9 Best Chinese Learning Websites To Use for 2023
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to learn Mandarin Chinese online?
With an abundance of Chinese resources available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit. We’ve compiled the 9 best Chinese learning websites and tools to help you succeed in mastering Chinese words, Chinese grammar, character memorization, and other Chinese language skills.
Top websites for learning Chinese online
There are many websites to learn Chinese online that we've narrowed down to our favorites to use. Some are well-known, some not so much. Let's see what you can use!
1. Coursera
Coursera’s Chinese courses to choose from
This site is an online learning platform that regularly partners with universities, colleges, and organizations to provide high-quality content. The course often includes interactive exercises, video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
Coursera offers a variety of Chinese language courses that cater to learners of different proficiency, from beginners to advanced learners. Some courses are more comprehensive and include reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. In contrast, others will specify HSK materials, topic terms, and learning characters.
Some courses are free, while others require a subscription or one-time payment. So, looking at each course's details, syllabus, and pricing is important to suit your learning goals and budget.
2. GoEast Mandarin
Courses that GoEast Mandarin offer
GoEast Mandarin is a language school offering Mandarin Chinese courses and language learning resources. It provides effective and engaging language instruction to help learners improve their Chinese language skills.
Some key features include in-person and online courses tailored to your learning needs, such as group or private classes with study materials and events. With their experienced native Chinese teachers, they will give a personalized interactive and practical lesson that covers speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as provide cultural insights and Chinese cultural context to enhance the learning experience.
The cost of each Chinese course varies in type and duration. You can also check out their online trial class to see how each lesson operates.
Websites for Chinese tutors and live classes
For a more personal and interactive learning experience, check out these next two sites.
3. Preply
Preply’s Chinese tutors search
Preply offers personalized learning by allowing you to choose your tutors based on your preferences, such as Mandarin or Cantonese, traditional vs. simplified characters, and availability. Typically, all video lessons are live video calls, progress tracking tools, learning Chinese, and supplementary learning materials from the tutors.
The cost varies based on the tutor's experience, lesson length, and complexity. Please note that all tutors on this platform set their own rates so that prices will differ. Additionally, Preply will offer different price packaging for students to choose their tutors within a budget range.
Look at a couple of tutor's profiles to get an idea of what they offer.
4. Flexi Classes
Flexi Classes’ simplified Mandarin courses
Flexi Classes offer a variety of languages, including Mandarin (traditional & simplified) and Cantonese. Their flexible scheduling allows you to pick the type of lesson you want (1-1 vs. group setting) and the perfect timing. With the group courses, you will get immediate feedback from other students, allowing you to speak Chinese conformably around others.
Their classes range depending on the class type and how often you plan to attend. So be sure to look at their basic Chinese courses to see if their classes are right for you.
Chinese learning websites for Chinese characters
For those seeking to Enhance their Chinese language abilities, specialized websites offer support with mastering characters, comprehending idioms and Chinese culture-based topics, and increasing grammar proficiency. These resources provide concentrated assistance within specific areas of the language, allowing you to sharpen your command over it in its entirety.
Let’s delve into these bespoke websites a bit more closely!
5. Pandanese
Pandanese’s dashboard
Learn a Chinese word everyday with Pandanese!
Pandanese is an innovative online platform to help you memorize Hanzi characters with mnemonics and a Spaced Repetition System (SRS). Mnemonics lets you know fun stories to let you memorize the meaning, reading, and breakdown of all Chinese characters. At the same time, SRS will pace out which character you need a little more help on so that you can actively recall them.
Each flashcard (radical, character, or vocabulary) will have meanings, pronunciations, and mnemonics. You can customize the meaning and mnemonics to suit your learning preference better.
The first three levels of Pandanese are free, allowing you to memorize many characters. But to increase your Chinese vocabulary, see which plan is perfect for you.
6. Skritter
Skritter’s interface
This software is best known for practicing your Chinese stroke orders through its interactive and spaced repetition-based techniques.
Skritter offers different study sets, such as simplified or traditional characters, Chinese numbers, colors, and radicals. Their learning process is as follows:
A character appears with its definition, meaning, pronunciation
It shows you the stroke order
You trace it
And repeat for the other characters
Improve your Chinese grammar
If you're looking for a free Chinese learning website for grammar, check out our #1 recommendation below:
7. Chinese Grammar Wiki
Chinese Grammar Wiki home page
Chinese Grammar Wiki is a comprehensive online resource that will provide an in-depth explanation and example sentences of different Chinese grammar concepts. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to choose whichever concept you want to learn about.
Best thing? It's free for all users, making it a valuable tool for anyone studying Chinese grammar.
Supplementary apps and tools for Chinese learning
If you have other Chinese basic knowledge and want to learn more, then use these apps to learn Chinese along side with your study. So let's take a look at them:
8. HelloChinese Memrise
HelloChinese home page
While we would recommend Duolingo, we've found a better alternative—Hello Chinese!
Hello Chinese has a similar Duolingo learning pathway that provides you with lessons, vocabulary definitions, and speaking lessons.
However, unlike Duolingo, Hello Chinese uses native speakers with additional lessons and grammar explanations with a vocabulary translation list. If you're a beginner to Chinese, check out its radical and pinyin explanation.
9. Memrise
1 potential Memrise vocab list to learn
Memrise is another great option to add to your supplementary Chinese studying.
They offer different Chinese courses depending on what you are looking for. Find a course for your topic, get grammar explanations, and have some pronunciation practice. In the software, Memrise will combine quizzes and native video clips to make your review effective.
Tips for choosing the right Chinese learning website
Here are some things to consider when looking at websites for learning Chinese.
Consider your budget: Many on this list are paid courses and lessons. You will get what you paid for, but finding out about your budget is important.
Know your learning style and preference: Different sites and software offer various methods to teach you Chinese, from interactive video lessons, self-paced learning, and other learning materials. Be sure to look at what they offer to fit your learning preference.
Look at user reviews: Reading reviews and testimonials from other learners will give insights into what to expect. You can also look at online forums to see what others say.
Try the trial period: You can try their trial period or use their free lessons. This method will let you see the teaching approach.
Don’t hesitate to compare platforms since choosing the right place will lead to a successful journey of studying a native language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I learn Chinese online for free?
Many websites and platforms offer free Chinese language learning resources, such as Hello Chinese, Chinese Grammar Wiki, and Memrise. While free resources are valuable, paid courses often offer more comprehensive content and personalized instruction.
What is the best website to learn Mandarin Chinese?
Pandanese is a website for learning Mandarin Chinese characters. HelloChinese and Memise are great apps to apply your Chinese Hanzi knowledge in grammatical situations. At the same time, Chinese courses on Coursera and GoEast Mandarin will have you speaking Chinese confidently.
Where can I learn Chinese on a website?
You can learn Chinese on websites such as Flexi Classes and Preply, where you can find tutors and learning materials. Use Pandanese to learn Chinese characters quickly. Chinese Grammar Wiki sees more examples and explanations of Chinese grammar points. Don’t hesitate to opt for any of these platforms to learn Chinese online!
What are some websites that offer Chinese tutors and live classes?
Preply and Flexi Classes are websites where you can look for tutors and live classes for different Chinese languages. Both offer an interactive experience that will be tailored to your learning needs.
What websites can help me improve my Chinese grammar?
Chinese Grammar Wiki is an excellent free website to learn about Chinese sentence structure. You can see example sentences and read about using a specific grammar point.
To conclude
Learning Mandarin Chinese doesn't have to be hard.
All these sites and apps will cater to your needs through either tutors, teachers, or SRS. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an advanced learner. Combining these learning materials, you can see your Chinese skills soar.
Tammy Dang is the project manager for Pandanese. She specializes in writing learning tips, educational resources, comparison articles, and content related to Chinese culture.
The easiest way to learn Chinese & build vocabulary
