METHOD · BEGINNER LEVEL
Learn Mandarin
Short guides and curated lists to go from "zero Mandarin" to usable phrases — no detour. Each page links back to the dictionary entries to dig deeper.
Updated on May 12, 2026
Pinyin: the guide to reading Mandarin straight away
The phonetic transcription system for Chinese: 21 initials, 6 vowels, 4 tones. The foundation for reading and pronouncing.
How to say hello in Chinese: 你好, 您好 and all the variants
The complete guide to saying hello in Mandarin: 你好 (standard), 您好 (formal), 早 (morning) and all variants depending on time and context.
How to say thank you in Chinese: 谢谢, 多谢 and all the variants
The complete guide to saying thank you in Mandarin: 谢谢 (standard), 多谢 (polite), 太感谢了 (very warm) and the right formula for each context.
Counting in Mandarin from 1 to 100 (with audio)
All Mandarin numbers from 1 to 100. Ultra-regular decimal construction: once you know 1-10 and the tens, you can say everything.
Days, months and dates in Mandarin (with audio)
The full Chinese calendar: 7 weekdays, 12 months, time markers (yesterday, tomorrow, next week), with native audio.
Colors in Mandarin (nouns, adjectives and nuances)
All common Mandarin colors with their noun form (色) and adjective use. Plus the cultural nuances (red = good luck, yellow = imperial).
How to say goodbye in Mandarin: 再见 and all the variants
再见, 拜拜, 回头见 — every way to say goodbye depending on formality and context.
How to apologize in Mandarin: 对不起 and all the nuances
From formal 对不起 to light 不好意思, picking the right level of apology for the situation.
How to say I love you in Mandarin: 我爱你 and the nuances of love
The difference between 我爱你 (strong declaration), 我喜欢你 (I like you), 我想你 (I miss you) and everyday expressions.
Essential Mandarin verbs (with audio)
Curated list of must-know Mandarin verbs: everyday actions, movement, communication, perception, feelings.
The most useful Mandarin words (with audio)
Essential starter vocabulary: pronouns, places, time, food, feelings. The minimum to hold a basic conversation.
Family in Mandarin (complete vocabulary with audio)
All family vocabulary: parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts — including the paternal/maternal distinctions specific to Chinese.
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