Articles on Learning Chinese
HSK preparation, vocabulary memorization techniques, grammar and other useful articles. Guides for those starting to learn Chinese.
HSK 1 Exam: A Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
What is the HSK 1 exam? Structure (listening + reading, 40 questions), passing score 120/200, the 150 words, and how to prepare. No character writing required.
July 7, 2026What Is Pinyin?
Pinyin is the official system for writing Mandarin pronunciation with the Latin alphabet — read and say Chinese words before learning characters. With tables, tones, and examples.
July 7, 2026Chinese Alphabet: How Many Letters and Where to Start
Chinese has no alphabet — here's what replaces it: pinyin's 26 letters, the 214 radicals, and how many characters you really need to read.
July 3, 2026English Names in Chinese: How to Write Your Name in Characters
How are English names written in Chinese? Why Michael becomes 迈克尔 and Elizabeth becomes 伊丽莎白 — syllables, established forms, famous examples and FAQ.
July 2, 2026The Complete HSK 1 Word List: 150 Words for Mandarin Beginners
The complete HSK 1 word list — 150 words with pinyin and translations, grouped by category. The beginner's first milestone.
June 25, 2026