How to Learn Chinese

Whenever you plan a trip to China or consider staying long-term, the first concern is usually communication. As a visitor, you can rely on language translation apps, materials, or guides, but many people choose to learn Chinese to better appreciate the language, history, and the sense of connection it brings.

If you are interested in learning Chinese, this article offers you a complete overview of the language, materials and learning tools that can help, and realistic expectations.

Is Mandarin Chinese Hard to Learn? 

Chinese has a reputation for being challenging to learn, especially for English speakers. The language has tones, unfamiliar pronunciation rules, and thousands of characters that require reading, listening, and writing practice. 

The grammar, however, is simpler to learn than many European languages. Chinese sentences follow a predictable order, and verbs do not change forms the way English language verbs do. 

For many learning Chinese, the hardest parts of the language are listening to and dictating tones and reading characters. Beginners often struggle learning the four tones, which change the meaning of words. Others find the language system intimidating because the characters represent ideas and meanings instead of letters. 

Still, millions of students worldwide succeed because learning Chinese becomes easier with consistent speaking, listening, and reading exposure, engaging language lessons, and useful materials and resources. With the right learning attitude, progress in learning the language becomes noticeable, especially when you start using new vocabulary in daily reading, speaking, and listening. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Chinese Mandarin?

The length of time it takes to learn Chinese varies by language learner. Some students study an hour a day, while others dedicate several hours a week to reading, listening, and learning. 

In general, you can start learning Mandarin through basic speaking, reading, and listening within three to six months of regular language practice. Writing skills and advanced characters take longer to learn. 

Your language learning progress will be faster if you can integrate it into your everyday routine—watching YouTube videos, listening to Chinese music, reading history books, talking to native speakers of the language, or reviewing vocabulary. Many students report that speaking and listening improve first before reading and writing.

Learn Chinese: Tips for Learning Chinese Quickly

Here are practical tips to help you learn Chinese words easily and make your language lessons more enjoyable:

• Practice speaking the language daily: Use small phrases when buying food, greeting people, or asking simple questions. Practice the language often. 
• Review vocabulary: Digital learning tools and spaced-repetition language apps help characters stick in your memory.
• Study with language learning apps: Many free and paid language learning tools provide speaking, listening, reading, and grammar lessons. 
• Set a deadline: Set goals for learning weekly words or sentences. Having a timeline for learning the language helps you stay committed.
• Watch Chinese YouTube channels: These help you learn listening and expose you to real-life language use. You might even learn a bit of Chinese history! 
• Listen to Chinese music: This improves your listening skills and sense of rhythm in the language.
• Use Chinese in daily routines: Try ordering food, making small talk, or reading street signs in the language—practical use builds confidence.

Overview of the Mandarin Chinese Language

Alphabet

Mandarin does not use an alphabet like the English language. Instead, it uses characters. Beginners usually start learning to read Pinyin, a language system that uses the Roman alphabet to show pronunciation. This is essential because it teaches words and vowel sounds before you begin reading and writing characters.

When learning Chinese characters, start slow. Review five to ten characters at a time, focus on strokes, and group similar-looking characters together. Over time, reading and writing become easier when you recognize patterns, radicals, and components in the characters. 

Chinese Characters

The Chinese writing system may look overwhelming, but breaking it down makes it more manageable. 

Chinese characters are built from smaller components called radicals, which help you understand a word’s meaning. Learning characters in groups—based on theme, function, or similarity—helps limit mistakes.

Consistent reading and writing practice reinforces memory. Many review characters daily using resources like flashcards, learning apps, reading materials, or language practice sheets. Understanding characters also helps with reading menus, street signs, and cultural materials. 

Chinese Mandarin Basics

Numbers

If you want to get started learning Mandarin, begin with numbers before words. Learning numbers helps you order food, ask prices, and understand basic information during travel. 

Here’s how to say 1–10:

1 – yī
2 – èr
3 – sān
4 – sì
5 – wǔ
6 – liù
7 – qī
8 – bā
9 – jiǔ
10 – shí

Essential Phrases

If you want to learn Chinese effectively, it helps to start with simple Mandarin phrases that you can use daily. These language expressions build your sense of confidence and help you practice while speaking with locals. 

For many, these basic words form the foundation of vocabulary and listening skills before moving on to grammar, reading, and writing.

Here are essential phrases to get started in your Mandarin language learning:

Hello – nǐ hǎo
Use this friendly greeting when meeting anyone. 

Thank you – xièxiè
A helpful phrase that comes up often in daily Chinese conversations.

You’re welcome – bú kèqì
A polite response after someone thanks you.

Excuse me / Sorry – duìbuqǐ
Useful in crowded places, shops, restaurants, or public transportation.

Yes / No – shì / bù shì
Common expressions when first learning the language.

How much is this? – zhège duōshǎo qián?
Helpful when shopping, eating out, or buying daily necessities.

What do you like to eat? – nǐ xǐhuān chī shénme?
A great conversation starter. Locals love talking about what they eat, how they eat, and the different ways families eat traditional dishes. 

Where is the bathroom? – xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
One of the first language phrases that is essential while traveling in Chinese cities, like Beijing or Shanghai.

I don’t understand – wǒ tīng bù dǒng
Useful when the speaking speed is too fast or the words are difficult to catch.

Can you repeat that? – qǐng zài shuō yí biàn
A key phrase for improving listening skills and learning new vocabulary.

I am learning Chinese – wǒ zài xué zhōngwén
A great way to let people know you are practicing Chinese and may need help. 

Best Resources for Chinese Language Learners

If you hope to learn Mandarin effectively, use a mix of tools and materials so your learning becomes engaging and balanced: 

• Language learning apps and resources
• Flashcards for characters 
• Grammar books
• Listening practice videos
• Reading charts
• Writing sheets
• YouTube videos 
• Online dictionaries
• Review exercises
• Cultural learning and reading materials
• Other sources, like podcasts, history books, etc. 

These materials help you stay motivated and gradually build reading and listening skills. 

Chinese Language and Culture 

Learning Chinese gives you more than vocabulary and grammar—it helps you understand life, local history, food, and people’s sense of identity. From the nuances of Mandarin to the stories behind characters, the language reflects thousands of years of culture.

Many say that beginning to study how to speak and read Chinese gives them a deeper appreciation of the world’s longest continuous civilization. 

Learn Mandarin: Frequently Asked Questions