6 free online Mandarin courses

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Today we are going to talk about the free online Mandarin courses available on the web!

Do you want to acquire fluency in the language of the rising global giant? Do you dream of mastering Mandarin to facilitate your work or study opportunities in China? 

In this context, we highlight the 6 online courses Chinese Mandarin most recommended, allowing you to improve your language without leaving home and at any time. Curious to find out what these options are? Keep reading!

Free online Mandarin courses

cursos de mandarim online gratuitos

1 – Chinese Club/Pula Muralha

For Brazilians who want to learn Mandarin, the Chinese Club is an unmissable option. 

This educational resource for free online Mandarin courses emerged from Pula Muralha, the most comprehensive YouTube channel dedicated to teaching the Chinese language to the Brazilian public. 

Founded by Si Liao, also known as Si Si among initiates, a Chinese woman who lives in Brazil, the Chinese Club is not just limited to teaching the language; he also explores the cultural differences between Brazil and China.

However, the channel also offers specific videos that are ideal for those taking their first steps in learning Mandarin. 

In addition to being a valuable language study tool, Pula Muralha becomes a captivating window into Chinese culture, which, although increasingly present in the world, is still foreign to our reality and, therefore, often misinterpreted.

2 – Chineasy

Chineasy is a language learning app available for Android and iOS, aimed primarily at those who want to start their Mandarin learning journey, even without prior knowledge of the language. 

It uses adorable illustrations to help students memorize the meanings of some of the most important Chinese characters and offers a series of interactive games to practice the language.

In addition to helping you identify keywords in the language, the app also has a speech recognition feature that allows you to improve your pronunciation. 

Although there is a premium version that requires a paid subscription, the free version already offers enough features to start your learning journey

3 – Memrise

Similar to Duolingo, Memrise is an application that also allows you to learn Mandarin for free, in addition to having an online platform. 

Their lessons combine Chinese character recognition questions with listening comprehension exercises. 

Some lessons include short videos with native speakers, challenging you to identify what they are saying, ranging from simple words to more complex sentences.

If you prefer, you can also download the app on your cell phone and continue your progress from where you left off. 

A useful function is the ability to disable audio questions, ideal for studying in public places without headphones. 

Additionally, Memrise offers social interaction features, allowing you to compare your progress with friends who also use the app.

4 – Skritter

Learn to identify Chinese characters with free online Mandarin courses, pronouncing words and understanding the Mandarin language is crucial. 

However, if you also want to practice writing Chinese characters, the Skritter app is a valuable tool. 

This app is suitable for both those who want to learn Mandarin and those who study Japanese, as the characters are the same although with different meanings.

In addition to the lessons integrated into the application, it offers the opportunity to practice writing Chinese characters using your finger on the cell phone screen. 

This is particularly useful for those preparing for the HKS Mandarin proficiency exams, as the app includes exercises taken from previous exams. 

For those who have a good command of English, the company behind the app also maintains an interesting YouTube channel.

5 – Mandarin Bean

To take advantage of Mandarin Bean, you must have at least a basic knowledge of English, as the entire site is written in that language. 

However, even with a minimum level of English, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources for learning Mandarin. 

The website has existed since the 2000s and brings together lessons, videos, podcasts and other tools for those who study the language.

The lessons for beginners are especially interesting, focusing on the sound of the language. 

They consist of texts in Chinese, accompanied by their transliteration, along with audio played at a slow pace. This makes it easier to understand the intonation of each syllable. 

The site also allows you to filter lessons according to different proficiency levels in the HKS exams.

6 – LingoDeer

LingoDeer is also available in English, but it is a language app specializing in Asian languages. 

Although it is less well-known than Duolingo, it stands out for offering a more detailed approach to Asian languages. 

In addition to practical exercises, it provides more comprehensive texts on grammar, syntax and vocabulary, which are incorporated into practice.

Another interesting feature of LingoDeer is “Stories”. These special classes develop a narrative with funny characters and situations, challenging students to complete the story in the language they are learning, which helps to contextualize learning.

Take advantage and find out what the next competitions are with open notices, here! Questions about the free online Mandarin courses? Leave it below in the comments!

Bruna Cezario
Bruna Cezario
Digital content writer since 2019, I currently live in France, I have a degree in Administration from the University of São Paulo, passionate about travel, digital marketing and news. It is truly a pleasure to help you understand more about these subjects!