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Learn everyday Mandarin with simplified characters and pinyin.
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你好Say exactly what you mean.
Short lessons for the moments a word-for-word translation misses.
How to say almost there in chinese
Learn to say "almost there" in Mandarin Chinese with 快到了 and related phrases. This practical lesson covers arrival, progress, and asking for updates.
Listen & practice Elementary · 5 minHow to say go now in chinese
Learn to say 'go now' in Mandarin with 现在走 and 走吧. Understand when to use each, how to ask if it's time to leave, and practice with a natural dialogue.
Listen & practice Elementary · 7 minMandarin travel phrases with audio and printable practice
Learn five practical Mandarin phrases for your first day in a Chinese-speaking city: greet, ask directions, confirm transport, ask a price, and request repetition. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and printable practice.
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Chapter 1 of 13
First words, new places
First conversations
Unit 1 · beginner
First Sounds and Greetings
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First Sounds and Greetings
10 lessons- 1
Hello and Goodbye
Learn to greet and farewell people in Mandarin and Cantonese by time of day and formality, from casual 嗨 to polite 您好 and Cantonese 早晨.
- 2
Introduce Yourself
Learn to introduce yourself in Mandarin: say your name, where you are from, and ask the other person. Includes the reusable 你...吗？ question pattern with pinyin and tone marks.
- 3
Basic Vowel Sounds
Learn the five basic Chinese vowel sounds and use them in 现在 (now), 真的 (really), and the homophones 他/她/它. Includes pronunciation, dialogue, and practice.
- 4
Responding to Greetings
Learn to answer common Chinese greetings with short, natural replies and follow-up questions. Master patterns like 我很好，谢谢，你呢？ and 还好，你呢？ to sound fluent and polite.
- 5
Using Excuse Me
Hear 借过, 不好意思 and 请问 in Mandarin. Learn phrases for passing someone or asking a question, with pronunciation, recordings and a conversation to practise.
- 6
Asking Yes/No Questions
Learn to turn statements into simple yes/no questions in Mandarin using 吗 (ma), and answer them naturally with 是 (shì) or 不 (bù).
- 7
Counting 1 to 10
Master Mandarin numbers one through ten and use them to count fingers, books, and other items. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and measure word basics.
- 8
Responding to Apologies
Learn to accept an apology gracefully in Mandarin with 没关系, 没事, 不要紧, and 好的，没问题. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and a natural dialogue.
- 9
Basic Consonant Sounds
Learn to hear and say Mandarin's tricky consonant pairs ch/q, j/zh, x/sh, and use 不 and 没 correctly. Includes minimal pairs, a dialogue, and practice.
- 10
Asking How to Pronounce a Word
Learn to ask how a Chinese word is pronounced and repeat it back to confirm. Master the key phrase 怎么读 and the verb 念 for checking pronunciation.
First Bites: Essential Food Basics
10 lessons- 11
Name Common Foods
Learn 10 common food words in Mandarin Chinese and use them in two simple sentence patterns: 我吃 (I eat) and 我喜欢 (I like). Includes pinyin, tone marks, and a short dialogue.
- 12
Express Basic Tastes
Learn to say if food is sweet, salty, sour, bitter, or spicy in Mandarin Chinese using 'This is ___' and 'It tastes ___'. Describe inherent qualities, not personal preferences, with beginner-friendly examples.
- 13
State Food Preferences
Learn the Mandarin pattern 我喜欢 / 我不喜欢 to talk about food preferences, with common foods, a short dialogue, and practice distinguishing personal liking from describing how something tastes.
- 14
Order at a Cafe
Learn to order a drink in Mandarin Chinese, specify size or options, and ask the price politely with culturally appropriate phrases and a realistic café dialogue.
- 15
Ask for the Bill
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to end a restaurant meal: ask for the bill, ask whether card payment is accepted, and understand common replies about payment methods.
- 16
Identify Meal Times
Learn the Mandarin names for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, and how to say when you eat each meal using time words and the particle 吃 (chī).
- 17
Say What You Eat for Breakfast
Learn to ask 你吃饭了吗 and answer with 我早饭吃/喝 + food. Master breakfast vocabulary and the greeting's literal meaning.
- 18
Ask Someone Their Favorite Food
Learn to ask 'What is your favorite food?' in Mandarin Chinese and answer with common foods. Focus on asking others, not just stating your own preferences.
- 19
Express Hunger and Thirst
Learn to express hunger and thirst in Mandarin, ask others about their states, and distinguish these from ordering food or drinks.
- 20
Name Common Drinks
Learn six common Chinese beverage words—water, coffee, tea, juice, milk, soda—and the pattern 我喝 (wǒ hē) to say what you drink. Includes pinyin, tones, and a short dialogue.
Getting Around: Basic Transport
10 lessons- 21
Buying a Single Ticket
Learn beginner Mandarin for buying a single one-way local transport ticket: ask for one ticket to the city center, say where you are going, and pay. Return tickets are covered in the next lesson.
- 22
Buying a Return Ticket
Learn to ask for and buy a round-trip ticket in Mandarin, including return date and time. Build on single-ticket phrases with 往返 (wǎngfǎn) and specify when you want to come back.
- 23
Asking the Price of a Ticket
Learn to ask 'How much is a ticket to...?' in Mandarin with 多少钱 and 到, understand price answers in yuan and kuai, and ask politely without buying anything yet.
- 24
Asking About Departure Time
Learn to ask what time the next bus or train departs in Mandarin Chinese, and understand simple schedule responses. Focus on departure time, not arrival time.
- 25
Asking About Arrival Time
Learn to ask what time a bus or train arrives in Mandarin, using 几点 and 到. Practice a short dialogue and avoid common mistakes.
- 26
Finding the Platform
Learn to ask 'Which platform for the train to...?' in Mandarin. Master the pattern 去...的火车在几号站台? and understand platform numbers at Chinese train stations.
- 27
Asking for the Next Stop
Learn to ask "What's the next stop?" in Mandarin and understand stop names on buses and trains. Includes key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 28
Asking to Be Notified of Your Stop
Learn to ask a Chinese bus or taxi driver to tell you when to get off, using 到站请告诉我一下 and 到了叫我一声, and understand the driver's short confirmations.
- 29
Buying a Metro Ticket
Learn to buy a metro ticket in Mandarin Chinese. Practice asking for a ticket, understanding zones and fares, and completing a simple purchase.
- 30
Asking for a Taxi
Learn beginner Mandarin to request a taxi by phone or at a stand: say where you are going, ask for the arrival time, and confirm the car. Simplified Chinese, pinyin and clear English explanations.
Foundations of Social Interaction
10 lessons- 31
Greeting Friends Casually
Learn relaxed Mandarin greetings like 嗨, 最近怎么样？, and 早 to use with friends and peers at different times of day. Includes pinyin and tone tips.
- 32
Introducing Yourself Socially
Learn to say your name, where you are from, and one interest in friendly, everyday Mandarin using 我叫, 我是, 来自, and 喜欢.
- 33
Asking Basic Personal Questions
Learn to ask and answer five common personal questions in Mandarin: where someone is from, their age, job, nationality, and zodiac sign, with polite patterns and a natural dialogue.
- 34
Responding to 'How Are You?'
Learn beginner Mandarin ways to answer 你好吗？ with more than 我很好, including 挺好的, 还行, and 有点累, and how to ask 你呢？ back in casual conversation.
- 35
Saying Goodbye in Social Settings
Learn relaxed Mandarin farewells for leaving a gathering politely, including 再见, 回头见, 下次见, 我先走了 and 有空再聊, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 36
Expressing Thanks Casually
Learn informal Mandarin thanks for small favors among friends, including 谢啦, 多谢, and 麻烦你了, with pinyin, tone marks, and usage notes.
- 37
Apologizing to Friends
Learn casual Mandarin apologies for small mistakes: 对不起我来晚了, 我错了, 不好意思, 没事, 没关系. Use brief, friendly phrases to apologize and accept apologies in everyday situations.
- 38
Giving Compliments to Peers
Learn to give sincere, specific compliments about clothes, skills, and possessions in Mandarin, and how to accept them naturally instead of denying them.
- 39
Inviting a Friend to Hang Out
Learn to ask someone out in Mandarin with low-pressure phrases like 约你出去 and 请你吃饭. Includes a natural dialogue and practice.
- 40
Accepting and Declining Invitations
Learn to accept enthusiastically with 'Hǎo ya, hěn hǎowán!' and decline politely with 'Wǒ bùxíng, dàn xièxie!' in casual Mandarin. Perfect for friendly invites, not formal RSVPs.
First Encounters: Polite Basics
10 lessons- 41
Formal vs. Informal Greetings
Learn when to use formal and informal Mandarin greetings. Compare 您好 and 嗨, see how time-of-day greetings work, and choose the right opening for work, strangers, friends and casual settings.
- 42
Introducing Yourself: Name and Basic Info
Learn to state your name and basic information politely in Mandarin Chinese. This beginner lesson covers formal and informal ways to introduce yourself and respond when someone introduces themselves.
- 43
Asking Someone's Name Politely
Learn to ask for a name in Mandarin Chinese using 你叫什么名字, 您贵姓, and related patterns. Understand when to use each and practice with a dialogue.
- 44
Saying Please and Thank You
Learn to thank someone, make a polite request and say you’re welcome in Mandarin. Includes recordings, pronunciation hints and a short practice dialogue.
- 45
Apologizing for Simple Mistakes
Learn the three most common Mandarin apologies for minor slip-ups like bumping into someone or being late. Master formal and informal registers, natural responses, and polite questions for staff.
- 46
Using 'Excuse Me' to Get Attention
Listen to 劳驾, 不好意思 and 请问 for getting attention in Mandarin. Follow the recorded question and reply, then practise a polite interruption aloud.
- 47
Polite and Casual Requests
Learn how to make requests in Mandarin that fit the relationship, using 帮, 麻烦, 能不能, and 可以 to sound natural with friends and appropriately polite with strangers.
- 48
Responding to Thanks
Learn to reply to 谢谢 with 不客气, 不用谢, and 没事. Understand when each fits, from casual to formal, and practice with a short dialogue.
- 49
Saying Goodbye: Formal and Informal
Hear 再见, 拜拜 and other Mandarin goodbye phrases. Practise saying you are leaving and understanding a farewell, with pronunciation and a short dialogue.
- 50
Small Talk About the Weather
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to open a short, polite chat about the weather, respond naturally, and end the exchange gracefully without going into deep topics.
Building Simple Sentences
10 lessons- 51
Subject-Verb-Object Order
Learn to build basic Chinese declarative sentences using the subject-verb-object order. Practice with common verbs and objects, and understand how statements differ from questions.
- 52
Using This, That, These, Those
Learn to point out people and things near and far in Mandarin using zhè (this) and nà (that), with the measure word nà ge and the possessive de. Beginner level, simplified Chinese with pinyin.
- 53
Plural Nouns Basics
Learn how Mandarin marks plural nouns using measure words, numbers, and context instead of adding -s or -es. Practice with common nouns and avoid common errors.
- 54
There Is / There Are
Learn to state that something exists or is present in Mandarin using 有 (yǒu), with place words, measure words and everyday examples such as 'There is a park near my house.'
- 55
Have and Has for Possession
Learn to express possession with 有 and its negation 没有. Use 我有, 你有, 他有, and 我没有 to talk about what you and others have or lack. Includes question forms and polite alternatives.
- 56
Question Words: Who, What, Where
Learn to ask who, what, and where questions in Mandarin using 谁 (shéi), 什么 (shénme), and 哪儿 (nǎr) with simple verbs. Form wh-questions without changing word order.
- 57
Short Answers: Yes, I Do
Learn to answer yes/no questions in Mandarin with short replies like 是, 有, 会, and 不, instead of repeating the full sentence. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 58
Adjective Word Order
Learn the usual Mandarin order for stacking adjectives before a noun, from opinion and size to age and color, and see how 的 marks the boundary between description and noun.
- 59
Prepositions of Time: In, On, At
Learn how Mandarin marks clock times, days of the week, and months and dates. See why one word 在 covers English in, on, and at, and how time words come before the verb.
- 60
Possessive 's and Of
Master the Chinese particle 的 (de) to express possession and association, equivalent to English 's and 'of. Learn to say 'Maria's bag' and 'the end of the film' in Mandarin.
Everyday Eating: Simple Requests and Choices
10 lessons- 61
Request a Specific Food Item
Learn to ask for any food or drink in Mandarin using 我要 (wǒ yào) and 我可以要...吗？ (wǒ kěyǐ yào... ma?). Practice with coffee, tea, apples, and water in everyday situations.
- 62
Ask for More Food
Learn to say 'More ___, please' and 'Can I have another ___?' in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson teaches the key patterns 再要 and 再来 to request additional servings politely.
- 63
Decline Food Politely
Learn to decline food offers in Mandarin with polite phrases like 不用了，谢谢 (bú yòng le, xièxie) and 我吃饱了 (wǒ chī bǎo le), and tell them apart from simply saying you dislike a food.
- 64
Ask About Ingredients
Learn beginner Mandarin questions for asking what is inside a dish or whether it contains a common ingredient, with pinyin, tone marks, and simple food vocabulary.
- 65
Express Simple Dietary Needs
Learn the Mandarin pattern 我不吃 (wǒ bù chī) to state personal food restrictions for meat, dairy, and nuts, plus how to politely check whether a dish contains an ingredient.
- 66
Choose Between Two Options
Learn to decide between two foods in Mandarin using 我要 (wǒ yào) 'I'll have' and 我更喜欢 (wǒ gèng xǐhuan) 'I prefer', with clear examples and a short dialogue.
- 67
Ask for a Recommendation
Learn to ask 'What do you recommend?' and 'What's good here?' in Mandarin. This lesson focuses on seeking advice, not ordering, with key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 68
Describe a Simple Dish
Learn to describe food's overall qualities in Mandarin Chinese using adjectives like hot, cold, fresh, and delicious. Build simple sentences with 很 and 不, and use them in real conversations.
- 69
Ask for Utensils
Learn to ask for dining utensils in Mandarin using the polite pattern 可以给我...吗? (Kěyǐ gěi wǒ... ma?). Master five common items and handle restaurant interactions with confidence.
- 70
Say Something Is Missing
Learn to tell staff an item is missing from your order using 我没拿到我的 ___ (Wǒ méi ná dào wǒ de ___), with polite alternatives and a short dialogue.
Accommodation Basics
10 lessons- 71
Booking a Hotel Room
Learn to reserve a hotel room in Mandarin Chinese. Master the key phrase '我想订一个房间，住两晚' and understand common room types like 单人间, 双人间, and 标准间.
- 72
Asking About Room Availability
Learn to ask 'Do you have any rooms available?' in Mandarin, understand common yes/no answers, and check room availability without making a booking.
- 73
Asking for the Room Key
Learn to request your room key at a hotel check-in in Mandarin Chinese. Practice 'Can I have the key to room 205?' and understand key card instructions.
- 74
Asking About Check-Out Time
Learn to ask 'What time is check-out?' in Mandarin, understand hotel check-out policies, and use time expressions to confirm deadlines politely.
- 75
Asking for Extra Towels
Learn beginner Mandarin for asking housekeeping for extra towels, understanding the reply, and requesting other room amenities politely. Includes pinyin, tones, and a hotel dialogue.
- 76
Reporting a Problem in the Room
Learn to say what's broken in your room, ask for repairs, and understand repair timelines in Mandarin Chinese.
- 77
Asking About Breakfast Included
Learn to ask if breakfast is included at a hotel in Mandarin Chinese. Practice key phrases, understand meal times and options, and handle common responses with confidence.
- 78
Asking for a Wake-Up Call
Learn to request a hotel wake-up call in Mandarin Chinese, say the exact time, and confirm the request. This is not about setting an alarm on your phone.
- 79
Asking to Store Luggage
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases for asking if you can store your bags before check-in or after check-out, and how to ask about pickup times.
- 80
Extending Your Stay
Learn to ask for one extra night in Mandarin, check whether a room is free, and understand the difference between extending a stay and making a new booking.
Everyday Social Conversations
10 lessons- 81
Talking About Hobbies
Learn to say what you're into and how often you do it in Mandarin, using 喜欢, 迷上, and 花时间. Ask follow-up questions to keep a conversation going.
- 82
Sharing Weekend Plans
Learn to talk about your upcoming weekend in Mandarin: say 'I'm going hiking' or 'I'm just relaxing at home' using future forms 要 and 会. Focus on your own schedule, not inviting others.
- 83
Discussing Favorite Music
Learn to say 'I love pop' or 'I'm a big fan of jazz' in Mandarin, and compare music tastes with friends using simple patterns.
- 84
Talking About Favorite Foods
Learn to express food likes and dislikes in Mandarin, such as 'I can't live without pasta' or 'I'm not a fan of spicy food,' and discuss dining out preferences.
- 85
Describing Your Family
Learn to say who is in your family in Mandarin Chinese. Use possessive adjectives like 我的 (wǒ de) to talk about sisters, brothers, and parents, and say where they live.
- 86
Asking About a Friend's Family
Learn to ask a Mandarin speaker whether they have siblings and what their parents do, using 有 (yǒu) questions, 吗 (ma), and 做什么 (zuò shénme), while showing genuine interest.
- 87
Talking About Pets
Learn to say you have a pet, name it, and describe yourself as a dog or cat person in Mandarin. Practice a natural conversation about pets.
- 88
Expressing Likes and Dislikes
Learn to express general likes and dislikes in Mandarin using 喜欢 and 不喜欢, with reasons using 因为. Build simple sentences about food, drinks, activities, and more.
- 89
Talking About Daily Routine
Learn to say when you wake up, go to work, and do daily activities in Mandarin. Use time expressions with present simple to describe regular routines, not weekend plans.
- 90
Discussing Weather as Small Talk
Learn to start casual chats about weather in Mandarin: ask 'Nice day, isn't it?' or say 'It's freezing today!', agree, and extend the conversation naturally.
Everyday Politeness: Requests and Responses
10 lessons- 91
Asking for Help Politely
Learn to ask for assistance in Mandarin Chinese, from requesting directions from a stranger to asking a favor from a friend. Master polite forms like 请问 and 麻烦你, and use appropriate tone for different situations.
- 92
Offering Help Appropriately
Learn to offer help in Mandarin Chinese using formal and informal phrases like 我能帮你吗？ and 需要帮忙吗？, and how to respond politely when your offer is declined.
- 93
Making Suggestions Politely
Learn to suggest activities in Mandarin using 怎么样 and 好不好, and respond politely to others' ideas. Soften suggestions to avoid sounding pushy.
- 94
Accepting and Declining Invitations
Learn beginner Mandarin ways to accept or decline invitations politely, with formal and informal options and phrases that soften a refusal.
- 95
Extending Invitations
Learn to invite friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to events in Mandarin. Master formal and informal invitation phrases, handle tentative responses, and avoid common mistakes.
- 96
Giving Compliments
Learn to give sincere, culturally appropriate compliments in Mandarin Chinese on appearance, work, and possessions. Includes key phrases, patterns, and etiquette tips for beginners.
- 97
Receiving Compliments
Learn beginner-friendly Chinese replies to compliments, including 哪里哪里 and 谢谢, with register variations and a natural dialogue.
- 98
Apologizing for Being Late
Learn to apologize for lateness in Mandarin Chinese with polite phrases for friends, coworkers, and formal situations, plus simple ways to explain the delay and offer a remedy.
- 99
Expressing Gratitude Beyond 'Thank You'
Learn Mandarin phrases to express heartfelt gratitude beyond a simple thank you, including how to say you appreciate someone's time, with patterns, register tips, and a practical dialogue.
- 100
Polite Disagreement
Learn to disagree politely in Mandarin using phrases like 我明白你的意思，但是... and 我不太确定我同意. Maintain harmony in conversations.
Everyday Interactions
10 lessons- 101
Asking About Someone's Day
Learn to ask how someone's day is going and respond with simple details in Mandarin. This lesson focuses on social follow-up questions, not information-seeking wh-questions.
- 102
Showing You Are Listening
Learn short Mandarin backchannel phrases like 嗯, 是吗, and 真的吗 to show attention while someone speaks, and see how they differ from giving answers.
- 103
Telling Time and Schedules
Learn to say clock times in Mandarin and use 在, 从, and 到 to talk about when classes, work, and events start and end.
- 104
Expressing Preference: Would Rather
Learn to express choices between options in Mandarin using 宁可 (nìngkě) and 喜欢...还是... (xǐhuan...háishì...), focusing on preference rather than simple likes and dislikes.
- 105
Asking Permission: May I?
Learn to ask for permission politely in Mandarin Chinese using 可以 and 能不能, with window-opening, sitting, photo-taking and early-leaving examples, pinyin and tone marks.
- 106
Accepting and Declining Help
Learn to respond politely when someone offers you help in Mandarin. Practice key phrases to accept or decline, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 107
Understanding Directions
Learn to understand spoken directions in Mandarin: turn left, turn right, go straight, and cross the road. Includes key phrases, a practical dialogue, and practice for beginners.
- 108
Describing Temperature
Learn to talk about temperature in Mandarin: say hot, cold, warm, and cool, and add degree words like 'a little' or 'very' to describe weather precisely.
- 109
Asking About Feelings
Learn to ask 'Are you okay?' and respond empathetically in Mandarin. Focus on asking about others' feelings, not just stating your own.
- 110
Making Excuses to Leave
Learn to politely excuse yourself in Mandarin Chinese with phrases like 'I have an early meeting tomorrow.' This beginner lesson teaches reasons and polite forms to end conversations gracefully.
Shopping and Storing: Basic Groceries
10 lessons- 111
Name Common Groceries
Beginner Mandarin lesson for building a shopping list: learn five everyday food words and the pattern 我要买 (wǒ yào mǎi) to say what you need to buy.
- 112
Ask Where an Item Is in the Store
Learn to ask 'Where can I find ___?' in a Chinese grocery store using 在哪儿 and 在哪里, with polite openers, aisle vocabulary, and follow-up questions.
- 113
Ask for a Quantity
Learn to express quantities like 'a kilo of', 'a liter of', and 'half a dozen' in Mandarin Chinese. This beginner lesson focuses on measure words and amount phrases for shopping and daily use.
- 114
Understand the Price
Learn to ask the price of a single item in Mandarin with 多少钱 and 这个, understand the answer, and use measure words correctly when pointing at things you want to buy.
- 115
Pay at the Market
Learn to ask prices, pay with cash or card, and check your change at a Chinese market stall using beginner-friendly Mandarin phrases.
- 116
Ask for a Sample
Learn to say “Can I try ___?” in Mandarin so you can taste food at a market before deciding to buy. Practice polite requests, vendor replies, and the key difference between trying and buying.
- 117
Compare Two Items
Learn to compare items while shopping in Mandarin using 这个 (zhège) with adjectives like 便宜 (piányi), 大 (dà), and 新鲜 (xīnxiān). Build phrases to point out qualities and make better choices at markets or stores.
- 118
Ask About Freshness
Learn beginner Mandarin questions to check freshness: 新鲜吗? and 什么时候摘的? with pinyin, tone notes, and polite market usage.
- 119
Request a Bag
Learn to ask for a bag or box at a Chinese store using 'Can I have a bag?' and related phrases. Focus on packaging requests, not utensils.
- 120
Say You Are Just Looking
Learn to say "I'm just looking, thanks" in Mandarin when a shop assistant offers help. Use 我只是看看，谢谢 (Wǒ zhǐshì kànkan, xièxie) to browse without assistance.
Navigating the City
10 lessons- 121
Asking for Directions
Learn to ask where the station is in Mandarin, understand left, right and straight ahead, and politely ask someone to repeat directions using clear, beginner-level Chinese.
- 122
Asking If It Is Far
Learn to ask about distance in Mandarin Chinese using 远 (yuǎn) and 近 (jìn), and understand time estimates like '10 minutes on foot'. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and a practical dialogue.
- 123
Asking for Landmarks
Learn to ask what landmark is near a station in Mandarin and understand the answer. This lesson focuses on orientation landmarks, not route directions, using 附近, 地标, 在, and 有.
- 124
Asking Which Bus to Take
Ask which bus goes to a destination in Mandarin. Practice 'Which bus goes to the beach?' and understand bus numbers with clear examples and a dialogue.
- 125
Asking About Walking Distance
Learn to ask if a place is walkable in Mandarin Chinese. Practice 'Can I walk there?' and understand walking time. Complements distance inquiries.
- 126
Asking for a Map
Learn to ask for a map at a tourist office in Mandarin Chinese, understand the reply, and read basic map directions. Includes key phrases, a sample dialogue, and practice.
- 127
Asking How to Get to the Airport
Learn to ask 'What's the best way to the airport?' in Mandarin, understand answers about trains, buses and taxis, and use the key pattern 怎么去 plus 坐.
- 128
Asking for the Nearest Metro Station
Learn to ask 最近的地铁站在哪里？ and understand simple walking directions in Mandarin, including 一直走, 左转, 右转, and 过马路.
- 129
Asking If There Is a Shuttle
Learn to ask if a hotel or airport has a shuttle, find out where it leaves from, and understand its schedule using beginner-friendly Mandarin patterns.
- 130
Asking for a Taxi Stand
Learn to ask 'Where can I find a taxi?' in Mandarin Chinese. Master the key phrase 出租车 (chūzūchē) and the pattern 在哪儿 (zài nǎr) to ask for locations politely.
Building Social Connections
10 lessons- 131
Making Plans with Friends
Learn to invite someone in Mandarin, suggest a time, accept or politely decline, and agree on a plan. Includes key phrases, a model dialogue, and practice.
- 132
Suggesting Activities
Learn to suggest activities in Mandarin using 吧 (ba) and 怎么样 (zěnme yàng). Say 'Let's watch a movie' or 'How about a walk?' naturally.
- 133
Agreeing on Arrangements
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to confirm or adjust plans during a negotiation, using 可以, 行, 没问题 and 好的, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 134
Politely Declining Plans
Learn to decline a proposed plan in Mandarin with 不好意思, 去不了, and 下次吧. Offer alternatives like 改天 or 换个时间. Beginner-friendly phrases with pinyin and tone marks.
- 135
Rescheduling a Meetup
Learn to apologize and reschedule in Mandarin when something comes up, using phrases like 改到星期天好吗？ and 对不起，我有事。
- 136
Asking for a Favor
Learn to politely ask for favors and borrow items in Mandarin Chinese. Master key phrases like 能帮我个忙吗？ and 能借我笔记吗？ with tone-perfect pronunciation and cultural tips.
- 137
Offering Help to a Friend
Learn to offer help in Mandarin with phrases like 需要帮忙吗 and 我可以帮你, and respond to offers politely. Master the difference between offering help and asking for a favor.
- 138
Sharing Good News
Learn to announce exciting personal news in Mandarin Chinese, like getting a job or moving, and respond with enthusiasm. Perfect for beginners to share achievements with friends.
- 139
Responding to Good News
Learn to respond positively in Mandarin with 太好了 and 恭喜, then ask follow-up questions like 什么时候 and 怎么样 to show you are listening.
- 140
Showing Sympathy
Learn to comfort someone in Mandarin with phrases like 'I'm sorry to hear that' and 'That's tough,' and offer support. Perfect for responding to bad news.
Social Niceties: Dining and Visiting
10 lessons- 141
Basic Table Manners Phrases
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases for polite requests and friendly comments at the table, including qǐng màn yòng and qǐng bǎ yán dì gěi wǒ.
- 142
Being a Guest: Complimenting the Host
Learn beginner-friendly Mandarin phrases to compliment your host's food and hospitality, including 'This is delicious' and 'Thank you for having me,' with pronunciation and usage tips.
- 143
Hosting Guests: Welcoming and Offering
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to welcome guests into your home and politely offer them food or drinks, including 请进, 随便坐 and 你想喝点什么.
- 144
Toasting and Celebrations
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases for short toasts and good-luck wishes, including 干杯, 祝你成功, and 祝你好运, with register tips and a natural dialogue.
- 145
Excusing Yourself from the Table
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases for politely excusing yourself during a meal or thanking your host at the end, with pinyin, tone marks and usage notes.
- 146
Complimenting Someone's Home
Learn to sincerely compliment a host's home in Mandarin Chinese with phrases like 'Your home is lovely.' Focus on warm, non-intrusive compliments that show appreciation without overstepping.
- 147
Bringing a Gift: Phrases for Giving
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to present a gift to a host politely, including 'This is for you' and 'I hope you like it.'
- 148
Receiving a Gift Politely
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases for receiving a gift with gratitude, including polite ways to say 'You shouldn't have' and 'Thank you so much,' with pinyin, tone marks, and usage notes.
- 149
Saying Goodbye After a Visit
Learn Mandarin phrases to say when leaving a friend's or host's home, including thanks for hosting and suggestions to meet again. Beginner level, simplified Chinese with pinyin.
- 150
Small Talk at Parties
Learn to greet, chat about weather, food, and interests, and exit politely in Mandarin Chinese, with pinyin and tone marks.
Expanding Tenses and Structures
10 lessons- 151
Past Tense Questions with Did
Learn to ask past tense questions in Mandarin using 吗 (ma) and 了 (le). Form 'Did you call him?' and similar questions with correct word order and time words.
- 152
Past Tense Negatives with Didn't
Learn to form negative past sentences in Mandarin with 没(有) plus a verb, so you can say what you did not do, without changing the verb for past tense.
- 153
Future Time Expressions
Learn to talk about the future in Mandarin using time words like 明天 (tomorrow), 下个星期 (next week), and 马上 (soon), with elementary sentence patterns and examples.
- 154
Offers and Promises with Will
Learn to make offers, promises and on-the-spot decisions in Mandarin with 我来, 我会 and 我帮你, and see why these differ from plain predictions about the future.
- 155
Present Continuous vs. Simple Present
Learn to use 在 (zài) for actions happening now and time words like 每天 (měitiān) or 常常 (chángcháng) for habits, so you can say 'I'm reading now' versus 'I read every night.'
- 156
As...As Equality Comparisons
Learn to compare things that are equal in Chinese using 跟...一样 (as...as) and 没有...那么 (not as...as). This lesson focuses on expressing equality and inequality, different from more/most comparisons.
- 157
Asking for Permission with Can
Learn to ask for and give permission in Mandarin using 可以 (kěyǐ). Practice polite requests like 'Can I borrow your pen?' and responses like 'Sure.'
- 158
Have To for Obligation
Learn to express 'have to' and 'has to' in Mandarin Chinese using the modal verb 得 (děi), focusing on external obligations like work, appointments, and rules. Compare with 必须 (bìxū) and practice with real-life examples.
- 159
Adverbs of Degree
Learn to express intensity with Mandarin adjectives using 很 (very), 挺 (quite), 真 (really), and 有点儿 (a bit). Build natural sentences about weather, food, and daily life.
- 160
Reflexive Pronouns: Myself, Yourself
Learn how Mandarin uses 自己 (zìjǐ) when the subject and object are the same person, and see how it differs from ordinary object pronouns like 我 (wǒ) and 你 (nǐ).
Cooking Basics: Following Simple Recipes
10 lessons- 161
Name Common Cooking Actions
Master five essential Chinese cooking verbs and use them in simple sentences like 'I chop the onions'. Perfect for elementary learners who want to talk about cooking actions.
- 162
List Ingredients for a Recipe
Learn to say what ingredients you need to cook a simple dish in Mandarin, using the pattern 首先，我需要... (shǒuxiān, wǒ xūyào...) and common food words.
- 163
Follow Simple Recipe Steps
Learn to sequence instructions in Mandarin with 先, 然后, 接着 and 最后. Build clear step-by-step sentences for cooking, study tasks and everyday routines at elementary level.
- 164
Ask How to Cook Something
Learn to ask how to cook a specific dish in Mandarin and understand simple answers about methods and ingredients, using the pattern 怎么 + verb.
- 165
Express Cooking Preference
Learn to express whether you enjoy cooking as an activity in Mandarin, using 喜欢 and 做饭. Includes pinyin, tone tips, and a natural dialogue.
- 166
Ask for a Recipe
Learn to ask someone for a recipe in Mandarin, using 你能给我食谱吗 and related phrases. Focus on requesting written or shared instructions, not just cooking advice.
- 167
Describe What You Are Cooking
Learn to say 'I am making ___' in Mandarin and describe the dish itself—its ingredients, taste, and appearance—using the pattern 我在做 + dish and simple descriptive phrases.
- 168
Ask About Cooking Time
Learn to ask and answer 'How long does it take?' in Mandarin using 多长时间, 要, and duration phrases like 半个小时 and 三天, with a practical dialogue about getting to the airport.
- 169
Say You Made a Mistake
Learn to admit common cooking errors in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson teaches phrases for burned rice, too much salt, and other kitchen mishaps, with polite and casual ways to apologize.
- 170
Compliment Someone's Cooking
Learn elementary Mandarin phrases to compliment food and the person who made it, including 好吃, 真好吃, 你做得真好, and 你是个好厨师, with pinyin and tone marks.
Sightseeing Essentials
10 lessons- 171
Buying a Museum Ticket
Learn to buy a museum entry ticket in Mandarin: ask for one adult ticket, understand student and senior discount prices, and answer the cashier's questions about how many tickets you need.
- 172
Asking About Opening Hours
Learn to ask when a place opens and closes in Mandarin, say 'What are the opening hours?', and understand the last-entry time so you can buy tickets with confidence.
- 173
Asking for a Guided Tour
Learn to ask 'Is there a guided tour in English?' in Mandarin, understand tour times, and distinguish a guided tour from an audio guide. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and a short dialogue.
- 174
Asking About Photography Rules
Learn to ask permission to take photos in Mandarin, understand common restrictions at Chinese sites, and respond politely to rules about photography.
- 175
Asking for the Audio Guide
Learn to ask 有西班牙语的语音导览吗？ and to understand rental terms like 租 and 押金 at museums and landmarks in Mandarin-speaking regions.
- 176
Asking About Discounts
Learn to ask 'Is there a student discount?' in Mandarin, understand eligibility, and use polite phrases to request price reductions for students and seniors.
- 177
Asking for the Restroom
Learn to ask 'Where is the restroom?' in Mandarin, understand common public signs, and use polite phrases in museums and cafés.
- 178
Asking About Souvenirs
Learn to ask where you can buy souvenirs in Mandarin Chinese. Practice the key question 'Where can I buy souvenirs?' and understand simple directions to nearby shops.
- 179
Asking for a Recommendation
Learn to ask 'What do you recommend to see?' in Mandarin, understand suggestions, and respond naturally. This lesson focuses on recommendations, not directions, with simplified characters and pinyin.
- 180
Asking About Combo Tickets
Learn to ask 'Is there a combo ticket?' in Mandarin and discuss savings for multiple attractions. Master key phrases like 套票 and 便宜 to navigate ticket options confidently.
Navigating Social Situations
10 lessons- 181
Joining a Group Conversation
Learn elementary Mandarin phrases to enter an ongoing group chat, ask what people are discussing, and contribute politely. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and cultural tips for managing multiple speakers.
- 182
Changing the Conversation Topic
Learn to change the subject naturally in Mandarin with phrases like 对了 and 话说回来. This lesson teaches you to link new topics to the current conversation, ask staff questions politely, and avoid common mistakes.
- 183
Interrupting Politely
Learn elementary Mandarin phrases to interrupt politely when you must speak right away: 不好意思，打断一下 and 我可以补充一下吗, with pinyin, tone-marked pronunciation, a short dialogue and common mistakes.
- 184
Ending a Conversation Gracefully
Learn to exit a conversation politely in Mandarin with phrases like 我得走了 (wǒ děi zǒu le) and 改天再聊 (gǎitiān zài liáo), giving a reason and making a soft future plan.
- 185
Handling a Misunderstanding
Learn to ask for repetition and clarification in Mandarin with phrases like 没听清 and 什么意思. Practice a short dialogue to resolve confusion politely.
- 186
Apologizing for a Mistake
Learn to say 'I'm really sorry, it was my fault' in Mandarin and make amends for serious errors, using 对不起, 抱歉, 是我的错, and repair phrases with pinyin and tone marks.
- 187
Accepting an Apology
Learn to respond to an apology in Mandarin with phrases like 没关系 (it's okay) and 我接受你的道歉 (I accept your apology). This lesson focuses on the receiver's role in forgiveness, distinct from apologizing.
- 188
Giving Advice to a Friend
Learn elementary Mandarin ways to give supportive suggestions with 也许你应该 (maybe you should) and 你有没有想过 (have you thought about), plus softer options like 要不要 and 不如.
- 189
Asking for Advice
Learn to seek opinions and advice in Mandarin by describing a situation and asking 你觉得我该怎么办？ or 有什么建议吗？. This lesson focuses on getting guidance, not requesting a favor.
- 190
Expressing Disagreement Politely
Learn to disagree politely in Mandarin with phrases like 我明白你的意思，但是… and 我不太确定我同意. Keep harmony while expressing a different view.
Everyday Indirectness: Softening and Hinting
10 lessons- 191
Softening Requests with 'Could'
Learn to use 能不能 (néng bù néng) to soften requests in Mandarin, similar to English 'could.' Compare with direct forms like 帮我 (bāng wǒ).
- 192
Using 'Maybe' to Soften Statements
Learn to use 也许 (yěxǔ), 可能 (kěnéng), and 要不 (yàobù) to make suggestions and opinions sound less direct in everyday Mandarin, with clear examples and a short dialogue.
- 193
Indirect Questions for Asking Directions
Learn to ask for directions indirectly in Mandarin Chinese using polite inquiry patterns like 请问 (qǐngwèn) and 您能告诉我...吗？ (nín néng gàosù wǒ... ma?). Includes five key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 194
Hinting Instead of Asking Directly
Learn to hint at needs in Mandarin without direct requests, using phrases like '有点冷' to imply 'close the window'. Master common indirect expressions for polite communication.
- 195
Polite Refusals with Hesitation
Learn to say no gently in Mandarin by opening with hesitation markers like 嗯…… and 这个嘛……, then giving a soft reason. Includes five useful phrases, a short dialogue, and practice.
- 196
Expressing Uncertainty
Learn five Mandarin phrases to express uncertainty and avoid strong claims. Includes pinyin, tone marks, usage notes, a dialogue, and practice for elementary learners.
- 197
Softening Disagreement with 'I Think'
Learn to use 我觉得 (wǒ juéde) and 可能 (kěnéng) to politely disagree in Mandarin, with five key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 198
Making Suggestions with 'Why Don't We'
Learn to make polite suggestions in Mandarin using 我们...吧, compare with direct suggestions, and practice with real-life examples.
- 199
Indirect Complaints
Learn to make indirect, polite complaints in Mandarin Chinese using 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr) plus adjectives, so you can signal a problem without sounding blunt or demanding.
- 200
Responding to Indirect Requests
Learn to recognize and respond to indirect hints in Mandarin Chinese, such as when someone says 'This box is heavy' to imply they need help. Practice interpreting and replying appropriately.
Connecting Ideas
10 lessons- 201
Using So and Because
Learn to express cause and result in Mandarin using 因为 (yīnwèi) 'because' and 所以 (suǒyǐ) 'so'. Practice forming sentences like 'It rained, so we stayed home.'
- 202
Using Although and However
Learn to connect two contrasting ideas in Mandarin with 虽然...但是 (although...but) and 可是 (however), and see how this differs from cause-and-effect pairs like 因为...所以.
- 203
Before and After in Time Clauses
Master Mandarin time clauses using 以后 (after) and 以前 (before) to link events. Build complex sentences like 'After I ate, I left.'
- 204
Using For + Noun for Purpose
Learn to express purpose in Mandarin with 用来 (yòng lái) plus a verb, the natural equivalent of English 'for doing something'. Build sentences like 这把刀是用来切面包的 and ask what things are for.
- 205
Responding to Suggestions
Learn to respond to suggestions in Mandarin Chinese with phrases to accept (好主意), decline (下次吧), or modify (换个时间) politely. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and cultural tips.
- 206
Showing Strong Agreement
Learn to express emphatic agreement in Mandarin Chinese with phrases like 绝对 (juéduì) and 完全同意 (wánquán tóngyì), going beyond basic 对 (duì) to show strong enthusiasm and conviction.
- 207
Asking for Clarification
Learn to ask 'What do you mean by that?' in Mandarin when a statement is unclear. This lesson focuses on clarifying meaning, not asking for opinions, with phrases like 你是什么意思 and 你的意思是……吗.
- 208
Expressing Certainty: Definitely
Learn to express strong certainty in Mandarin with 一定 (yídìng), 肯定 (kěndìng), and 当然 (dāngrán). Build confident sentences like 我一定来 and tell certainty apart from possibility.
- 209
Using So Do I / Neither Do I
Learn to agree with positive and negative statements in Mandarin using 也 (yě) and 也不 (yě bù), the natural equivalents of English 'so' and 'neither'. Practice with common verbs and adjectives.
- 210
Disagreeing with Respect
Learn elementary Mandarin phrases to acknowledge someone's opinion first, then disagree politely using 我明白你的意思，但是… and similar patterns.
Dining Out: Restaurants and Menus
10 lessons- 211
Make a Restaurant Reservation
Learn to call or ask in person for a restaurant table in Mandarin. Practise booking a table for two at 7 p.m. with polite, natural phrases.
- 212
Ask for a Table
Learn to request a table for a specific number of people in Mandarin, focusing on walk-in seating without a reservation. Master the key phrase 'A table for two, please' and related expressions.
- 213
Understand Menu Sections
Learn to identify the four main sections of a Chinese menu: appetizers (凉菜), main courses (主菜), desserts (甜点), and drinks (饮料). Build vocabulary and understand menu structure.
- 214
Ask About the Daily Special
Learn to ask 今天有什么特价? and understand daily specials in Mandarin, including price, dish names, and simple descriptions.
- 215
Order a Full Meal
Learn to order a complete Chinese meal in sequence. Master quantity phrases, ask staff for recommendations, and handle multiple courses with confidence.
- 216
Ask for Food to Be Prepared Specially
Learn to customize food orders in Mandarin by saying 'no onions, please' and 'extra sauce,' using the key pattern 不要 (bú yào) and 多放 (duō fàng).
- 217
Ask About Allergens
Learn to ask whether food contains nuts, dairy, or gluten in Mandarin, understand common responses, and communicate allergy needs clearly and politely.
- 218
Send Food Back Politely
Learn to tell a restaurant that your dish was prepared incorrectly, using the model sentence 'I ordered this without cheese,' and ask clearly for it to be fixed.
- 219
Ask for the Check
Learn to ask for the bill and split it in Chinese restaurants. Master 买单, 结账, and 分开付 with clear examples and a practical dialogue.
- 220
Make a Toast
Learn elementary Mandarin toasts for meals and celebrations: gānbēi, wèi nǐ de jiànkāng, and more. Includes pinyin, usage notes, a dialogue, and practice.
Everyday Errands
10 lessons- 221
Buying a Stamp
Learn to ask for stamps for your postcards, say how many you need, and ask about international postcard rates at a Chinese post office in clear, polite Mandarin.
- 222
Asking for a Postcard
Learn to ask where to buy postcards in Mandarin Chinese with the pattern 在哪儿能买...？ and understand common places like post offices, bookstores, and tourist shops. Complements lessons on buying stamps.
- 223
Withdrawing Money from an ATM
Learn elementary Mandarin to use an ATM in China: ask whether it accepts foreign cards, choose cash withdrawal, enter your PIN, and ask about fees using clear, polite phrases.
- 224
Exchanging Currency
Learn to exchange dollars for euros at a Chinese bank or exchange office. Master key phrases, understand exchange rates, and distinguish this from using an ATM.
- 225
Buying a SIM Card
Learn elementary Mandarin to buy a local SIM card in China: ask for a SIM card with data, understand prepaid plans, and give your passport at the phone shop.
- 226
Asking for a Pharmacy
Learn to ask 最近的药店在哪里？ and understand pharmacy hours in Mandarin, with pinyin, a four-line dialogue, and practice for real situations.
- 227
Buying a Bottle of Water
Learn to buy bottled water in Mandarin: ask for a bottle of water, request still or sparkling, ask the price, and pay politely at a shop or kiosk.
- 228
Asking for a Supermarket
Learn to ask 'Is there a supermarket near here?' in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson teaches you to use 附近 (fùjìn) and 有 (yǒu) to find grocery stores, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 229
Asking About Laundry Service
Learn to ask 'Is there a laundromat nearby?' in Mandarin, understand opening hours, and handle basic laundry needs with confidence.
- 230
Asking for a Haircut
Learn to ask for a haircut at a salon in Mandarin Chinese. Practice key phrases like 我想剪头发 and understand appointment-related questions. Perfect for beginners.
Social Life and Relationships
10 lessons- 231
Talking About Friendship
Learn to describe close friends in Mandarin: say someone is always there for you, that you've been friends for years, and express why the friendship matters.
- 232
Describing Personality
Learn to describe people's character in Mandarin with 外向, 害羞 and 有点儿. Build simple sentences, compare two people, and avoid confusing personality with physical description.
- 233
Talking About Romantic Relationships
Learn to say whether you are single or have a partner in Mandarin, ask someone the same, and keep this romantic topic separate from friendship talk.
- 234
Expressing Affection
Learn to express deep affection in Mandarin with phrases like 我想你 and 你对我很重要. Use them with close family, partners, and dear friends to show care beyond simple compliments.
- 235
Talking About Common Interests
Learn to express mutual hobbies in Mandarin with 'wǒmen dōu...' (we both...) and ask 'nǐ... ma?' (do you...?) to build connections. Includes key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 236
Making Small Talk at a Party
Learn elementary Mandarin openers for chatting with new people at parties and events: asking how someone knows the host and commenting on the music, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 237
Introducing Friends to Each Other
Learn to introduce another person in Mandarin with 这是我的朋友 Sam, using 这, 是, 的 and 朋友. Includes pinyin, tone marks, a short dialogue and common mistakes.
- 238
Talking About Social Events
Learn to talk about past events like parties and weddings in Mandarin. Use 了 and 过 to share experiences, and describe how things were.
- 239
Expressing Gratitude for an Invitation
Learn to thank a host in Mandarin with phrases like 谢谢你的招待 and 我玩得很开心. This lesson covers when to use each, how to follow up, and common mistakes.
- 240
Handling a Social Mistake
Learn Mandarin phrases to apologize for small social blunders like saying the wrong name or using the wrong word, and recover gracefully.
Everyday Humor and Irony
10 lessons- 241
Understanding Sarcasm: Basics
This lesson teaches you to identify sarcasm in Mandarin by noticing exaggerated praise, contrasting context, and specific tone cues. You will learn five key phrases and practice recognizing sarcastic intent without producing it yourself.
- 242
Using Irony in Compliments
Learn to use Mandarin ironic compliments like 真棒 and 厉害 for friendly teasing. This lesson covers five key phrases, tone tips, and when to avoid sarcasm in criticism.
- 243
Self-Deprecating Humor
Learn to make gentle fun of yourself in Mandarin Chinese—being late, forgetful, bad at cooking—to build warmth and rapport. Includes five phrases, patterns, a dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 244
Playful Exaggeration
Learn to use Mandarin hyperbole for humor, like 'I've told you a million times.' Master phrases such as 一百万次 and 一百遍 to exaggerate in casual talk.
- 245
Responding to Jokes
Learn to react naturally when someone tells a joke in Mandarin. Master phrases from genuine laughter to polite chuckles, and understand when to use each.
- 246
Telling Simple Jokes
Learn to structure a basic joke in Mandarin using the setup (铺垫) and punchline (笑点) pattern. Practice with clean, universal jokes and master key phrases like 你猜怎么着 and 结果呢.
- 247
Understanding Puns
Learn to recognize common Chinese puns and wordplay through homophones and double meanings, so you can appreciate humor in everyday Mandarin conversations.
- 248
Using Understatement
Learn Mandarin phrases that downplay strong feelings for dry, British-style humor. Use 有点儿, 稍微, 还好 and 算是 to make light of cold, tiredness and trouble without exaggeration.
- 249
Teasing Affectionately
Learn five gentle Mandarin phrases for playful teasing, such as commenting on a messy haircut. Includes pinyin, tone marks, a dialogue, and tips on keeping jokes warm and friendly.
- 250
Recognizing Humor in Texts
Learn to read humor in Chinese digital messages: repeated 哈, the tricky 呵呵, 233, and how emoji and punctuation change tone in Mandarin texting.
Describing and Narrating
10 lessons- 251
Describing Clothing
Learn to say what someone is wearing in Mandarin Chinese using the pattern 穿着 + color + clothing item. Includes five key phrases, a dialogue, common mistakes, and practice.
- 252
Describing Moods
Learn to describe temporary moods in Mandarin with 好像 and 看起来, using 紧张, 兴奋, 放松, 累, and 开心. Separate a passing mood from a lasting personality trait.
- 253
Asking About Past Events
Learn to ask others what they did in the past using Mandarin past-tense questions with 过 and 了. Practice a natural conversation about last weekend.
- 254
Using Ago and Last
Master how to say 'ago' with 前 (qián) and 'last' with 上 (shàng) to talk about past events in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson covers placement, examples, and common mistakes.
- 255
Describing Rooms and Furniture
Learn to describe interiors in Mandarin using 在 (zài), position words like 上/下/旁边, and adjectives such as 小 and 新. Build sentences like 窗户旁边有一张小桌子.
- 256
Telling an Anecdote
Learn to tell a short funny personal anecdote in Mandarin with a clear punchline. Use time markers, reaction words, and the 结果 twist to make your story land.
- 257
Adverb Placement in Sentences
Learn where to place Chinese adverbs of manner, frequency, and time, including how to say 'all the time' naturally. Build three reusable sentence patterns and avoid common word-order mistakes.
- 258
Used To for Past Habits
Use 以前 (yǐqián) to talk about past habits and states in Mandarin, similar to English 'used to'. Learn the pattern and practice with examples.
- 259
Making Arrangements with Present Continuous
Learn to talk about fixed future arrangements in Mandarin using 在 + time, time + 见, and 跟 + person. Practice a short conversation about meeting a friend at six.
- 260
Using While and During
Learn to describe simultaneous events in Mandarin Chinese using 的时候 (de shíhou) and 一边...一边... (yìbiān... yìbiān...). Compare with sequencing to express 'while' and 'during' accurately at elementary level.
Dietary Needs and Preferences
10 lessons- 261
Explain a Vegetarian Diet
Learn to say you are vegetarian in Mandarin, name foods you don't eat, and ask if dishes contain meat or eggs. Includes pinyin, tones, and cultural tips.
- 262
Explain a Vegan Diet
Learn to say you are vegan in Mandarin, explain that you avoid all animal products, and distinguish vegan from vegetarian (which includes dairy and eggs) in everyday Chinese.
- 263
Explain Gluten-Free Needs
Learn to say you eat gluten-free, ask if a dish contains wheat, and explain your dietary lifestyle in Mandarin. Includes phrases, a dialogue, and cultural tips for dining in Chinese-speaking regions.
- 264
Explain Allergies
Learn to state a peanut allergy in Mandarin, ask if a dish contains peanuts, and understand why this is different from a gluten-free request.
- 265
Ask If a Dish Is Suitable
Learn to ask whether a specific dish is vegetarian or gluten-free in Mandarin, and understand common yes/no answers and follow-up questions.
- 266
Request a Dietary Substitution
Learn to ask 'Can I have salad instead of fries?' in Mandarin, focusing on dietary swaps. Master the pattern 把A换成B and polite requests.
- 267
Explain Religious Dietary Rules
Learn to say you eat halal or kosher in Mandarin, explain it as a religious dietary rule, and distinguish it from vegetarian or other diets.
- 268
Ask About Ingredients in Detail
Learn to ask if a dish contains a specific ingredient like garlic, and understand the answer in Mandarin. Focus on the pattern 有...吗 and replies with 有/没有.
- 269
Explain a Food Intolerance
Learn to say you are lactose intolerant in Mandarin, explain digestive symptoms, and distinguish it from a milk allergy. Includes key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 270
Discuss Dietary Choices
Learn to say what you choose to eat and why, using the pattern 我选择吃……因为……. Build elementary Mandarin skills to explain your food decisions clearly.
Local Services
10 lessons- 271
Asking for a Doctor
Learn to say you need to see a doctor in Mandarin, ask where the nearest clinic or hospital is, and understand the reply. Simplified Chinese with pinyin tone marks.
- 272
Asking for a Police Station
Learn to ask 'Where is the police station?' in Mandarin Chinese, understand basic directions, and use polite phrases to find your way.
- 273
Asking for a Post Office
Learn to ask 邮局在哪儿？, understand opening hours, and buy stamps politely in Mandarin, with pinyin, tone marks, and a short dialogue.
- 274
Asking for a Bank
Learn to ask 'Is there a bank near here?' in Mandarin, understand ATM locations, and use the pattern 附近有...吗? with practical examples.
- 275
Asking for a Library
Learn to ask 'Where is the public library?' in Mandarin, understand the answer, and ask about wifi access. Includes key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 276
Asking for a Gym
Learn to ask 'Is there a gym nearby?' in Mandarin, understand day passes (单次票), and navigate fitness facility conversations with confidence.
- 277
Asking for a Swimming Pool
Learn to ask 'Where is the swimming pool?' in Mandarin, understand opening hours, and use polite follow-up questions at a public pool. Includes pinyin, tones, and a sample dialogue.
- 278
Asking for a Tourist Information Center
Learn to ask 'Where is the tourist information center?' in Mandarin, understand common services, and follow simple directions using the pattern 在哪儿 (zài nǎr).
- 279
Asking for a Car Rental
Learn to ask where to rent a car in Mandarin, understand rental requirements, and handle a basic car rental conversation with confidence.
- 280
Asking for a Bicycle Rental
Learn to ask where you can rent a bike in Mandarin, understand daily and hourly prices, and handle a short rental conversation with confidence.
Study and Professional Collaboration
10 lessons- 281
Discussing Study Habits
Learn to describe how you study in Mandarin using 我...的时候, time words like 早上 and 晚上, and the verb 背. Build a short conversation about study routines and share simple tips with a classmate.
- 282
Forming a Study Group
Learn to invite a classmate to study together in Mandarin and agree on what to study, using 一起, 好吗, and 要 with time and place words.
- 283
Asking for Help with Homework
Learn to ask a teacher or classmate to explain an academic problem in Mandarin. Covers 能, 一下, 这道题, and 怎么, with polite classroom phrases.
- 284
Collaborating on a Project
Learn to split a two-person project in Mandarin: say who does what with 我负责, 你负责, 你来…吧, and confirm a plan with 行, 没问题, 就这么定了.
- 285
Giving Feedback to a Peer
Learn to give kind, work-focused feedback in Mandarin using 也许 (yěxǔ), 可以 (kěyǐ), and 多 (duō). Build polite suggestions about a project, essay, or design without sounding harsh.
- 286
Receiving Feedback
Learn to say 'Thanks, I'll work on that' in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson teaches elementary phrases to accept criticism constructively, ask follow-up questions, and focus on improvement, distinct from accepting apologies.
- 287
Discussing Career Goals
Learn to say what job you want and share work plans in Mandarin using 想, 要, and 打算, with a natural beginner conversation about careers and promotions.
- 288
Networking at an Event
Learn to introduce yourself professionally in Mandarin, exchange contact information, and distinguish business from social introductions. Suitable for elementary learners.
- 289
Scheduling a Meeting
Learn to schedule a work meeting in Mandarin: ask about availability on a specific day, propose a time, and confirm the agenda politely using 方便, 安排, and 议程.
- 290
Participating in a Meeting
Learn to offer a suggestion or ask to add a point in structured Chinese meetings, using polite phrases that respect turn-taking.
Media and Storytelling: Understanding Narratives
10 lessons- 291
Following a Story Sequence
Learn to track the order of events in short Mandarin stories using the time markers 先, 然后, 接着 and 最后, and answer simple comprehension questions about what happened first, next and last.
- 292
Identifying the Main Idea in News
Learn to skim Mandarin news articles and broadcasts for the main point: spot topic words, the opening summary sentence, and the reporter's source, using simplified characters and pinyin.
- 293
Understanding Headlines
Learn to decode common abbreviations and playful puns in Chinese newspaper headlines, focusing on print media. Understand how headlines compress information and use homophones.
- 294
Telling a Simple Story
Learn to narrate a simple personal story in Mandarin using time words and the 了 aspect marker, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- 295
Describing Characters in Stories
Learn elementary Mandarin adjectives and simple sentence patterns to describe story characters as brave, kind, clever, or shy, using 很, 是…的, and 又…又….
- 296
Understanding Plot Twists
Learn Mandarin words and sentence patterns for noticing and describing plot twists in short Chinese narratives, focusing on surprise endings rather than foreshadowing.
- 297
Summarizing a Story
Learn to summarize a short Chinese story or article in a few sentences using 这个故事讲的是, 主要, 最后 and 总的来说. Focus on main points, not detailed retelling.
- 298
Expressing Opinions About Media
Learn to say what you think about a movie or book in Mandarin Chinese. Use 我喜欢 because, 我觉得, and simple reasons. Perfect for elementary learners who want to share basic reactions.
- 299
Understanding Commercials
Learn to identify the product and understand persuasive claims in Mandarin Chinese commercials. Focus on key phrases and patterns for elementary learners.
- 300
Discussing TV Shows
Learn to ask friends in Mandarin whether they have watched a show, say what you thought of it, and share quick reactions in casual conversation.
Complex Sentences and Opinions
10 lessons- 301
Using Despite and In Spite Of
Learn to express contrast using 尽管 (jǐn guǎn) plus a noun or verb phrase, similar to English 'despite' or 'in spite of'. This lesson focuses on prepositional contrast, distinct from the conjunction 虽然 (suī rán).
- 302
Relative Clauses: Where and Whose
Learn to express 'the place where...' with 在...的地方 and possession with 的 in Mandarin relative clauses, using elementary sentence patterns and clear examples.
- 303
Agreeing with Opinions
Learn to agree with opinions in Mandarin using 我同意, 你说得对, and more. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and practice.
- 304
Asking for Advice
Learn to ask for advice in Mandarin using 怎么办 (zěnme bàn) and 有什么建议 (yǒu shénme jiànyì). Build phrases and a short conversation to seek help naturally.
- 305
Talking About Probability
Learn to express probability in Mandarin Chinese using 可能 (maybe), 也许 (perhaps), 大概 (probably), and 会 (will/likely). Practice talking about likely and unlikely events with natural sentence patterns.
- 306
Using Unless
Learn to use 除非 (chúfēi) to mean 'unless' in Mandarin. Build sentences like 'I won't go unless you come' and understand how 除非 differs from ordinary 如果 'if' clauses.
- 307
Verb + Object + Infinitive
Learn to use 请 (qǐng) and 想 (xiǎng) with a person and a verb to say 'ask someone to do' and 'want someone to do' in Mandarin.
- 308
Gerunds as Subjects
Learn to put an action phrase at the start of a Mandarin sentence as its subject, the equivalent of English -ing subjects like "Swimming is good exercise," using 我喜欢跑步 and 学中文很有意思.
- 309
Reported Questions
Learn to report yes/no questions with 是不是 and place questions with 在哪儿 in Mandarin, using 问 as the reporting verb instead of English-style 'if' or 'where' clauses.
- 310
Responding to Polite Requests
Master how to respond appropriately to polite requests in Mandarin Chinese, with key phrases for accepting and refusing, plus cultural tips.
Hosting and Being a Guest
10 lessons- 311
Invite Someone to Dinner
Learn to invite a friend to your home for dinner in Mandarin, suggest a time, and respond politely. Includes phrases, a dialogue, and cultural tips for home hosting.
- 312
Accept a Dinner Invitation
Learn to say 'I'd love to come' in Mandarin Chinese and ask what to bring, using 我很想去, 需要带什么吗, and 要不要我带点东西. Includes polite patterns and a natural dialogue.
- 313
Decline a Dinner Invitation
Learn to politely decline an invitation in Mandarin using 不好意思 and 不能去, then give a clear reason with 因为…所以… or 要…, and respond appropriately when someone declines you.
- 314
Ask What to Bring
Learn Mandarin phrases to ask what you can bring or whether you should bring dessert when invited to someone's home. Includes polite patterns, pronunciation, and a short dialogue.
- 315
Offer Food to a Guest
Learn to offer food with 你要不要来点___？ and encourage second helpings using 再来点吧. Practice polite serving phrases for meals and snacks.
- 316
Compliment the Host
Learn to thank your host for their hospitality and compliment the meal in Mandarin Chinese, with phrases, a dialogue, and cultural tips for polite guest behavior.
- 317
Help with Hosting Tasks
Learn to offer help in Mandarin Chinese with the phrase '我能帮什么忙吗？' (Wǒ néng bāng shénme máng ma?). This lesson teaches you to ask if you can assist with anything, focusing on assistance rather than bringing food.
- 318
Say Goodbye After a Meal
Learn to thank your host for a lovely evening and say goodbye naturally in Mandarin, using 谢谢你的招待, 今晚很愉快, and polite leave-taking phrases with pinyin and tone marks.
- 319
Discuss Dietary Needs as a Guest
Learn to tell a Chinese host about dietary restrictions before a home meal, using polite phrases for allergies, religious rules, and preferences.
- 320
Bring a Gift for the Host
Learn to present flowers, wine, or snacks to a Chinese-speaking host using 给你带了点儿…… and 这是给你的. Practice polite replies and natural gift-giving exchanges in Mandarin.
Housing and Longer Stays
10 lessons- 321
Asking About Apartment Rental
Learn to ask whether an apartment is available for one month in Mandarin Chinese, understand key rental terms, and handle a simple short-term rental conversation with confidence.
- 322
Asking About Utilities Included
Learn to ask 'Are utilities included?' in Mandarin Chinese, understand common extra costs, and discuss rental fees with clear, polite phrases.
- 323
Asking About Furnished Apartment
Learn to ask 'Is it furnished?' in Mandarin and name common furniture and appliances, so you can check what an apartment includes before you rent it.
- 324
Asking About Lease Length
Learn to ask "What's the minimum lease?" in Mandarin, understand the key word 租期 (zūqī, lease term), and check whether a landlord is flexible about a shorter or longer contract.
- 325
Asking About Deposit
Learn to ask 'How much is the deposit?' in Mandarin, discuss refund conditions, and understand key rental deposit phrases for Chinese-speaking areas.
- 326
Asking About Neighborhood Safety
Learn to ask 'Is this a safe area?' in Mandarin and understand common responses. This lesson covers key phrases for safety inquiries, with pinyin and cultural tips.
- 327
Asking About Public Transport Nearby
Learn to ask if there is a metro station or bus stop near an apartment, and understand distance expressions in Mandarin Chinese. Perfect for elementary learners.
- 328
Asking About Pets Allowed
Learn to ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Mandarin, understand common pet restrictions, and discuss pet policies when renting an apartment in China.
- 329
Asking About Parking
Learn to ask if parking is available in Mandarin Chinese. Master the key phrase 有停车位吗? and understand common responses about parking facilities.
- 330
Asking About Internet Speed
Learn to ask 'Is the internet fast?' in Mandarin and check whether a connection is reliable, using 快, 慢, 稳定, and 网.
Expanding Social Horizons
10 lessons- 331
Talking About Travel Plans
Learn to say you are going to Japan next month, share a simple itinerary, and understand how this differs from weekend plans in Mandarin Chinese.
- 332
Sharing Travel Experiences
Learn to use 了 and 很 to describe past travel experiences in Mandarin, focusing on food. Build sentences like '意大利的食物很好吃' and ask follow-up questions.
- 333
Discussing Hobbies in Depth
Learn to express how long you've done a hobby and what you're currently learning in Mandarin, using 已经…了 and 正在…呢. Build on basic hobby vocabulary to add duration and progress.
- 334
Talking About Books and Movies
Learn elementary Mandarin to describe a plot twist, talk about characters, say an ending surprised you, and recommend a narrative work such as a film, novel or TV series.
- 335
Expressing Opinions on Social Issues
Learn to state your opinion in Mandarin with 我觉得 and 我认为, then acknowledge a different view politely using 我理解你的想法. Includes pinyin, tones and a short dialogue.
- 336
Debating Friendly Topics
Learn to argue playfully in Mandarin with strong phrases like 我完全不同意 and evidence markers like 因为. Practice a lively, engaged disagreement that is not rude.
- 337
Talking About Life Changes
Learn to say you moved to a new city or changed jobs, and share how you felt, using the completed-action marker 了 and the experiential marker 过.
- 338
Supporting a Friend in Crisis
Learn to offer real help in Mandarin with phrases like 我在这里陪你 and 我能做什么？. This lesson teaches you to listen and take action, not just express sympathy.
- 339
Celebrating Achievements
Learn to congratulate someone in Mandarin Chinese for an achievement, using phrases like 你做到了 and 我为你骄傲, and organize a small celebration.
- 340
Maintaining Long-Distance Friendship
Learn Mandarin phrases to stay in touch with friends far away: suggest a video chat, express missing them, and set a time. Includes pinyin and cultural tips.
Nuanced Opinions: Agreeing and Disagreeing
10 lessons- 341
Expressing Agreement: Strong and Weak
Learn to express strong agreement (wǒ wánquán tóngyì) and weak agreement (wǒ xiǎng shì ba) in Mandarin Chinese. This lesson focuses on degree of agreement, with five key phrases, a dialogue, and practice.
- 342
Expressing Disagreement Politely
Learn to express polite disagreement in Mandarin using phrases like '我明白你的意思，但是...' (I see your point, but...). Maintain respect while sharing a different view.
- 343
Hedging Opinions
Learn to express opinions tentatively in Mandarin using phrases like 我觉得 (I think), 可能 (maybe), and 好像 (it seems). This lesson teaches you to soften your statements and avoid sounding too direct.
- 344
Asking for Opinions
Learn to politely ask 'What do you think?' in Mandarin using 你觉得怎么样, 你认为呢, and other natural patterns. Includes pronunciation, dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 345
Supporting Opinions with Reasons
Learn to give reasons for your opinions in Mandarin using 因为 (yīnwèi, because) and 既然 (jìrán, since), with the 所以 (suǒyǐ, so) pattern, so you can support what you think in simple, natural Chinese.
- 346
Acknowledging Opposing Views
Learn Mandarin phrases to acknowledge someone's point before presenting a different view, such as 'I understand that, however...'. Build respectful debate skills with clear examples and a dialogue.
- 347
Expressing Neutrality
Learn to express neutrality in Mandarin Chinese with phrases like 都可以 and 无所谓. This lesson teaches you to avoid taking sides and answer questions without commitment.
- 348
Changing Your Opinion
Learn five Mandarin phrases to shift your opinion politely, with pinyin, dialogue, and practice. Perfect for elementary learners who want to sound flexible and thoughtful in conversation.
- 349
Expressing Opinions in Meetings
Learn to state opinions politely in formal Chinese meetings using 我认为, 在我看来, 我觉得 and 我同意/我不同意, with clear grammar patterns, a short dialogue and practice questions.
- 350
Disagreeing with Suggestions
Learn to disagree with a suggestion politely in Mandarin Chinese using collaborative phrases like 'That's an idea, but maybe we could...' for elementary learners.
Nuanced Communication
10 lessons- 351
Expressing Hypothetical Wishes
Learn to express present wishes about unreal situations using the Mandarin pattern 要是...就好了, equivalent to English 'I wish I had...'. This lesson focuses on present counterfactual wishes, not past regrets.
- 352
Passive Voice with Modals
Learn to combine the passive marker 被 with modal verbs like 能, 必须, and 应该 to say what can, must, or should be done, using the pattern 被 + doer + modal + verb.
- 353
Expressing Doubt with Seem
Learn to express doubt based on appearance or impression using 好像, 显得, and 看起来. Compare with 可能 and 也许 to avoid common errors.
- 354
Using Cleft Sentences
Learn how Mandarin highlights focused information using 是……的 cleft-like patterns, and how this differs from 的确/真的 do-emphasis.
- 355
Using Connectors: Therefore
Learn to connect causes and results in Mandarin using 所以, 结果, and 因此. Understand their differences in formality and usage, and avoid common mistakes.
- 356
Offering Condolences
Learn Mandarin phrases to express sympathy after a death, including 节哀顺变, 请节哀, and 我很难过, with usage notes and a dialogue.
- 357
Responding to Complaints
Learn to acknowledge complaints, apologize appropriately, and propose solutions in Mandarin. This lesson focuses on calm, constructive responses for service and workplace situations.
- 358
Accepting Formal Apologies
Learn to accept formal apologies in Mandarin with phrases like 我接受你的道歉 and 谢谢你的道歉, and understand how acceptance differs from making an apology.
- 359
Expressing Possibility: May Well
Learn to express strong possibility in Mandarin using 很可能 and 很有可能, distinguishing them from 可能 and 大概. Includes examples, dialogue, and practice.
- 360
Responding to Tag Questions
Learn to answer Mandarin tag questions naturally with short replies like 是的，我会的 or 不，我不会. Focus on responding, not forming tags.
Food Culture and Traditions
10 lessons- 361
Describe a Traditional Dish
Learn to describe 饺子 (jiǎozi), a Chinese dumpling, including its ingredients, when it is eaten, and the cultural meanings behind it. Build intermediate Mandarin vocabulary and sentence patterns for food and festivals.
- 362
Explain a Food Custom
Learn to describe customs like eating turkey on Thanksgiving using Mandarin patterns for habitual actions and festival foods.
- 363
Ask About Local Food Customs
Learn to ask Chinese speakers what people eat on holidays, understand their answers, and follow up politely. Focuses on gathering information from others rather than explaining customs yourself.
- 364
Compare Food Traditions
Learn to compare food customs in Mandarin using 在我们国家…，可是在这里… and related contrast patterns. Build vocabulary for meals and practice a natural conversation about eating habits.
- 365
Discuss Meal Etiquette
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to describe table manners, including how to say 'In my culture, you should…' and compare dining etiquette across cultures.
- 366
Explain a Food Festival
Learn to describe festival activities in Mandarin, using the Tomato Festival as an example. Master key phrases and patterns for talking about events.
- 367
Ask About Ingredients in Local Cuisine
Learn to ask 'What spices are common here?' in Mandarin and understand answers about regional spice staples, using the pattern 这里…常用什么…?
- 368
Share a Family Recipe Story
Learn to narrate a family recipe's origin in Mandarin: who created it, when and why it is made, and how it changed, using 是……的, 传下来, 后来 and 小时候.
- 369
Discuss Food Superstitions
Learn to discuss Chinese superstitions and lucky beliefs using key phrases like 图个吉利 and 迷信, with a natural conversation between two friends comparing what they believe and why.
- 370
Explain a Dietary Taboo
Learn to discuss cultural food taboos in Mandarin, distinguishing them from religious restrictions. Use key phrases to explain what you don't eat and why, with cultural sensitivity.
Parcels and Mail
10 lessons- 371
Sending a Package
Learn to say you want to send a package to a place, ask about shipping options, and understand speed, tracking, and cost at a Chinese post office counter.
- 372
Asking About Shipping Cost
Learn to ask how much it costs to ship a package in Mandarin, understand weight-based pricing questions, and follow a short counter dialogue using 运费, 寄, 多重 and 公斤.
- 373
Asking About Delivery Time
Learn to ask how long a delivery will take in Mandarin, understand express versus standard shipping, and use 多久 and 多长时间 naturally with real delivery examples.
- 374
Tracking a Package
Learn to ask "Can I track this package?" in Mandarin, say and understand tracking numbers, and handle common delivery questions politely.
- 375
Receiving a Package
Learn to ask whether a package has arrived for you in Mandarin, understand common replies, and use pickup-related phrases at a delivery point or with a courier.
- 376
Sending a Letter
Master the key Mandarin phrases for mailing a letter at a Chinese post office, including how to say 'I'd like to send this letter' and ask about postage costs.
- 377
Buying an Envelope
Learn to say 'I need an envelope' in Mandarin, ask for different sizes, and buy envelopes at a Chinese shop or post office.
- 378
Asking About Customs
Learn to ask if you need to declare an item at Chinese customs, understand key terms on declaration forms, and respond to officer questions with clear, polite Mandarin.
- 379
Asking About Insurance
Learn to ask if you can insure a package, discuss coverage, and handle insurance conversations at Chinese post offices.
- 380
Asking About Pickup Location
Learn to ask where you can pick up your package in Mandarin, understand pickup hours, and handle a short conversation at a pickup point using simplified Chinese and pinyin with tone marks.
Advanced Social Nuances
10 lessons- 381
Using Humor in Conversation
Learn to make sarcastic jokes about the weather in Mandarin, like saying 'Nice weather, huh?' when it's raining, and gauge reactions. Build wit beyond small talk.
- 382
Handling Awkward Silence
Learn to shift conversation topics in Mandarin using 对了, 话说回来, and 说到这个. Handle awkward moments politely with 换个话题吧 and 先不说这个了.
- 383
Giving Emotional Support
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to validate emotions without giving advice. Master 听起来真的很难 and 我理解, with pronunciation, dialogue, and cultural tips.
- 384
Setting Boundaries Politely
Learn Mandarin phrases for turning down a request or extra task politely but clearly, focusing on personal capacity limits rather than declining social plans. Includes patterns, dialogue and practice.
- 385
Resolving Conflict with a Friend
Learn to express hurt feelings in Mandarin Chinese and steer the conversation toward resolution, not argument. Intermediate level with pinyin and tone marks.
- 386
Expressing Regret
Learn to express sincere regret for bigger things in Mandarin Chinese, using 后悔 (hòuhuǐ) and 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) to apologize and make amends beyond simple mistakes.
- 387
Forgiving Someone
Learn to say 'I forgive you' and 'Let's move past this' in Mandarin, distinguish forgiving from accepting an apology, and discuss rebuilding trust in a formal register.
- 388
Discussing Personal Values
Learn to express core beliefs in Mandarin, distinguish them from opinions, and respectfully discuss differences using key phrases like '家人对我来说就是一切' and '我尊重你的看法'.
- 389
Navigating Cultural Differences in Social Settings
Learn to describe customs from your own country in Mandarin and ask polite follow-up questions about Chinese customs, using 在我们国家 and the question pattern 你们那边…吗？
- 390
Giving a Toast at an Event
Learn to give a short, formal public toast in Mandarin Chinese: propose a toast, address guests politely, and close gracefully. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and register guidance for banquets and ceremonies.
Etiquette in Public and Professional Settings
10 lessons- 391
Formal Email Greetings
Learn to open formal Chinese emails with the right greeting. Master 尊敬的, 您好, and job titles to address professors, managers, and officials politely.
- 392
Formal Email Closings
Learn to end formal Mandarin emails with the right closing phrase. Master 此致敬礼, 顺祝商祺, and other sign-offs, and avoid common mistakes.
- 393
Phone Etiquette: Answering
Learn to answer phone calls in Mandarin Chinese with polite formal and casual informal phrases, including 'Hello, this is...' and practical register guidance.
- 394
Phone Etiquette: Making Calls
Learn to make phone calls in Mandarin: greet, introduce yourself, state your purpose, and ask for the right person. Includes 给…打电话 vs. 叫 and a sample call.
- 395
Public Transport Etiquette
Learn Mandarin phrases for buses and trains: asking to sit, requesting someone move, saying excuse me, and thanking people in shared spaces.
- 396
Workplace Small Talk
Learn to make friendly small talk with Mandarin-speaking colleagues about weekends and weather, using natural questions, reactions and follow-ups that build rapport without prying.
- 397
Asking for a Favor at Work
Learn to make polite professional requests in Mandarin using 能不能, 麻烦你, 帮我 and 方便吗, with tone-marked pinyin and workplace examples.
- 398
Giving Feedback Politely
Learn to give constructive feedback in Mandarin using soft suggestion patterns like 也许你可以考虑. Includes five phrases, a dialogue, and practice to make your advice sound polite and collaborative.
- 399
Receiving Feedback Gracefully
Learn to respond to criticism and suggestions in Mandarin with phrases like 谢谢你的反馈, plus softer, more formal and more casual alternatives for work, study and daily life.
- 400
Interrupting Politely in Meetings
Learn formal Mandarin phrases to interrupt a meeting politely, such as 我可以补充一下吗？, with pinyin, usage notes, and a short workplace dialogue.
Abstract Topics and Debate
10 lessons- 401
Third Conditional: Past Hypotheticals
Learn to express unreal past situations in Mandarin using 如果...就... with 了 and 会. Compare with second conditional to talk about missed chances and regrets.
- 402
Defining Abstract Concepts
Learn to define abstract nouns like 公平, 幸福 and 自由 in simple Mandarin using 就是, 指的是 and 意思是说, with natural examples and a short dialogue.
- 403
Rebutting an Argument
Learn to acknowledge an opposing view and introduce a counterpoint in Mandarin using 话虽如此，但是… and 可是，从…来看…, with a natural dialogue and practice.
- 404
Adjusting Register in Writing
Learn to pick the right level of formality in written Chinese, from 尊敬的先生 to 嗨, and understand why written register differs from everyday speech.
- 405
Expressing Hesitation
Learn to express hesitation in Mandarin with fillers like 嗯 (ng) and 这个 (zhège), and the phrase 我不太确定 (wǒ bú tài quèdìng). Practice a natural dialogue and avoid common mistakes.
- 406
Paraphrasing Someone's Point
Learn to restate a speaker's idea in your own words to confirm understanding, using 你的意思是……吗？ and related patterns. Intermediate conversation practice.
- 407
Using Fillers Naturally
Learn to use Mandarin fillers like 那个, 就是, 然后, 怎么说呢, and 你知道 to pause, soften, and sound more natural in conversation.
- 408
Expressing Adequacy and Insufficiency
Learn to say whether something is enough or not enough in Mandarin using 够 (gòu), with the negative 不够 (bù gòu) and the pattern 够 + verb. Includes a dialogue and practice.
- 409
Discussing Problems and Solutions
Learn to state a problem and suggest a solution in Mandarin using key phrases like 问题 and 一个办法. Practice through a natural conversation.
- 410
Using Proverbs
Learn five common Chinese proverbs, their literal and functional meanings, and the social situations where they fit. Includes pinyin, tone marks, a dialogue, and a common mistake to avoid.
Advanced Dining and Cooking
10 lessons- 411
Discuss Food Quality
Learn to evaluate food in Mandarin by describing texture and seasoning, moving beyond basic tastes to give nuanced feedback like 'The meat is tender' or 'The sauce is too salty'.
- 412
Explain a Complex Recipe
Learn to sequence a three-part Chinese dish using 先, 再, 然后, 接着, 最后, and time expressions like 分钟后. Master imperative forms and measure words for cooking.
- 413
Negotiate at a Market
Learn to bargain in Mandarin Chinese: ask for a discount, respond to prices, and close a deal politely using 便宜一点, 打折, 太贵了, and 算便宜点吧.
- 414
Discuss Food Sustainability
Learn to talk about organic, local, and ethical food in Mandarin, focusing on environmental impact. Use key phrases and patterns to discuss food choices and sustainability.
- 415
Give a Cooking Demonstration
Learn Mandarin phrases for coaching a cook step by step: giving sequenced instructions, checking doneness, adjusting heat, and warning about timing, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 416
Discuss Food and Health
Learn to talk about protein content and health benefits in Mandarin. Use 蛋白质, 高, 对…有好处, and 补充 to describe foods and their nutritional value.
- 417
Critique a Restaurant Meal
Learn to give a balanced, detailed review of a meal in Mandarin. Use phrases to praise specific dishes, mention problems politely, and suggest improvements without directly sending food back.
- 418
Plan a Menu for an Event
Learn to plan a party in Mandarin by assigning dishes, drinks, and tasks. Use 负责, 带, 准备, and 要不要 to coordinate contributions politely.
- 419
Discuss Food Waste
Learn to discuss composting and waste reduction in Mandarin Chinese, using practical phrases for sorting trash, making compost, and encouraging others to reduce waste.
- 420
Explain a Food Allergy in Detail
Learn to say what hurts, how much it hurts, and how long it has lasted in Mandarin, using 疼, 有点儿, 特别, 越来越 and duration phrases so a doctor or friend understands the details, not just "I have an allergy."
Practical Travel Problems
10 lessons- 421
Reporting Lost Luggage
Learn to say your luggage is missing in Mandarin, describe your bag, and follow the lost-luggage claim process at a Chinese-speaking airport.
- 422
Reporting Lost Passport
Learn to say 'I've lost my passport' in Mandarin and handle the situation: report to police, contact your embassy, and ask for help with clear phrases and a realistic dialogue.
- 423
Asking for Help with a Lost Item
Learn to say you think you left your phone somewhere, ask staff for help, and understand a Chinese lost and found. Includes five useful phrases, a four-line dialogue, and practice with 把 and 落在.
- 424
Reporting a Theft
Learn to say your wallet was stolen, describe what happened, and understand the steps of filing a police report in Mandarin, with polite phrases for speaking to officers at a police station.
- 425
Asking for a Replacement Ticket
Learn to say you lost your ticket and ask for a replacement in Mandarin Chinese, understand replacement fees, and handle the situation politely at a ticket office.
- 426
Asking for a Refund
Learn to ask for a refund in Mandarin Chinese after a service is cancelled. Master key phrases like 可以退款吗？ and understand refund policies in Chinese.
- 427
Asking for a Doctor Urgently
Learn to call for emergency medical help in Mandarin: say you need a doctor right now, give your location, and understand China's 120 emergency number.
- 428
Asking for Help with a Flat Tire
Learn to say 'I have a flat tire' and ask for help in Mandarin, with key phrases for roadside assistance and a practical dialogue.
- 429
Asking for a Locksmith
Learn to say you are locked out, ask someone to call a locksmith, and ask how long the wait will be, using polite Mandarin that works on the phone or at a hotel front desk.
- 430
Asking for a Translator
Learn to ask whether someone has a translator, request an interpreter, and explain that you do not understand Chinese, using polite Mandarin patterns for real situations.
Social Fluency and Complex Interactions
10 lessons- 431
Telling an Engaging Story
Learn to tell a compelling story in Mandarin using past markers and the phrase '你绝对想不到...' to engage listeners.
- 432
Using Active Listening
Learn to use 嗯 (uh-huh) and 真的吗 (really?) to show you're listening, and ask follow-up questions to keep a conversation going in Mandarin.
- 433
Paraphrasing to Confirm Understanding
Learn Mandarin phrases to repeat back what someone said — 所以你的意思是……, 你是说……, 我理解得对吗 — to confirm understanding before misunderstanding happens.
- 434
Expressing Empathy
Learn to express deep empathy in Mandarin with phrases like 那一定很难吧 and 我懂那种感觉, and understand how this differs from simple sympathy.
- 435
Negotiating a Compromise
Learn Mandarin phrases to propose compromises and keep conversations flexible. Practice 'How about we split the difference?' and related expressions for reaching agreement.
- 436
Mediating a Friend Dispute
Learn Mandarin phrases to help others in conflict by staying neutral and inviting both sides to speak. Intermediate level, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 437
Giving a Heartfelt Compliment
Learn to express deep admiration in Mandarin with 你激励了我 and related phrases. Understand when and how to use them meaningfully, with pronunciation, dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 438
Accepting a Compliment Gracefully
Learn to receive thanks and compliments gracefully in Mandarin without self-deprecation, using phrases like 谢谢你，这对我很重要 and 你这么说我很开心.
- 439
Discussing Future Aspirations
Learn to express broad life hopes in Mandarin using 有一天 (yǒu yī tiān) and 我想 (wǒ xiǎng), and tell them apart from career goals.
- 440
Reflecting on Relationships
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to reflect on whether a bond has grown closer or drifted apart, using 越来越, 变得, and 疏远 naturally.
Discourse: Connecting Ideas and Clarifying
10 lessons- 441
Using Connectors for Contrast
Learn to link contrasting ideas in Mandarin with 但是, 不过, 可是, 然而, and 另一方面. Master placement, register, and natural usage at the intermediate level.
- 442
Using Connectors for Addition
Learn to use Mandarin addition connectors 而且, 并且, 还, 也, and 又 to add information naturally. Includes pinyin, examples, and practice for intermediate learners.
- 443
Clarifying by Asking Questions
Learn to ask precise clarifying questions in Mandarin using 你是什么意思, 你说的……是指什么, and 具体来说, so you can resolve confusion without pretending to understand.
- 444
Checking Understanding
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to confirm you understood someone: 所以你的意思是…, 我理解得对吗, 也就是说…, 你是说…吗, and 我没理解错的话. Practice with a natural dialogue and targeted exercises.
- 445
Paraphrasing to Confirm
Learn Mandarin phrases to paraphrase a speaker's point and confirm you understood, e.g., 如果我理解得对的话… Practice active listening with polite checks, clarifications, and follow-up questions.
- 446
Asking for Repetition
Learn five polite Mandarin phrases to ask a speaker to repeat what they said, with pinyin, tone marks, and register notes for everyday conversation.
- 447
Asking for Explanation
Learn to ask a Mandarin speaker to elaborate, clarify or go deeper, using 详细, 具体, 意思 and 举个例子, so you can move past a simple answer and reach real understanding.
- 448
Summarizing a Conversation
Learn Mandarin phrases and patterns for wrapping up a discussion: signaling the close, restating main points with 总的来说 and 归纳起来, confirming agreement, and assigning next steps.
- 449
Changing the Topic Smoothly
Learn Mandarin phrases to shift topics politely in conversation, including 说到, 对了, 顺便问一下, and 话说回来, with pinyin, tone marks, and natural dialogue examples.
- 450
Ending a Conversation Politely
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to politely end a conversation, including 'It was great talking to you,' with pinyin, tone marks, and usage notes.
Advanced Interaction
10 lessons- 451
Repairing Communication Breakdowns
Learn Mandarin repair strategies to fix misunderstandings mid-conversation, including 我换个说法 and 我不是这个意思, distinct from negotiating meaning.
- 452
Qualifying Statements
Learn to use 一般, 大多, and 倾向于 to express 'in general', 'mostly', and 'tend to' in Mandarin, enabling nuanced and polite communication.
- 453
Finding Common Ground
Learn Mandarin phrases for identifying shared goals during disagreements, using 我们都想 and 咱们都想 to shift from conflict to cooperation.
- 454
Mixed Conditionals
Learn to combine a past hypothetical condition with a present result in Mandarin using 如果…就… and 了, without relying on verb tenses. Intermediate level.
- 455
Expressing Contrasting Relationships
Learn to express how two ideas, values or goals contrast or conflict in Mandarin, using 矛盾, 冲突, 相反 and 一方面……另一方面…… with natural intermediate-level sentence patterns.
- 456
Using Pausing and Rhythm
Learn how to use pauses and rhythm in Mandarin to control emphasis and meaning, especially when correcting what someone thinks you said. Includes pinyin, examples, and a short dialogue.
- 457
Handling Questions After a Presentation
Learn to handle Q&A sessions in Mandarin Chinese with confidence. This lesson teaches phrases for acknowledging questions, giving opinions, and managing time, with a focus on the differences from prepared presentations.
- 458
Chairing a Meeting
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to open a meeting, set the agenda, assign turns, and keep discussion on track as the leader.
- 459
Comparing Cultural Values
Learn to discuss and compare cultural values like individualism and collectivism in Mandarin Chinese. This intermediate lesson teaches key phrases, grammar patterns, and cultural nuances for conversations about family, self, and society.
- 460
Understanding Irony in Context
Learn to identify irony in Mandarin by using context and tone, and distinguish it from humor and sarcasm. Includes key phrases, dialogue, and practice.
Food in Society and Business
10 lessons- 461
Discuss Food Trends
Learn to discuss popular diets and food trends in Mandarin, using phrases for describing fads, asking about eating habits, and sharing opinions at an intermediate level.
- 462
Order for a Business Lunch
Learn to order food or make requests in a professional Chinese setting using polite phrases like 麻烦, 请, and 可以吗. Master workplace etiquette for business meals and office interactions.
- 463
Discuss Food Policies
Learn to talk about government food regulations in Mandarin: key nouns, the passive with 被, and phrases for laws, bans, and inspections.
- 464
Explain a Food Business Idea
Learn to describe a restaurant or product concept in Mandarin, focusing on entrepreneurship. Master key phrases for pitching, explaining uniqueness, and asking for feedback.
- 465
Discuss Food Security
Learn to discuss whether food is available, where to find it, and how to ask about access in Mandarin. This lesson focuses on vocabulary and patterns for talking about food availability, not government policies.
- 466
Negotiate a Catering Contract
Learn Mandarin terms and phrases to negotiate catering services for corporate events, focusing on business deals rather than market haggling.
- 467
Discuss Cultural Appropriation in Food
Learn Mandarin phrases to talk about respecting food origins ethically, focusing on gratitude, sustainability, and fair treatment of producers. Build intermediate conversation skills.
- 468
Present a Dish to a Customer
Learn to professionally present a dish to diners in Mandarin. Master key phrases for describing ingredients, preparation, and flavors, and understand the cultural nuances of service.
- 469
Discuss Food Marketing
Learn Mandarin vocabulary and sentence patterns to discuss how food is advertised, including common promotional phrases and selling points.
- 470
Explain a Food Safety Issue
Learn essential Mandarin phrases to discuss product recalls, contamination, and food safety in public health contexts. This lesson covers vocabulary for reporting contaminated items, understanding recall notices, and asking about health risks.
Advanced Travel Conversations
10 lessons- 471
Discussing Travel Itinerary
Learn to say you want to change your itinerary in Mandarin, ask what options are available, and adjust dates, transport, or hotels in a polite, natural conversation.
- 472
Negotiating a Room Upgrade
Learn to ask whether a room upgrade is possible, understand the price difference, and respond politely when the hotel offers or declines an upgrade.
- 473
Discussing Local Customs
Learn to ask 'What should I know about local customs?' in Mandarin, understand common etiquette tips, and discuss cultural norms politely with the pattern 应该注意什么 and related phrases.
- 474
Making Small Talk with Locals
Learn to ask 你是哪国人？ and respond naturally with 我是…人, plus follow-up questions about hometown and travel. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and cultural tips for casual conversation.
- 475
Discussing Transport Options
Learn to compare transport options in Mandarin using 坐, 还是, 比较, and 方便. Practice asking "Should I take the train or bus?" and discussing pros and cons with a friend.
- 476
Asking for Travel Advice
Learn to ask 'What's the best time to visit?' in Mandarin and understand local travel advice. Practice key phrases and a natural conversation for intermediate learners.
- 477
Discussing Accommodation Preferences
Learn to express accommodation preferences in Mandarin, including 'I prefer a quiet room' (我喜欢安静的房间) and understand polite requests about rooms.
- 478
Handling a Complaint
Learn to politely express dissatisfaction with a service in Mandarin, using phrases like '我对服务不满意' and understand how to seek a resolution.
- 479
Discussing Travel Insurance
Learn to ask if a travel insurance policy covers medical expenses, understand key coverage terms, and discuss insurance in Mandarin Chinese.
- 480
Planning a Day Trip
Learn Mandarin phrases for planning a day trip: asking what to see, checking times, tickets, and transport, plus a short planning conversation.
Mastering Social Dynamics
10 lessons- 481
Influencing a Group Decision
Learn to use 我觉得我们应该…因为… to propose ideas and build consensus in Mandarin. This lesson teaches the grammar, tone, and strategies for leading a group toward agreement.
- 482
Handling Criticism Gracefully
Learn Mandarin phrases for accepting negative feedback without arguing or losing composure, using 我会考虑 (wǒ huì kǎolǜ), 我记下了 (wǒ jì xià le) and other calm, professional responses.
- 483
Giving Difficult Feedback
Learn to give sensitive criticism in Mandarin using 'I' statements like 'I noticed... maybe you could...' to offer feedback kindly and effectively.
- 484
Apologizing Publicly
Learn to apologize sincerely in front of a group in Mandarin. Master the phrase 我想向大家道歉, understand when to use it, and avoid common mistakes.
- 485
Accepting a Public Apology
Learn Mandarin phrases to acknowledge thanks, praise, or help openly when others are present, using 谢谢你的好意, 我很感激, and related patterns that signal observed appreciation.
- 486
Expressing Deep Gratitude
Learn to say 'I can't thank you enough' in Mandarin Chinese, understand its profound impact, and distinguish it from casual thanks like 谢谢.
- 487
Discussing Sensitive Topics
Learn to ask potentially intrusive questions in Mandarin with tact using 不知道方不方便, 如果方便的话, and 冒昧地问一下. Build polite, boundary-respecting conversation skills.
- 488
Offering Condolences
Learn Mandarin phrases to express condolences and offer support after a death, with pinyin, usage notes, and a dialogue. Intermediate level.
- 489
Celebrating Diversity
Learn to say you love learning about other cultures in Mandarin, ask respectful questions, and respond warmly when someone shares a cultural difference.
- 490
Maintaining Relationships Long-Term
Learn Mandarin phrases to maintain friendships over time, focusing on longevity rather than distance. Practice '别断了联系' and related expressions for sustained connection.
Cross-Cultural Clarification and Adaptation
10 lessons- 491
Asking About Cultural Norms
Learn to ask whether a practice is customary in Mandarin using 是不是习惯, 通常, and 一般, with polite softeners for conversations about Chinese cultural norms.
- 492
Explaining Your Culture
Learn to share your own customs in Mandarin using 在我的国家 (zài wǒ de guójiā), 我们通常 (wǒmen tōngcháng), and 一般来说 (yìbān lái shuō), with a natural four-line dialogue and common-mistake fixes.
- 493
Avoiding Cultural Misunderstandings
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to check assumptions before they cause offense, using softening expressions like 希望你别介意 and 我可能想多了.
- 494
Clarifying Cultural Differences
Learn to discuss cultural differences respectfully in Mandarin by making observations with 我注意到 and asking open-ended questions like 是不是……？ This lesson teaches intermediate learners to express curiosity without judgment.
- 495
Apologizing for Cultural Mistakes
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to apologize sincerely when you accidentally break a cultural rule, explain you didn't know, and repair the relationship without over-apologizing.
- 496
Asking for Clarification Across Cultures
Learn to ask for clarification when a Chinese speaker mentions a cultural reference you don't understand. Master phrases like 你刚才说的那个是什么意思？ to keep conversations flowing.
- 497
Adapting Politeness Strategies
Learn to adapt your Mandarin politeness by using formal language, softening requests, and choosing appropriate address terms for different social contexts.
- 498
Discussing Stereotypes Carefully
Learn to discuss stereotypes politely in Mandarin using 有人说...但我觉得... and softeners. Intermediate level, with pinyin and tone marks.
- 499
Sharing Cross-Cultural Experiences
Learn to tell stories about your time in other cultures using Mandarin Chinese. This lesson covers key phrases, the 的时候 pattern, and cultural storytelling tips for intermediate learners.
- 500
Resolving Cultural Conflicts
Learn intermediate Mandarin phrases to resolve cultural misunderstandings and reach compromises, focusing on respectful negotiation and mutual understanding.
Parcel pickup without the confusion
10 lessons- 501
Reading a Parcel Locker SMS in Chinese
Learn to parse a typical Chinese parcel locker SMS: tell 取件码 from 运单号, find the locker and gate, read digits aloud, and confirm the pickup window with staff.
- 502
Asking Staff to Find Your Parcel by Phone Number
Learn polite beginner Chinese to ask courier station staff to look up your parcel using your phone number and its last four digits, then confirm it is yours.
- 503
Describing Which Gate and Shelf Your Parcel Is On
Learn to say which gate your parcel locker is at and which shelf, row, and layer it is on. Ask staff 在哪个货架 and understand 左边/右边. Elementary Mandarin, mainland usage.
- 504
Explaining a Parcel Mix-Up with a Similar Surname
Learn to explain a parcel mix-up caused by similar surnames in Mandarin: say 我姓王，不是黄, use 同姓 and 拿错, and confirm the recipient’s name and phone tail politely.
- 505
Asking About an Oversized Parcel at the Pickup Point
Learn to ask if a large parcel fits in a locker and request staff help in Mandarin. Master key phrases like 大件, 放不下, and 帮我搬一下 for smooth pickup.
- 506
Repeating SMS Digits Clearly When They're Hard to Hear
Learn to ask for a repeat, confirm tricky digits like 1 vs 7, note numbers down, and mention bad signal when picking up a parcel in Mandarin.
- 507
Describing Damaged Parcel Packaging in Chinese
Learn to describe torn or crushed packaging, report possible damage, and politely ask about refusing delivery or next steps at a mainland Chinese pickup point.
- 508
Asking to Check Why Your Parcel Status Is Still Pending
Learn Mandarin phrases to check tracking updates, ask if a parcel was missed, and politely request staff to investigate a pending delivery status.
- 509
Requesting Staff Help When a Locker Door Is Stuck
Learn polite, direct Mandarin for reporting a stuck parcel locker door: 柜门打不开, 卡住了, 故障, and how to ask staff 帮我看看 without technical workarounds.
- 510
Confirming Pickup Without Assuming Universal Rules
Learn polite Mandarin questions to confirm what ID is needed, whether someone else can pick up, pickup hours, and storage fees at a parcel counter without assuming store policies.
The neighborhood print and repair strip
10 lessons- 511
Requesting Double-Sided Short-Edge Binding in Chinese
Learn Mandarin terms and sentence patterns to ask for double-sided printing with short-edge flip, choose glue binding or saddle stitch, and confirm page order at a mainland print shop.
- 512
Asking for a Life-Size Pattern Print in Chinese
Learn to ask a Chinese print shop for a life-size pattern print: say 原尺寸, 按1:1打印, 不要缩放, and check the result before paying.
- 513
Describing Scan Shadows and Quality Issues
Learn to point out scan problems in Mandarin: 有阴影, 不清楚, 太暗. Ask politely for a rescan or brightness adjustment at a neighborhood print and repair shop.
- 514
Explaining an Intermittent Phone Charging Port Fault
Learn to describe a phone charging port that works only sometimes, ask if it can be fixed, and ask roughly how much it costs at a repair shop.
- 515
Requesting Transparent Cover Binding in Chinese
Learn to ask for a transparent cover, plastic comb, or thermal binding in a Chinese print shop. Master key phrases like 加个透明封面 and 要硬壳 to get your documents bound exactly as you want.
- 516
Fixing Wrong Page Order in a Print Job
Learn elementary Mandarin to tell print-shop staff the page order is wrong, ask them to check and rearrange the pages by page number, and confirm the fix politely.
- 517
Asking for a Bag Zipper Repair Estimate
Learn to ask a repair stall if they can fix a broken zipper and how much it will cost, using 拉链坏了, 换拉链, 修一下, 能修吗, 多少钱, and 大概.
- 518
Requesting a Scan of an Old Photo
Learn Mandarin phrases to ask a print shop to scan an old photo, specify high resolution, and have the file sent to your email, with polite register and practical dialogue.
- 519
Asking About Printing on Special Paper
Learn to ask for coated, kraft, or matte paper in a Chinese print shop, specify thickness, and confirm availability using natural, polite questions.
- 520
Clarifying Turnaround Time for a Repair
Learn to ask when a repair will be ready and arrange a pickup time in Mandarin. Master phrases like 今天能取吗, 明天下午, 加急, 大概多久, and 我等你电话 for polite repair interactions.
A very specific breakfast order
10 lessons- 521
Ordering Jianbing with Crisp Layer on the Side
Learn to order 煎饼果子 at a street stall in Mandarin: ask for 薄脆 on the side, add an egg, skip scallions, and request extra sauce with simple, reusable patterns.
- 522
Asking for Sweet or Unsweetened Doujiang
Learn to ask for 甜 (sweet) or 不甜 (unsweetened) soy milk in Mandarin, using 要甜的 and 不加糖, with a natural breakfast-stall dialogue.
- 523
Identifying Baozi Filling by Label in Chinese
Learn to read breakfast-shop labels and ask 这是什么馅的? so you can tell meat, vegetable and red bean baozi apart before you buy.
- 524
Requesting Youtiao Packed Separately
Learn to order youtiao at a breakfast stall and request that it be bagged separately, not crushed, using 分开装, 不要压, and 单独放.
- 525
Asking About Congee Thickness in Chinese
Learn to order breakfast congee in Mandarin by asking for it thinner or thicker, and by requesting extra toppings like egg or pork floss.
- 526
Requesting a Takeaway Soup Seal
Learn practical breakfast-stall Mandarin for takeaway soup: 打包, 封口, 汤, 盖紧, 加个袋子 and 别洒了, with polite questions and a short dialogue.
- 527
Specifying Scallion Pancake Cut Size
Learn to order 葱花饼 with the exact cut size you want: 切小块, 切大块, 不切, and the versatile 切一下. Includes a breakfast stall dialogue and practice.
- 528
Asking Which Batch Just Came Out
Learn to ask which batch just came out, request a fresh one, and say you'll wait for the next batch at a Chinese breakfast stall. Includes 刚出锅, 哪一锅, 热的, 要新出锅的, 等下一锅.
- 529
Ordering Extra Egg and Baocui in Jianbing
Learn to customize jianbing in Mandarin: add egg (加蛋), add crispy cracker (加薄脆), double egg (双蛋), say 多放一个 (add one more), and 不要香菜 (no cilantro).
- 530
Asking for Soy Milk Temperature
Learn to order hot, warm, or iced soy milk in Mandarin. Master phrases like 要热的 and 不要太烫 for a perfect breakfast drink.
Market ingredients for one dish
10 lessons- 531
Asking for Tofu Firmness at the Market
Learn to ask for 老豆腐, 嫩豆腐, or 内酯豆腐 at a wet market, and say what you're cooking. Master 要老的 and 做汤用 in casual Mandarin.
- 532
Specifying Noodle Width for a Dish
Learn to order the right noodle width at a Chinese market stall. Use 要宽的, 要细的, and 适合炒 to get wide, thin, or knife-cut noodles for your dish.
- 533
Choosing Dry Versus Fresh Wood Ear Mushrooms
Learn to ask for 干的 or 新鲜的 木耳, and how to ask 怎么泡 at a Chinese market. Includes pinyin and tone marks.
- 534
Asking for Coriander Roots in Chinese
Learn to ask for coriander with roots or without roots in Mandarin. Master 香菜, 根, 叶子, and patterns like 要带根的 and 不要根 for market shopping.
- 535
Buying Peeled Chestnuts in Chinese
Learn to ask for peeled or in-shell chestnuts at a Chinese market. Master key phrases like 要剥好的 and 一斤 to shop confidently.
- 536
Choosing Squash for Soup in Chinese
Learn to ask for 南瓜, 贝贝南瓜, or 老南瓜 at a Chinese market, check if it is 适合煮汤 and 甜不甜, and buy the right squash for soup.
- 537
Asking to Separate Weighed Items
Learn Mandarin phrases to ask market vendors to weigh items separately or together, using 分开称, 装一起, and 两个袋子. Practice clear, casual requests for packaging at the market.
- 538
Requesting a Specific Cut of Meat
Learn to ask for 五花肉 or 里脊, request 切丝 or 切片, and say 要切好的 or 不要太肥 at a Chinese butcher stall.
- 539
Asking About Freshness of Fish
Learn Mandarin phrases to check whether fish is fresh, live, or iced, and to ask how to cook it, using natural wet-market speech.
- 540
Buying a Specific Amount of Vegetables
Learn to ask for 一斤, 半斤, 两颗, or 一把 of vegetables at a Chinese market, and use 够了 and 多一点 naturally.
A shared bicycle that will not cooperate
10 lessons- 541
Reporting a Bike Latch Stuck After Unlock Sound
Learn beginner Mandarin to report a shared-bike latch that beeps but won't release: say 锁开了但车把卡住, use 锁扣, 打不开, 已经响了, and ask 怎么办 in the app.
- 542
Describing a Slipping Bike Seat
Learn to say your shared bike seat slips down, won't stay fixed, and needs tightening. Ask for a wrench and get back on the road.
- 543
Reporting Brake Noise on a Shared Bike
Learn Mandarin Chinese terms and phrases to report brake noise on a shared bike, including 刹车, 有响声, 吱吱声, 刹不住, 报修, and 换一辆. Practice a short app chat with staff.
- 544
Clarifying Parking Zone for a Shared Bike
Learn to ask whether you can park a shared bike here, name parking spots, service areas and no-parking zones, and understand the phrase 超出范围 when an app refuses your lock.
- 545
Retrieving a Forgotten Item from a Bike Basket
Learn Mandarin phrases to say you left something in a bike basket, ask if it is still there, and contact support, with casual bike-sharing dialogue and practice.
- 546
Reading a Bike ID When It's Hard to See
Learn elementary Mandarin for shared bikes: say the bike number is blurry or unreadable, ask how to 输入编号, and request 换一辆 when scanning fails.
- 547
Checking Why Return Status Is Still Pending
Learn to read 还车, 待确认, 已关锁, 计费中 and ask staff why your bike return is still pending. Practice 刷新 and 联系客服 in casual app Chinese.
- 548
Asking Staff for Help with a Bike Lock
Learn polite Mandarin for when a shared bike lock won't open: say 锁打不开, ask 帮我看看, describe a 故障, and ask 怎么处理 or 需要报修吗.
- 549
Reporting a Bike Chain That Came Off
Learn to say 链条掉了, ask 能骑吗, and 报修 a shared bike in Mandarin. This lesson teaches practical phrases for when the chain falls off or gets stuck.
- 550
Asking About Bike Availability Nearby
Learn practical Mandarin for checking bike availability nearby in a bike-share app: ask 附近有车吗, read the 地图, use 预约, and say 显示有车 but 找不到.
Finding the right entrance
10 lessons- 551
Directing a Food Delivery to the Side Gate
Learn to guide a delivery driver to your compound's side gate in Mandarin using 侧门, 从…进来, and 到了打电话, with polite phone-ready sentence patterns.
- 552
Explaining That the Venue Entrance Is Upstairs
Learn to tell someone the entrance is upstairs in Mandarin with phrases like 入口在楼上, 上楼梯后右转, and 不是这个门. Perfect for meeting at a small music venue with a street-level door.
- 553
Describing a Pickup Spot Behind the Mall
Learn to arrange a rideshare pickup behind a shopping mall in Mandarin. Master 在后边, 绕到后面, and 靠近 with practical sentence patterns and a dialogue.
- 554
Clarifying North Gate vs. Northeast Gate
Learn to distinguish 北门 (north gate) from 东北门 (northeast gate) and use 不是…是… to correct a friend at a large exhibition center.
- 555
Confirming a Building Letter Over the Phone
Learn to say and confirm a building letter over the phone in Mandarin: A栋, B座, and the polite request 再说一遍 when street noise makes you miss it.
- 556
Setting a Meeting Point at a Parking Level
Learn to name parking level B2 in Chinese, choose a clear landmark like 电梯口, and tell a friend 我在…等你. Includes pinyin, tone marks, and a natural dialogue for meeting in a mall garage.
- 557
Asking If There Is an Accessible Ramp
Learn to ask 有没有无障碍通道 (is there an accessible ramp?) and 轮椅 (wheelchair) at venues in Mandarin Chinese, with polite patterns for staff and follow-up questions.
- 558
Explaining That a Location Pin Is Slightly Off
Learn to tell a Chinese rideshare driver the map pin is inaccurate, that it is off, and to move a bit forward, using 定位不准, 偏了 and 往前一点.
- 559
Asking a Security Guard for the Correct Entrance
Learn to ask a security guard where the entrance is in Mandarin, using 请问入口在哪里？, 保安, and 访客. Includes pinyin, a dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 560
Confirming an Entrance by Sending a Photo
Learn to ask a friend to take and send a photo of a confusing entrance in casual Mandarin, then confirm whether it is the right one using 拍张照片, 发给我, and 是这个吗？
Joining a badminton group
10 lessons- 561
Understanding Doubles Rotation in Badminton
Learn beginner Mandarin phrases to discuss doubles rotation, switching positions, and serving when you join a casual badminton group in a Chinese community center.
- 562
Borrowing a Spare Racket and Checking Grip Size
Learn to ask for a spare badminton racket in Mandarin, check grip size and grip tape, and respond politely when borrowing at a sports club.
- 563
Discussing Shuttle Speed and Choosing the Right One
Learn to talk about shuttlecock speed in Chinese: use 球速, 76速, and 太轻/太重 to pick the right shuttles for your group's level.
- 564
Disagreeing with a Line Call Politely
Learn to question a close line call in Mandarin without causing conflict. Use 界内/界外, 我觉得…, and 算了吧 to show sportsmanship during friendly play.
- 565
Deciding Between Practice Rally and Scoring
Learn to ask whether your badminton group will do a practice rally, play a scoring game, or warm up first, using 练球, 打比分 and 先热身 in casual Mandarin negotiation.
- 566
Inquiring About Booking a Half Court
Learn to call a sports center in Mandarin to ask about booking a half court: use 半场, 订场, and 多少钱 politely and clearly.
- 567
Asking the Group to Slow Down the Pace
Learn to say 慢一点, 跟不上, and 休息一下 to ask for a gentler pace in a mixed-level badminton group. Includes polite patterns, a dialogue, and common mistakes.
- 568
Suggesting a Change of Partners in Doubles
Learn to suggest changing partners in Chinese doubles badminton with 换搭档, 试试, and 搭配. Includes casual patterns, a natural dialogue, and tips on when to use them.
- 569
Asking About Someone's Badminton Skill Level
Learn to ask about badminton experience in Mandarin using 水平, 打了多久, and 业余. Build polite questions to gauge skill when joining a new group.
- 570
Chatting About Stretching After a Game
Learn to chat about stretching, relaxing, and muscle soreness after badminton in Mandarin. Master key phrases and patterns for casual health talk with your group.
A small creative meetup
10 lessons- 571
Describing Ink Bleed in Urban Sketching
Learn Mandarin phrases to talk about ink bleed, paper absorbency, and controlling water while sketching with a fountain pen. Beginner-friendly, for urban sketching meetups in China.
- 572
Learning Mahjong Socially Without Gambling
Learn to join a Chinese mahjong meetup and make clear you're playing for fun, not money. Master 打麻将, 不赌钱, and 规则 with friendly, natural beginner phrases.
- 573
Discussing Ink Stones at a Calligraphy Exchange
Learn to talk about 砚台 (ink stone), 磨墨 (grinding ink), and 浓淡 (ink thickness) in Mandarin. This situational lesson prepares you to chat respectfully with artists at a calligraphy exchange, ask questions, and describe tools and ink consistency.
- 574
Asking for Consent During a Photo Walk
Learn polite Mandarin phrases for asking a stranger if you may take their photo during a photo walk, including how to talk about portrait rights and deleting a picture if they decline.
- 575
Showing Your Work Without Correcting Others
Learn to share your sketch at a creative meetup in Mandarin using 分享一下, 我觉得, and 不评价, with polite questions for staff and a short dialogue.
- 576
Agreeing on a Shared Subject for Sketching
Learn to suggest a shared sketching subject in Mandarin Chinese using 画什么, 一起画, and 那个角落. This situational lesson helps you collaborate naturally at urban sketching meetups.
- 577
Explaining Your Turn in a Board Game
Learn to say 轮到我了, 我走这一步, and 为什么 to explain your moves in a new board game at a cafe in China.
- 578
Packing a Wet Painting to Take Home
Learn to say a painting is still wet, ask how to wrap it, and warn others to be careful—practical Mandarin for leaving an art studio with wet artwork.
- 579
Packing a Wet Sketchbook After a Painting Meetup
Learn to say your watercolor page is still wet, ask for a few more minutes, and prevent smudging or sticking with natural Mandarin phrases like 还没干, 合上, 粘在一起, and 弄花.
- 580
Chatting About Pottery Glaze Test Results
Learn to talk about glaze tests in a pottery studio: describe 釉料 (glaze), 试片 (test tiles), and 烧出来 (fired results), ask about outcomes, and share your own observations in a natural, artistic register.
Tea-shop sensory conversations
10 lessons- 581
Describing Astringency vs. Bitterness in Tea
Learn to say 涩 (astringent), 苦 (bitter) and 回甘 (sweet aftertaste) in Mandarin, then ask polite questions in a Chinese tea shop.
- 582
Asking About Warming the Cup Before Tea
Learn to say 温杯 (warm the cup), 烫一下 (rinse with hot water), and 为什么要 (why) so you can respectfully ask a tea master about warming cups during gongfu tea service.
- 583
Asking How Many Infusions Someone Prefers
Learn to ask and answer how many times tea leaves have been brewed, which infusion it is, and what strength someone likes, using natural Mandarin for casual tea chats.
- 584
Handling Gaiwan Lid Awkwardness
Learn to say 盖碗, 拿盖子, and 烫手, and ask tea-shop staff for lid-handling technique in Mandarin.
- 585
Sampling Tea Aroma Before Purchase
Learn to ask politely in Mandarin whether you may smell tea leaves and taste a sample before buying, using 闻香, 试喝 and the request pattern 可以吗？
- 586
Describing Tea Leaves Opening During Brewing
Learn to describe tea leaves unfolding during brewing in Mandarin. Use 叶底, 展开, 完整 to comment appreciatively to staff and ask about the tea.
- 587
Comparing Glass and Porcelain Teaware
Learn to ask which teaware suits which tea in a Chinese tea shop using 玻璃杯, 瓷壶, and 适合, with polite questions and practical comparisons.
- 588
Comparing Roasted Notes Without Health Claims
Learn to compare roasted oolong by aroma and roast level in Mandarin: ask staff about 焙火 and 炭焙, describe 香气, and discuss flavor without health claims.
- 589
Asking About a Tea's Origin and Harvest
Learn to ask where a tea is from, whether it's spring tea, and its growing altitude using 产地, 春茶, and 海拔 in a specialty tea shop.
- 590
Asking How to Store Tea at Home
Learn to ask tea shop staff for storage advice using 保存, 密封, and 避光. Practice polite questions and understand practical tips for keeping tea fresh at home.
Secondhand hobby gear and craft materials
10 lessons- 591
Describing Camera Lens Haze When Buying Used
Learn to say 镜片雾化 (lens haze), 划痕 (scratches), and 影响成像 (affects image) when checking a secondhand lens. Ask the seller clear, cautious questions.
- 592
Checking a Used Keyboard for Stuck Keys
Learn Mandarin phrases to test a secondhand mechanical keyboard, ask about stuck keys, and describe the feel. Beginner-friendly with practical sentence patterns.
- 593
Asking About a Missing Fountain Pen Converter
Learn to ask if a used fountain pen is missing its converter, say '缺少', and check if it can use cartridges. Perfect for pen meetups.
- 594
Checking Model Kit Decals Condition
Learn to ask a seller whether a secondhand kit's decals are yellowed or brittle, using 水贴, 发黄 and 脆 in natural hobbyist Mandarin.
- 595
Matching Yarn Dye Lots for a Project
Learn to ask about dye lots (批号), same batch (同一批), and color difference (色差) when buying secondhand yarn. Build practical questions for knitting group exchanges.
- 596
Discussing Paper Grain for Printmaking
Learn to discuss paper grain, roughness, and absorbency in Mandarin when selecting paper for printmaking. Build practical phrases for studio conversations.
- 597
Asking About a Pottery Glaze Test Tile
Learn to ask sellers about 釉料试片 (glaze test tiles), 烧成温度 (firing temperature), and 效果 (effect) when buying secondhand glaze.
- 598
Asking to Inspect a Latch on a Used Case
Learn Mandarin phrases to politely ask a seller if you can inspect and test the latch on a used instrument case. Covers 锁扣, 检查, 牢固, and cautious questions for secondhand markets.
- 599
Negotiating Price for Secondhand Craft Tools
Learn to bargain for used craft tools in Mandarin with key phrases like 便宜点, 成色, and 最低价. Practice a realistic flea market dialogue and avoid common mistakes.
- 600
Asking About Returns for Secondhand Gear
Learn to ask polite questions about returns, warranty, and problems when buying used hobby gear or craft materials on Chinese secondhand platforms. Master key phrases and patterns for clear communication.
Small phrases, real conversations
3 lessons- 601
Just now in Mandarin: 刚才 and 刚
Learn to use 刚才 as a time noun meaning 'just now' and 刚/刚刚 before verbs to mean 'just' or 'only a moment ago'. Master patterns, negation, and common mistakes.
- 602
Not yet in Mandarin: 还没 and 还不
Learn to express 'not yet' in Mandarin with 还没 and 还不. Understand when to use each, with clear examples and practice for everyday conversations.
- 603
Please let me know: 告诉我 and 通知我
Learn to ask someone to tell you something or notify you of updates in Mandarin. Covers 请告诉我, 到了告诉我一声, 有变化请通知我 and 确定时间后告诉我 with pinyin and a short dialogue.
Words that make a difference 1
3 lessons- 604
I’m still learning Chinese: explain your level and ask for help
Learn to say 我还在学中文 and 我的中文不太好, then ask people to speak slowly or repeat. Practical Mandarin for real conversations at an elementary level.
- 605
He, she, and it in Chinese: spoken tā and written pronouns
Learn how Mandarin uses the same spoken syllable tā for he, she, and it, but different written characters. Practice five useful patterns and a short dialogue.
- 606
Want or need in Chinese? 要, 想, 不要, 不想, and 不用
Learn the real difference between 要 and 想, refuse an item politely with 不要, say you do not want an action with 不想, and express no need with 不用.
Everyday replies 1
7 lessons- 607
Discussing marriage plans with parents in Mandarin
Learn respectful Mandarin phrases to talk about marriage plans with your partner’s parents, introduce shared intentions, and ask for their thoughts without assuming one family’s customs.
- 608
Enjoy your stay in Mandarin: warm wishes for a visit
Learn 祝你玩得开心 and four more natural Mandarin wishes for a stay, trip or event, with tone-mark pinyin, a short dialogue and common-mistake advice for elementary learners.
- 609
How to say almost done in chinese
Learn two common ways to say 'almost done' in Mandarin Chinese: 快好了 and 差不多了. Understand their differences and use them in everyday situations.
- 610
How to say are you still awake in chinese
Learn to ask if someone is still awake in Mandarin with 你还没睡吗, 还没睡吗, and 你睡了吗. Includes pinyin, tone tips, a natural chat dialogue, and practice for late-night texting.
- 611
How to say are you still there in chinese
Learn to ask if someone is still there in Mandarin Chinese. Master 你还在吗 (nǐ hái zài ma) for calls and chats, plus 4 related phrases for checking presence, with pronunciation and a dialogue.
- 612
How to say can you speak english in chinese
Learn to ask 你会说英语吗 (nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma) and related questions about English ability in Mandarin, with polite alternatives and a practical dialogue.
- 613
How to say please take your time in chinese
Learn to say 'take your time' in Mandarin with 慢慢来 and 不着急. Understand when to use each, see a natural dialogue, and practice with real-life examples.
Out in the world 1
3 lessons- 614
How to say almost there in chinese
Learn to say "almost there" in Mandarin Chinese with 快到了 and related phrases. This practical lesson covers arrival, progress, and asking for updates.
- 615
How to say go now in chinese
Learn to say 'go now' in Mandarin with 现在走 and 走吧. Understand when to use each, how to ask if it's time to leave, and practice with a natural dialogue.
- 616
Mandarin travel phrases with audio and printable practice
Learn five practical Mandarin phrases for your first day in a Chinese-speaking city: greet, ask directions, confirm transport, ask a price, and request repetition. Includes pinyin, dialogue, and printable practice.