1. Why Learn Chinese?
- Communicate easily with locals
- Handle daily life (shopping, transport, emergencies)
- Build better relationships with coworkers, classmates, or neighbors
- Show respect for the culture
2. Focus on Mandarin (Putonghua)
China has many dialects, but Mandarin is the official language and widely spoken, especially in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
3. Learn Pinyin First
Pinyin is the romanized system used to pronounce Chinese characters. Mastering it helps you:
- Learn correct pronunciation
- Type Chinese on a keyboard
- Use translation apps better
4. Must-Know Words & Phrases
Start with:
- Hello = Nǐ hǎo (你好)
- Thank you = Xièxiè (谢谢)
- How much? = Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱)
- I don’t understand = Wǒ bù dǒng (我不懂)
- Sorry = Duìbuqǐ (对不起)
5. Best Free Apps to Learn Chinese
- HelloChinese – Beginner-friendly, fun interface
- Duolingo – Good for daily practice
- Pleco – Dictionary & flashcards
- ChineseSkill – Gamified lessons
6. Use It Daily
- Practice with shopkeepers, friends, or neighbors
- Watch Chinese shows with subtitles (start with kids’ shows)
- Label things in your apartment with Chinese words
- Speak — even if it’s wrong. Practice builds fluency.
7. Join a Language Exchange Group
Many Chinese people also want to improve their English or French. Find someone to practice with — it’s a win-win.
8. Be Patient & Consistent
You won’t become fluent overnight. But learning a little every day adds up fast. Focus on conversation and don’t stress over writing characters in the beginning.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be fluent to survive or thrive in China — but even basic Chinese will transform your experience. Start today. Hafrik is here to support you all the way!
