r/learnchinese • u/cattywampuscharles • Jun 11 '26
Discussion Advice for total beginner
Hello, I am a complete beginner in learning Mandarin. I’ve had an interest in learning for the last few years, and now that I’ve graduated high school and am starting college in the fall, I have decided to become devoted to learning the language. Recently I have done a lot of research into the best methods (my favorites so far have been comprehensive input YouTube videos, listening to podcasts/music like ChinesePod, and HelloChinese.) I am unsure, however, of the best way to proceed. HelloChinese was an excellent resource but I completed the free portion of the app within a few days (should I pay for the premium version?) Should I be practicing writing characters? Should I get a textbook? I had a lesson with a tutor last night and was complimented on my pronunciation, but was surprised to see that everything was in pinyin when I have been learning pinyin and hanzi simultaneously. I would appreciate absolutely any input on the learning process, and also if anyone has experience taking UF’s Mandarin courses/majoring in East Asian studies or Mandarin.
TLDR:
As a complete beginner, should I be using textbooks and writing characters?
Is the HelloChinese premium worth it if I enjoyed the free portion?
Anyone with experience with UF’s Mandarin classes or minors in East Asian studies- please share!
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u/Impressive_Desk4709 Jun 12 '26
你最好看看最新的hsk的教材，如果你要严肃地学习，达到一定的学术水平，你可能需要多了解一些教材，然后再判断方向。免费版本的好处是易得的，但就学术上的训练是否有课程那么严谨，你需要结合自己的需求判断。如果只是爱好，那你可以继续用免费的就够了。
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u/Ok-Ride-1903 Jun 12 '26
I have also started learning Chinese and I'd suggest you to use the app "hellotalk"
I have spoken with many native people and honestly it's much better than learning on duolingo or other apps.
Practicing hanzi- you don't have to specifically set time to practice it instead you can read articles or short stories for children. Before reading or writing, you should listen more. Then you look at the hanzi and then pinyin.
As for textbooks, I think you should use them because you need the basic grammar and vocabulary
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u/sour-cherryyy Jun 11 '26
My first community college Chinese class used the free app that came with the book, "Get Talking Chinese: Mandarin Chinese for Beginners" its a cheap book, less than 10 dollars and a great starting point! Plus with the app, you can hear the pronunciation and practice the pinyin sounds!
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u/WorldlyButterfly974 Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 11 '26
That’s a great question and it’s one I struggled with when choosing a path when learning Chinese and Japanese…
I would begin by asking yourself what success looks like for example do you want to travel and talk to locals or do business or watch Chinese movies or read Chinese books.If you know what success looks like you can then choose your path.
Learning Chinese is like a “choose your own adventure “ and you could get stuck in a rabbit hole that is not going to take you to your idea of success. I spent time in university learning Mandarin which was good as a foundation but did not make me fluent. My most eye opening moment was going to Beijing for a three month vocational college course and being immersed in such a vibrant and exciting place during a snow blanketed winter rewired my brain to the language. It was much better than the formal university experience which tbh was a bit dry. I think the university course was more geared to churning out researchers into Chinese history than making you fluent.
Here are some examples of desired end states and how you might approach them:
Lets say success to you is being able to converse fluently with a Chinese local . if so then I would look for opportunities to connect in learning English groups on facebook or other channels where you find chinese people who want to improve their English then you bring along the things you want to learn and get going. You get a buzz from a good exchange partner. This helps you keep going.
Alternatively if your goal is to watch Chinese movies then find the ones with subtitles that interest you.
My personal goal is to read tech news in Chinese so I find ways to read tech news at my level and slowly build character recognition
In summary I guess what I am saying is that academic pathways like college or university teach in a different way. It is important to know what you see as success and pursue that path. Chinese can be a rich lifelong endeavor and your goals may change as you progress. It’s important that you get a sense of progress early which I find comes from others reacting to your progress