It’s no secret: Chinese is a difficult language. Whether you’re planning to start or have already begun, here are some essential tips to help you get off on the right foot, avoid frustration, and enjoy the wonderful journey of learning this incredible language.

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Pinyin, pronunciation and tones: the basics

Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the tone with which we pronounce a syllable completely changes the meaning of the word. Mandarin has four main tones plus the neutral tone. For example, 妈 [mā] means “mom,” while 马 [mǎ] means “horse.”

We recommend watching our video explaining the tones so you’re clear on how to pronounce them.

Additionally, it’s important to learn the correct pronunciation of consonants and vowels. The pinyin system (拼音) helps represent sounds with the Latin alphabet, but it doesn’t always match Spanish rules.

Trust us, even if it seems tedious at first, investing time in mastering these sounds and tones at the start will prevent bad habits from forming that will bedifficult to correct later on.

Practice characters

• Handwriting: repeating the strokes helps to remember the structure and order.
• Memorization systems: use images, stories, or associations to remember each character.
• Flashcards and games: study apps (like ours ;)) let you review in a dynamic and entertaining way.

The key is to find a method that motivates you and that you can stick with long term.

A personalized grammar notebook

Chinese doesn’t have verb conjugations or a complex grammar system, but it still has unique grammatical structures. That’s why carrying a grammar notebook with real-life examples is very useful. Ideally, you should write down the structure and several simple phrases you use in your daily life. For example:

• Basic sentences

Subject + verb + object

I like coffee. I like coffee.

• Expressing the gerund with 在

Subject + 在 + verb (+ object)

I am learning Chinese. I am studying Chinese.

Other practical recommendations

• Listen to a lot of Chinese: songs, podcasts, or series. Your ear gets used to it before you notice any results.
• Speak from the very beginning: don’t be afraid to make mistakes; practicing with classmates or teachers speeds up learning. Why not take the opportunity to make Chinese friends in your city?
• Finally, don’t just learn the language: immerse yourself in the culture through books, movies, trips to China, native social media platforms like RedNote, etc.

Learning Chinese is a long journey, but it’s also very enjoyable. If you follow these tips, you’ll be building a solid foundation to help you on your way.

Step by step! [xún xù jiàn jìn]

To make progress, you have to move forward, step by step.

The most complete app to get started

Ready to start learning Chinese step by step? The Chinesimple HSK1 app is your perfect companion to master the basics of the language: tones, pinyin, characters, grammar structures, and essential vocabulary. Ideal for beginners, with clear, interactive, and motivating content. Start today!