Resource Hub · two ways to learn · level by level
你好nǐ hǎo
Mandarin Chinese
Tones are just melody with meaning. Hum along.
Start with songs you can't stop humming, end up reading novels. Two ways to learn, following the HSK levels.
How it is written
Standardised Chinese characters, spelled out in Hanyu Pinyin.
Main exam
HSK, from Chinese Testing International.
Method #1 · Fast & Hard
Method #2 · Slow & Easy
Listen first
Links last checked: 2026-10-19
加油!
Start here
Three steps, zero overthinking
You don't need a perfect plan. You need a first step and something fun to listen to.
Step 1
Pick a way to learn
Method #1 if you love a challenge and want to get hands-on early. Method #2 if you'd rather listen first and build up gently. Both reach the same summit.
Step 2
Find your level
Find your spot on the levels below. Every card tells you what to do, why it matters, which tools help and how to know you're ready for the next one.
Step 3
Press play
Grab one listening tool from the shelf and start. Understanding comes first; speaking shows up when it's ready.
The levels
one level at a time
Every level has a mission, the skills to train, the tools to use and a checklist that tells you when you're ready for the next one. Tick as you go.
Method #1: fast, hard, active. Five building blocks you work on side by side, like a focused training camp. Each card ends with a "You're ready when…" list.
Method #1 is the roll-up-your-sleeves route. You build five things side by side: the grammar skeleton, a big word vault, your own phrasebook, a listening habit and a speaking habit. Plenty of effort, and you get to use Mandarin Chinese early.
5 building blocks · side by side
1Block 1.1 · Grammar
Building block
The Skeleton Sprint
Snap the bare bones of Mandarin into place: how a sentence lines up, how to sound polite or relaxed, and how verbs behave.
Block 1 of 5
Block 1.1 · Grammar
Building block
The Skeleton Sprint
Snap the bare bones of Mandarin into place: how a sentence lines up, how to sound polite or relaxed, and how verbs behave.
Order
Learn the usual order of a simple sentence, then build three of your own about your life.
Polite or relaxed
Learn the formal and the informal way of speaking, and who gets which.
Verbs
Get the basics of how Mandarin verbs work, then use the ones you'd actually say.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
On its way
More tools
More tools for this step are on their way.
Watch out
Trying to swallow the whole grammar book. This is the skeleton, not the whole body. Listening fills in the rest.
Nice one
Skeleton built. Not pretty yet, but very much standing.
2Block 1.2 · Vocabulary
Building block
The Word Vault
Stock up on the words Mandarin uses most, filed into folders your memory can actually find again.
Block 2 of 5
Block 1.2 · Vocabulary
Building block
The Word Vault
Stock up on the words Mandarin uses most, filed into folders your memory can actually find again.
By type
Sort words into verbs, adjectives, nouns and the little connectors that glue sentences together.
By topic
Group them by theme: feelings, home, weather, food, work.
Review
Run them through flashcards or a quiz game, and let old decks come back for a visit.
You're ready to climb when…
Watch out
Collecting words like stickers and never using them. Every new word deserves a sentence (that's the next card).
Nice one
The vault is open. Make a deposit whenever you like.
3Block 1.3 · Sentences
Building block
Your Personal Phrasebook
Turn your words into sentences about you: your work, your people, your plans, what you like to eat.
Block 3 of 5
Block 1.3 · Sentences
Building block
Your Personal Phrasebook
Turn your words into sentences about you: your work, your people, your plans, what you like to eat.
Write
Write sentences you'd really say about your own life.
Borrow
Find real example sentences and remix them until they're true for you.
Say it
Read them out loud and keep them handy for your next chat.
You're ready to climb when…
Watch out
Memorising textbook lines nobody says. If it isn't true for you, rewrite it until it is.
Nice one
Your phrasebook now speaks fluent you.
4Block 1.4 · Listening & watching
Building block
Ears On
Soak up Mandarin you can mostly follow: comprehensible input, YouTube lessons and stories, podcasts, then films and series.
Block 4 of 5
Block 1.4 · Listening & watching
Building block
Ears On
Soak up Mandarin you can mostly follow: comprehensible input, YouTube lessons and stories, podcasts, then films and series.
Comprehensible input
Start with videos made for learners, where you follow most of what's said.
Podcasts
Add podcasts at your level for walks, chores and commutes.
Films and series
Bring in Chinese dramas once learner content feels comfortable.
You're ready to climb when…
Watch out
Picking something far too hard and calling it immersion. Lost every other sentence? Drop a level.
Nice one
Press play. That counts as studying. Officially.
5Block 1.5 · Speaking
Building block
Echo, Then Chat
Get your mouth moving: echo what you hear, talk with real people, and practise with a conversation app when nobody's around.
Block 5 of 5
Block 1.5 · Speaking
Building block
Echo, Then Chat
Get your mouth moving: echo what you hear, talk with real people, and practise with a conversation app when nobody's around.
Echo
Listen and repeat words, phrases and whole sentences out loud.
Chat
Talk with people who speak Mandarin, one confident step at a time.
App practice
No one to talk to yet? An AI conversation app fills the gap.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
On its way
More tools
More tools for this step are on their way.
Watch out
Waiting until you feel ready. Nobody feels ready. Echo first and the rest follows.
Nice one
Mistakes mean you're talking. Talking means you're learning.
Method #1 is the roll-up-your-sleeves route. Instead of climbing level by level, you build five things side by side: the grammar skeleton, a big core vocabulary, a personal phrasebook, a listening habit and a speaking habit. Plenty of active effort, and you get to use Mandarin early.
Card 1.1 · Grammar sprint: the skeleton
What: a short, focused grammar sprint before anything else. It covers how sentences are put together (word order), formal and informal ways of speaking, and the basics of how verbs work.
Why it's here: these basics show up in nearly every sentence. Get the skeleton in place and everything else has something to hang on.
How:
- Learn the usual order of a simple sentence and build a few of your own.
- Learn the polite and the casual way to address people.
- Use the grammar wiki for each point.
Tools: Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning); the site lists levels A1–C1.
Watch out: treating the sprint as the whole of grammar. It's the skeleton. The rest arrives through listening.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You've gone through word order, formal vs informal speech and verb basics.
- ☐ You've written a few simple sentences of your own.
Skeleton built. Wobbly, but standing.
Card 1.2 · Core vocabulary: the big word bank
What: the most common words, in bite-size sections. Sort them by word type (adjectives, verbs, nouns, connecting words) and by topic (emotions, furniture, weather, time and so on). Learn each word with its sound and its tone, not just its meaning. Your future self in conversation will thank you.
Why it's here: common words are the ones you'll meet again and again. Sorting them gives your memory folders instead of a junk drawer.
How:
- Pick one category or topic per session.
- Learn it with flashcards.
- Revisit the old decks.
- Mix the categories now and then so your brain can't cheat.
Tools: Language Reactor and its phrase pump, classic flashcards, Anki, Memrise or Kahoot, plus the Pleco dictionary.
Watch out: collecting words like trading cards and never using them. Every new word should show up in a sentence (Card 1.3) or a listen (Card 1.4) soon after.
You're ready when…
- ☐ Your word bank is sorted by word type and by topic.
- ☐ You review older sections, not just the newest.
Every word is a key. You're building a very large keyring.
Card 1.3 · Your personal phrasebook
What: learn a big set of ready-made sentences and phrases, grouped by the topics of your life: work, family, hobbies, food, the stuff you actually talk about.
Why it's here: whole sentences carry grammar and vocabulary together. Personal ones are the ones you'll need first, and the ones you'll remember.
How:
- List your life's topics.
- Write or collect phrases for each.
- Say them out loud.
- Add to the list whenever life throws a new situation at you.
Tools: Tatoeba for real example sentences.
Watch out: copying generic textbook phrases about the weather in places you'll never go. Personalise ruthlessly.
You're ready when…
- ☐ Every main topic in your life has its own phrase list.
- ☐ You can say your most-used phrases without reading them.
You're not learning a language. You're learning your language.
Card 1.4 · Listening & watching: the input engine
What: lots of listening, layered by level: comprehensible input, YouTube courses and short stories from beginner to upper-intermediate, Language Player, podcasts at every level, and films and series once you're past the beginner stage.
Why it's here: active study gives you the parts. Listening shows you how they move in real speech.
How:
- Keep a regular listening slot, starting with learner content.
- Once you're past the beginner stage, start mixing in a film or an episode of a series.
Tools: the Listen & watch shelf in the toolkit below.
Watch out: a fast-talking costume drama at HSK 1. Gorgeous, but save it for later levels.
You're ready when…
- ☐ Listening is a regular habit, not an occasional treat.
- ☐ You've moved from learner videos towards podcasts at your level.
- ☐ You're past the beginner stage before films and series become your main input.
Press play. That counts as studying. Officially.
Card 1.5 · Speaking: from echo to conversation
What: three stages. First, listen and repeat words, phrases and sentences out loud, copying the pronunciation. Echo the melody, not just the sounds: tones live in the echo. Second, talk with people who speak Mandarin, gaining confidence step by step. Third, if you don't know anyone yet, practise with an AI conversation app.
Why it's here: your mouth needs practice as much as your brain does, and confidence grows with every exchange.
How:
- Echo a few phrases after each listening session.
- Arrange a chat when you're ready.
- Fill the gaps with an app chat.
Tools: LingoLooper (AI conversation app) and HelloTalk for talking with Chinese speakers.
Watch out: waiting until you're "ready" to speak. Nobody feels ready. Start by echoing, and the rest follows.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You repeat out loud as part of your routine.
- ☐ You've had at least one real conversation, with a person or an app.
- ☐ Each chat feels a little less like a job interview.
Mistakes mean you're talking. Talking means you're learning.
Method #2: slow, easy, passive then active. Levels built on comprehensible input. Start on the level that feels a little easy, and climb when you tick every box.
Method #2 goes level by level. Each level starts with lots of listening and watching, and grows into reading, speaking and writing as you climb. At the top, learner material makes way for the real thing.
One level at a time
1Level 1
Before HSK 1 · our rough guide
Tune In
Fall for the sound of Mandarin before you study it: songs, series and culture channels.
Level 1 of 8
Level 1
Before HSK 1 · our rough guide
Tune In
Fall for the sound of Mandarin before you study it: songs, series and culture channels.
Listen
Build a Mandarin playlist: catchy tunes, clear pronunciation, slower ballads.
Watch
Chinese TV series, reality shows and YouTube culture channels.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
On its way
More tools
More tools for this step are on their way.
Watch out
Treating this level as optional fluff. Your ears are learning the tones here.
Nice one
Ears tuned. The mountain has a soundtrack now.
2Level 2
HSK 1 · our rough guide
Hello, Characters
Your first characters, your first readers and your first chats, all at super-beginner level.
Level 2 of 8
Level 2
HSK 1 · our rough guide
Hello, Characters
Your first characters, your first readers and your first chats, all at super-beginner level.
Vocab
Build HSK 1 vocabulary in an HSK app, trace characters in a tracing book, and reinforce with Language Reactor.
Read
Only HSK 1 or super-beginner material: graded readers, comics and reading apps.
Listen
YouTube stories and comprehensible input, podcasts, and dramas with English subtitles.
Speak
LingoLooper chats, and real-life conversations with Chinese friends.
Test
HSK 1: take all three reading tests and all three listening tests.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Reading above your level because it looks impressive. Stay at HSK 1 here; it pays off.
Nice one
你好, reader. That's a real milestone.
3Level 3
HSK 2 · our rough guide
Story Snacks
Bite-sized reading and listening that grows with you, from HSK 1 to HSK 2.
Level 3 of 8
Level 3
HSK 2 · our rough guide
Story Snacks
Bite-sized reading and listening that grows with you, from HSK 1 to HSK 2.
Vocab
HSK 2 words in the app, tracing practice and Language Reactor.
Read
HSK 1–2 or beginner material only: graded readers, comics and reading apps.
Listen
YouTube stories and CI, podcasts, dramas with English subtitles.
Speak
Keep chatting with LingoLooper.
Test
HSK 2: take all three reading tests and all three listening tests.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Skipping the tracing book. Your hand remembers what your eyes forget.
Nice one
Two levels in. The characters are starting to wave back.
4Level 4
HSK 3 · our rough guide
Sentence Builder
Characters become sentences, and sentences become a Mandarin journal in your own handwriting.
Level 4 of 8
Level 4
HSK 3 · our rough guide
Sentence Builder
Characters become sentences, and sentences become a Mandarin journal in your own handwriting.
Vocab
HSK 3 words in the app, a vocab book for writing practice, and Language Reactor.
Read
Graded readers, comics and reading apps at your level.
Listen
YouTube stories and CI, podcasts, dramas with English subtitles.
Write
Start a physical Mandarin journal and write in it often.
Speak
LingoLooper chats, plus real-life conversations with Chinese friends.
Test
HSK 3: take all three reading tests and all three listening tests.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Only typing pinyin. Write by hand in your journal too; that's the level's whole point.
Nice one
Look at that handwriting. Actual Mandarin sentences.
5Level 5
HSK 4 · our rough guide
Both Subtitles On
Bigger reading, dramas with both subtitles, and conversations woven into real life.
Level 5 of 8
Level 5
HSK 4 · our rough guide
Both Subtitles On
Bigger reading, dramas with both subtitles, and conversations woven into real life.
Vocab
HSK 4 words in the app, a vocab book, Language Reactor.
Read
Reading apps, graded readers and comics at your level.
Listen
Comprehensible input, podcasts, and dramas with both Chinese and English subtitles.
Write
Keep writing in your journal book.
Speak
LingoLooper and Chinese friends.
Test
HSK 4: take all the tests you can find.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Reading only the English subtitle. Glance at the characters every line.
Nice one
Halfway up a famously big mountain. Pause and enjoy the view.
6Level 6
HSK 5 · our rough guide
Deep Reader
Advanced reading materials join the party, with apps that make longer texts friendly.
Level 6 of 8
Level 6
HSK 5 · our rough guide
Deep Reader
Advanced reading materials join the party, with apps that make longer texts friendly.
Vocab
HSK 5 words in the app, a vocab book, Language Reactor.
Read
Reading apps and advanced materials.
Listen
Comprehensible input, podcasts, dramas with both subtitles.
Write
Your journal book keeps growing.
Speak
LingoLooper chats.
Test
HSK 5: take all the tests you can find.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Looking up every single character. Read for the story first, then mine the new words.
Nice one
Advanced materials, read for fun. Casual.
7Level 7
HSK 6 · our rough guide
Idiom Hunter
Advanced input with Chinese-only subtitles, idioms in the wild, and preparatory tests on the way to the real one.
Level 7 of 8
Level 7
HSK 6 · our rough guide
Idiom Hunter
Advanced input with Chinese-only subtitles, idioms in the wild, and preparatory tests on the way to the real one.
Vocab
HSK 6 words in the app, a vocab book, Language Reactor.
Read
Reading apps and advanced materials, idioms included.
Listen
Advanced comprehensible input, podcasts, and dramas with Chinese subtitles.
Write
Your journal book, plus real-life conversations.
Speak
LingoLooper chats.
Test
Online preparatory tests, then the proper HSK 6 test.
You're ready to climb when…
Tools for this step
Watch out
Hoarding idioms you never use. Try one in your journal before collecting the next.
Nice one
Idioms spotted in the wild. Very 了不起.
8Level 8
HSK 7–9 · our rough guide
🔒 One more level is on its way.
The summit level beyond HSK 6 is still being put together. It lands here when it's ready.
Level 8 of 8
Level 8
HSK 7–9 · our rough guide
🔒 One more level is on its way.
The summit level beyond HSK 6 is still being put together. It lands here when it's ready.
Method #2 starts by making you like Mandarin before it asks you to study it: songs, shows and culture videos. Then it climbs the HSK levels. Every level has the same five habits: 📘 build vocabulary (and characters), 📖 read at your level, 🎧 watch, listen and understand, 🗣️ speak, and ✅ test yourself. From HSK 3, ✍️ writing in a journal joins in. Reading grows from comics to news to novels, and subtitles go from English to both languages to Chinese only.
Level labels in brackets are a rough guide, not an official equivalence.
Level 1 · Warm-up: ears and heart first
Goal: get used to how Mandarin sounds, and give yourself personal reasons to love it.
What you do:
- 🎧 Listen: build your own playlist of Mandarin songs and keep it on repeat. Pick catchy tunes, clear pronunciation and slower melodies or ballads.
- 📺 Watch: Chinese TV series, reality shows, and YouTube channels about Chinese culture.
Why it looks like this: before any flashcard, the melody and the connection come first. Songs repeat, shows hook you, and suddenly you want to understand.
Watch out: picking the fastest rap track you can find. Ballads first; the rap can wait for HSK 5.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You have a Mandarin playlist you actually listen to.
- ☐ You've found at least one series or show you enjoy.
- ☐ You've watched some culture videos.
🎶 Warm-up done. You've got a soundtrack. Now let's learn the lyrics.
Level 2 · HSK 1: first characters
Goal: reach HSK 1.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: learn words with an HSK vocabulary app, trace characters in a tracing book, and reinforce them with Language Reactor.
- 📖 Read (HSK 1 and super-beginner content only): HSK Reading, the M Mandarin app, Funny Bean comics, Du Chinese and MyLingua, the start of your reading life.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: YouTube stories and comprehensible input, podcasts, and Chinese dramas with English subtitles.
- 🗣️ Speak: LingoLooper, plus everyday chats with Chinese-speaking friends.
- ✅ Test: take three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 1 (practice tests such as Mandarin Bean HSK tests and Sishu Mandarin mock tests).
Why it looks like this: tracing makes characters physical. Super-easy reading builds confidence, and English subtitles keep dramas fun while your ears adjust.
Watch out: reading above your level "for the challenge" and quitting by page two. Stick to HSK 1 content here, exactly as the plan says.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You've learnt the HSK 1 words in the app.
- ☐ Your tracing book has seen some action.
- ☐ You're reading HSK 1 content.
- ☐ You've had LingoLooper or real-life chats.
- ☐ You've taken three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 1.
🎉 HSK 1! Characters went from squiggles to words. That's a big deal.
Level 3 · HSK 2: building momentum
Goal: reach HSK 2.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: the same three as HSK 1 (HSK app, tracing, Language Reactor).
- 📖 Read: HSK 1–2 and beginner content in the same reading apps.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: YouTube stories and comprehensible input, podcasts, dramas with English subtitles.
- 🗣️ Speak: LingoLooper.
- ✅ Test: take three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 2.
Why it looks like this: same habits, slightly bigger servings. Repetition at the next level up is the whole trick of this way.
Watch out: skipping the tracing because typing is faster. Your hand remembers what your eyes forget.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You've learnt the HSK 2 words.
- ☐ You're reading beginner content.
- ☐ You've taken three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 2.
🎉 HSK 2. Momentum unlocked.
Level 4 · HSK 3: your journal joins the party
Goal: reach HSK 3.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: HSK app, plus a vocab book where you practise writing (tracing graduates to writing), plus Language Reactor.
- 📖 Read: HSK Reading, M Mandarin, Funny Bean, Du Chinese, MyLingua.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: YouTube stories and comprehensible input, podcasts, dramas with English subtitles.
- ✍️ Write: a physical Mandarin journal. Write in it often.
- 🗣️ Speak: LingoLooper, plus everyday chats with Chinese-speaking friends.
- ✅ Test: take three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 3.
Why it looks like this: writing by hand in your own journal turns characters you recognise into ones you can produce.
Watch out: waiting for perfect handwriting before you start the journal. Messy entries still count.
You're ready when…
- ☐ Your vocab book and journal are both in use.
- ☐ You're reading at this level.
- ☐ You've taken three reading and three listening practice tests for HSK 3.
🎉 HSK 3. You're writing Chinese. By hand. Respect.
Level 5 · HSK 4: subtitles level up
Goal: reach HSK 4.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: HSK app, vocab book, Language Reactor.
- 📖 Read: the same reading apps.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: comprehensible input, podcasts, and dramas with both English and Chinese subtitles.
- ✍️ Write: your journal.
- 🗣️ Speak: everyday conversations, LingoLooper and Chinese-speaking friends.
- ✅ Test: every HSK 4 practice test you can find.
Why it looks like this: dual subtitles are the bridge between "I need the English" and "I don't".
Watch out: letting your eyes cling to the English line. Try a scene reading only the Chinese, just to see.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You watch dramas with dual subtitles.
- ☐ You're writing in your journal.
- ☐ You've taken every HSK 4 practice test you could find.
🎉 HSK 4. Halfway-ish, and the subtitles are getting nervous.
Level 6 · HSK 5: advanced reading begins
Goal: reach HSK 5.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: HSK app, vocab book, Language Reactor.
- 📖 Read: HSK Reading, the Readibu app, MyLingua, Funny Bean and Du Chinese. This is where you start the advanced reading materials.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: comprehensible input, podcasts, dramas with both subtitles.
- ✍️ Write: your journal.
- 🗣️ Speak: everyday conversations and LingoLooper.
- ✅ Test: every HSK 5 practice test you can find.
Why it looks like this: with a solid base, reading can take the lead and pull your vocabulary upward.
Watch out: looking up every unknown character. Skim, guess from context, and look up the ones that keep coming back.
You're ready when…
- ☐ You've started advanced reading.
- ☐ You've taken every HSK 5 practice test you could find.
🎉 HSK 5. Novels are starting to look less scary.
Level 7 · HSK 6 (B2, rough guide): Chinese subtitles only
Goal: reach HSK 6.
What you do:
- 📘 Vocabulary: HSK app, vocab book, Language Reactor.
- 📖 Read: HSK Reading, Readibu, MyLingua, Funny Bean, Du Chinese and advanced materials.
- 🎧 Watch & listen: advanced comprehensible input, podcasts, and dramas with Chinese-only subtitles.
- ✍️ Write: your journal.
- 🗣️ Speak: everyday conversations and LingoLooper.
- ✅ Test: work through online practice tests first, then sit the real HSK 6 (official site: Chinese Testing International).
Why it looks like this: dropping the English subtitles is the clearest sign of where you are. This is the level where practice turns into the real exam.
Watch out: booking the real test before the practice ones feel comfortable. Practice first, as the plan says.
You're ready when…
- ☐ Chinese-only subtitles are your normal.
- ☐ You've done the practice tests.
- ☐ You've sat, or booked, the HSK 6.
🏔️ HSK 6. You climbed every HSK level. Take a bow, or a 鞠躬.
🔒 One more level is on its way.
The summit level beyond HSK 6 is still being put together. It lands here when it's ready.
Tool shelf
Your toolkit, from first listen to fine print
Comprehensible input means listening to and reading things you can mostly follow. Here are the tools for every skill. A level shows up only when the tool itself states it.
What makes Mandarin different
Mandarin packs a few things English doesn't have: tones, characters and pinyin. It also brings one big gift.
- 🎵 Tones. Four main tones plus a neutral tone (Chinese Pronunciation Wiki, AllSet Learning). Your ears do the learning first. That's why Method #2 opens with songs.
- ✍️ Characters. Chinese is written in characters, and two standard sets are used in different places (simplified and traditional). Characters can look like a wall at first. Spoiler: it's a wall made of reusable bricks.
- 🔤 Pinyin. Pinyin is the standard romanisation scheme for Chinese characters (US Library of Congress). You can read and type Mandarin sounds in the Latin alphabet from the start.
- 🎁 The gift: word order. Mandarin's basic word order is subject–verb–object, the same as English (WALS: Mandarin · English). "I eat rice" lines up with 我吃饭. One less thing to rewire.
- 🧗 The honest bit. The US Foreign Service Institute lists Mandarin in Category IV, "languages which are exceptionally difficult for native English speakers" (FSI). Big mountain, small steps, great view.
The tool shelf
Levels appear only when the tool itself states them. When it doesn't say, sample one first. 🎧 The "mostly" rule: if you follow most of it, keep going. Lost every other sentence? Drop a level. Too easy? Go up one.
🎧 Listen & watch
- Comprehensible Chinese: comprehensible-input videos and podcasts.
- Lazy Chinese: comprehensible-input listening.
- Everyday Chinese: playlists for the listen slot.
- SYS Mandarin: YouTube videos for learners.
- Hit Chinese: playlists for the listen slot.
- Comprehensible-input playlist: a ready-made playlist.
- Mandarin Corner: YouTube channel, comprehensible-input style.
- Chinese Zero to Hero: YouTube channel; the channel describes all levels.
- Yoyo Chinese (YouTube): YouTube channel.
- Language Player: target-language videos in comprehensible-input style.
📖 Read
- HSK Reading: graded reading, a regular on every Method #2 level.
- Du Chinese: reading lessons, on every Method #2 level.
- Funny Bean comics: comics to read. Yes, comics count.
- MyLingua: news articles for HSK 4 and up.
- Mandarin Companion: graded readers; the publisher's levels are Breakthrough, Level 1 and Level 2.
- Slow Chinese scripts: transcripts to read along with the podcast.
- Chinese Reading Practice: reading texts.
- Clavis Sinica stories: stories to read.
- Clavis Sinica text reader: a Chinese text reader.
- Maayot: reading site.
- Mandarin Bean lessons: reading lessons.
- Pandaist: reading and learning site.
- Readlang: reader library plus a web extension.
- The Chairman's Bao: reading lessons.
- Hacking Chinese reading list: a round-up of reading resources by level.
- 10why.net: advanced reading on curious topics, science included.
- HBR Chinese: business reading for the upper levels.
- Zhihu: a Q&A site for the upper levels (may ask you to sign in).
🧠 Vocabulary, sentences & grammar
- Language Reactor phrase pump: phrase practice.
- Pleco: dictionary app.
- Tatoeba: a sentence collection for your phrasebook.
- Chinese Grammar Wiki: grammar points; the site lists A1–C1.
📘 Learn & 🗣️ speak
- HelloChinese: learning app.
- HelloTalk: chat with Chinese speakers.
- LingoLooper: AI conversation app for the Speak habit.
✅ Test
- Chinese Testing International: the official HSK site.
- Mandarin Bean HSK tests: HSK practice tests.
- Sishu Mandarin mock tests: HSK practice and mock tests.
- Dong Chinese test: online level test.
- EF Chinese test: online level test.
- China Edu Center exams: exam information and practice.
- China Edu Center HSK beginner: HSK beginner practice.
🎲 Extras
- WordSwing: Chinese activities and adventure games.
- Ziti88 font converter: turns text into cursive-style fonts.
Levels & official exams
Mandarin uses the HSK levels. The official exam site is Chinese Testing International. Labels like "HSK 6 (B2)" are a rough guide, not an official equivalence. The exam name is used descriptively only; no affiliation, no promised results.
Culture behind the characters
Simplified or traditional? Where each script is used, and how they differ. The full culture piece is on its way, sources and all.
Links last checked: 2026-10-19. Spotted a mistake? Email us at hello@cultedge.org.
Good questions
FAQ (frequently anxious questions)
Which way should I pick?
What is comprehensible input?
Do I have to finish a level before I climb?
Where do the levels come from?
Are the tools free?
Spotted a broken link or a mistake?
Ready for level one?
Pick a way to learn, press play, and come back whenever you're ready for the next level. Spotted a mistake or a broken link? Email us at hello@cultedge.org.
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