the time fairly between each person’s languages.

Complementary practice

Use a structured course to fill grammar and vocabulary gaps.

Access

Free language-exchange features with optional Pro tools and limits; check current platform terms.

Limitations

Partners are not necessarily trained teachers, and the quality of feedback varies.

Language and script

Mandarin Chinese; check script settings and the speaker’s regional usage.

Review notes

Description and access reviewed against the provider’s public information. Suggested stages are our editorial judgment, not an independent outcome study.