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, 2026How Many Letters Are in the Chinese Alphabet?
How many letters are in the Chinese alphabet? The answer: 0 — there isn't one. Instead of letters, Chinese uses thousands of characters (~3,000 for reading) and pinyin's 26 Latin letters. Simple, with tables and examples.
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