Speak Mandarin Chinese with correct tones

LanguageIntermediateAnywhere

90 minutes

5 steps

·Intermediate

After 90 min: You'll be understood speaking Mandarin despite imperfect pronunciation, thanks to tone mastery.

What you need

Tonal language appPinyin guideAudio resources50+ hoursPatience with tones

The 90-Minute Plan

Master the 4 tones0–15 min

High (mā), rising (má), falling-rising (mǎ), falling (mà). Same character sounds different.

Learn Pinyin romanization15–35 min

Pinyin represents Mandarin sounds. Learn it well; it's essential for tone practice.

Practice tone pairs35–55 min

Minimal pairs: mā (mother) vs má (hemp) vs mǎ (horse) vs mà (scold). Tone is everything.

Build basic vocabulary55–75 min

Greetings, numbers, food, directions. Associate pinyin with tones from the start.

Listen obsessively75–90 min

Chinese TV, apps like Pleco, YouTube channels. Train your ear to Mandarin rhythm and tone patterns.

Pro Tip

Tone mistakes are more disruptive than pronunciation mistakes; prioritize tones over perfect accent.

90 min·5 steps

LanguageIntermediate

After 90 min: Have a 5-minute Mandarin conversation covering personal topics

1,650

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90 min·5 steps

LanguageIntermediate

After 90 min: You'll be understood immediately and sound significantly more natural within weeks.

7,600

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90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: Count from 1 to 100 in Mandarin Chinese with correct tones and pronunciation

2,650

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90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll introduce yourself, order food, and handle everyday situations in Spanish.

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