Learn Chinese from zero —
without feeling lost
Patient, structured live lessons for absolute beginners. From your very first nǐ hǎo to real conversations you can actually use.
Chinese isn’t as hard as you think
Most people give up before they start, because of three myths. Let’s clear them up.
“The tones are impossible.”
Reality: they just need training.
With the right drills and instant feedback, your ear and mouth adapt faster than you expect. We train tones from day one — the fun way.
“I have to memorize thousands of characters.”
Reality: speaking comes first.
You start with pinyin and conversation. Characters are introduced gradually, once you can already talk — so they feel like a bonus, not a barrier.
“Chinese grammar is alien.”
Reality: it’s remarkably simple.
No verb conjugations, no plurals, no gendered nouns. Basic sentences come together fast — you’ll be making your own sentences in lesson two.
Hi, I’m Tingting 婷婷老师
Your friendly Mandarin teacher
I specialize in teaching adults starting from absolute zero. My students come to me saying “Chinese looks so intimidating” — and stay because lessons feel relaxed, structured, and full of small wins worth celebrating.
Every class is 1-on-1, tailored to your pace and goals: travel, work, family, or pure curiosity. I explain everything in clear English, so you’re never left nodding along in confusion.
Who is this for?
If any of these sound like you, you’ll feel right at home here.
✓You’ve always wanted to learn Chinese — but never knew where to start
That’s exactly who I teach. No background needed, no talent required: we begin at your very first sound, together.
✓You’ve tried apps and streaks, but still can’t actually speak
Apps train your thumb. Live 1-on-1 lessons train your mouth — with real-time feedback, real pronunciation drills, and a teacher who notices when something isn’t clicking.
✓You’re learning for a reason: travel, work, family, or the HSK exam
Your lessons are built around your goals and the situations you’ll actually face — ordering food, meeting the in-laws, chatting with colleagues, or passing the HSK that your studies require.
✓You want clear explanations, not sink-or-swim immersion
Everything is explained in patient, clear English. Chinese is woven in gradually as your understanding grows — so you follow along from minute one.
✓You’re busy and need lessons that fit your schedule
Book any open slot in your own timezone — the calendar converts automatically. Free rescheduling up to 12 hours before class, because life happens.
✓You want progress you can actually see
Lesson notes after every class and a monthly progress report, so you always know how far you’ve come — and what’s next.
The courses
Four focused courses — wherever you’re starting from, there’s a clear way in and a clear next step.
Foundation Course
For complete beginners with no Chinese background at all.
Pinyin from absolute zero, with content aligned to the HSK elementary level — and the whole way through, no characters to recognize and no textbook to open. Clear, logical, structured steps help you lay a foundation strong enough to hold up the whole building: core language skills that truly become yours, one steady step at a time.
- ✓Pinyin & tones, taught properly from day one
- ✓HSK elementary content — no textbook, no cramming
- ✓Structured progression with core skills that stick
After this course: move on smoothly to HSK 2-and-above study or the Speaking Course.
Pinyin Intensive
For anyone who needs to learn pinyin systematically or fix weak pinyin — whether or not you’ve studied it before.
A short, focused sprint across the whole pinyin system: initials, finals, tones, and the spelling rules most learners were never taught properly.
- ✓The complete pinyin system in about 4–5 lessons
- ✓Fix shaky reading habits before they harden
- ✓Zero prior pinyin experience needed
After this course: we’ll discuss the best next step for your level and goals.
Pronunciation Coaching
For learners who already know pinyin, but whose pronunciation still isn’t where they want it to be.
Long-term, targeted practice on the sounds that matter most — with learning materials fully customized to your weak spots and your goals.
- ✓Long-term practice, measurable improvement
- ✓Custom materials built around your needs
- ✓Detailed feedback on every sound you make
Best taken: alongside regular lessons, or after the Pinyin Intensive.
Speaking & Real-Life Chinese
For learners at HSK 1 or above who don’t need the HSK exam — they want to actually use Chinese in daily life.
Real scenarios over exam drills: shopping, dining, directions, small talk, and the conversations your textbook never taught you. You build communicative confidence you can use the same week.
- ✓Real-life scenarios, not textbook dialogues
- ✓Practical communication skills first
- ✓Entry level: HSK 1 or above, no exam prep
After this course: keep building with topics chosen around your life and interests.
Not sure which one fits you? Book a $5 trial — we’ll figure it out together.
How it works
From “just browsing” to speaking Chinese in three simple steps.
Book a $5 trial
Pick any time that suits your timezone — the calendar shows your local times automatically. We’ll talk about your goals and do a mini lesson together. The small fee keeps the slot for students who are serious about learning.
Get your personal plan
After the trial you receive a study plan built around your goals, pace, and interests. Choose a lesson pack and pay securely online — prices are always upfront, and you only ever pay when you decide to.
Learn, speak, progress
Weekly live lessons, homework that fits your schedule, and a progress report each month so you can literally see how far you’ve come.
Simple pricing
50-minute 1-on-1 live lessons. Cancel or reschedule free up to 12 hours before class.
Trial Lesson
25 minutes · serious learners only
- ✓Meet your teacher
- ✓Goal & level chat
- ✓Mini first lesson
- ✓Personal study plan
Starter · 5 lessons
$25 per lesson
- ✓Pinyin & tones foundation
- ✓First conversations
- ✓Flexible scheduling
- ✓Homework feedback
Momentum · 10 lessons
$23 per lesson
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Daily-life conversations
- ✓Monthly progress report
- ✓Priority time slots
Committed · 20 lessons
$21 per lesson
- ✓Everything in Momentum
- ✓HSK 1–2 readiness
- ✓Quarterly progress reports
- ✓Best value per lesson
Secure online payment — trial lesson $5, lesson packs after your trial. No subscription, no hidden fees.
Questions?
The things everyone asks before their first lesson.
Yes — that's exactly who I teach. We start from the very first sound. No prior knowledge, no talent required, just show up.
Your first Chinese conversation is one lesson away.
Book a $5 trial, pick any time in your timezone, and let’s see how easy Chinese can actually be.
Book your $5 trial →