Hacking Chinese

A better way of learning Mandarin

Articles in the ‘Beginner’ category Page 2

  1. How to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor

    Most Chinese learners want one thing above all: to speak better. Many turn to a teacher for guidance, but that is only the first step. True progress depends on how you work with that teacher.

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  2. Chinese speaking challenge, September 2025

    Chinese speaking ability

    It’s time for a speaking challenge! It starts on September 10th, so enrol, set your goal and improve your speaking ability as much as you can before the end of the month. This article contains more information about the challenge, some important things to keep in mind as well as some advice about improving speaking ability in Chinese.

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  3. Learning Chinese through comprehensible input

    Can you really learn Mandarin through listening and reading alone? What is comprehensible input, and how do you get enough of it?And how do speaking, writing, grammar, and flashcards fit in?

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  4. Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese

    The fastest way to learn to communicate in Chinese is to learn classroom expressions first. Master essential phrases that help you learn Mandarin without relying on English!

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  5. Chinese reading challenge, August 2025

    It’s time for a Chinese reading challenge! It starts on August 10th, so enrol, set your goal and read as much as you can before the end of the month. This article contains more information about the challenge, as well as some advice about improving reading ability in Chinese.

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  6. 16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand

    Does handwriting still have a place in modern Chinese learning? Let’s explore 8 popular arguments in favour of writing characters by hand, each critically examined to see which ones truly stand up to scrutiny.

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  7. Using AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice

    You don’t need to be fluent to speak Mandarin with AI. These beginner-friendly chatbot activities offer low-pressure practice that builds confidence, comprehension, and conversation skills.

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  8. How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide

    A great tutor can accelerate your learning, but finding one isn’t easy. To get the best results, you need to be patient and try many options. Here is how!

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  9. Chinese writing challenge, July 2025

    It’s time for a Chinese writing challenge! It starts on July 10th, so enrol, set your goal and write as much as you can before the end of the month. This article contains more information about the challenge, some important things to keep in mind as well as some advice about improving writing ability in Chinese.

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  10. Student Q&A: July, 2025: AI feedback, input methods and topics for writing

    How do you get good feedback on your Chinese writing using AI? What’s the best input method for students? And how do you find interesting topics to write about?

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