Pinyin
Learn how pinyin works: the initials, finals and tones of Mandarin Chinese, the sounds English speakers find tricky, and how to start reading pinyin today.
Learn Chinese
Chinese, one small lesson at a time.
Friendly guides to Mandarin pinyin, vocabulary, characters and HSK, with examples you can read, hear and use today.
Topics
Chinese words
The first Chinese words and phrases to learn: hello, thank you, goodbye, I love you and more, with characters, pinyin, real audio and examples.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February and starts the Year of the Goat. Learn the key Mandarin words, from red envelopes to dumplings, with pinyin.
Latest lessons
Chinese New Year Greetings in Chinese: 25 Wishes for 2027 with Pinyin
Chinese New Year greetings in Mandarin for 2027, with pinyin and meanings: happy new year, wishes for family and elders, work and study, and the Year of the Goat.
Chinese Tones: A Beginner's Guide to the 4 Mandarin Tones
Hear the 4 Mandarin Chinese tones with audio and animated tone charts, learn the pinyin tone marks, the neutral tone and easy ways to practice them.
How to Say Goodbye in Chinese: 再见 (zàijiàn), Bye and See You
Goodbye in Chinese is 再见 (zàijiàn). Hear it, then learn bye, see you later, see you tomorrow and good night the way native Mandarin speakers say them.
How to Say Happy Birthday in Chinese: 生日快乐 (shēngrì kuàilè)
Happy birthday in Chinese is 生日快乐 (shēngrì kuàilè). Hear it, learn the birthday wishes Chinese speakers add, and the traditions behind a Chinese birthday.
How to Say Hello in Chinese: 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and Other Greetings
Hello in Chinese is 你好 (nǐ hǎo). Hear it, learn its tones, and discover the polite, casual and phone greetings native Mandarin speakers really use.
How to Say I Love You in Chinese: 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) and Sweeter Ways
I love you in Chinese is 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ). Learn to pronounce it, when Chinese speakers really say it, and gentler ways like I like you, I miss you and 520.
How to Say Thank You in Chinese: 谢谢 (xièxie) and How to Reply
Thank you in Chinese is 谢谢 (xièxie). Hear it, learn stronger and more formal ways to say thanks, and how to answer with 不客气 (you're welcome).
Love in Chinese: The Character 爱 (ài), Its Meaning and Love Words
Love in Chinese is 爱 (ài). See the Chinese symbol for love in simplified and traditional form, what its parts mean, and the love words built from it.
Mother in Chinese: 妈妈 (māma), Mom and Other Words for Mother
Mother in Chinese is 妈妈 (māma). Hear it, learn formal and casual words for mom, grandma and mother-in-law, and how to say happy Mother's Day in Chinese.
Your next little step
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