Speaking

Chinese Speaking Lessons
By Communicative Function

These lessons are organised by what you need to do in Chinese — not by grammar topic or vocabulary list. Each lesson covers the key phrases, patterns, and cultural notes for one communicative function, with Hanzi, Pīnyīn, and English throughout.

Everyday Communication

Greetings & Opening Conversations Introductions — Who You Are Goodbyes & Farewells Saying Thank You Apologies & Forgiveness

Requests, Suggestions & Decisions

Making Suggestions Giving Commands & Instructions Asking Permission Invitations Making Plans Choosing & Selecting

Emotions & Reactions

Expressing Happiness Expressing Worry & Concern Surprise & Disbelief Sympathy & Consolation Agreement & Disagreement Refusing Politely Expressing Fondness & Preferences

Opinions & Arguments

Giving Opinions Expressing Purpose & Goals Cause & Effect Comparisons Criticism & Negative Feedback Approval & Praise

Situations & Practical Language

Talking About Time Numbers & Quantities Directions & Locations Shopping & Bargaining Ordering Food & Drinks At the Doctor On the Telephone Email & Written Communication Talking About Family Warnings & Cautions

How to Use These Lessons

Start with a function

Pick a lesson based on what you need to say — not grammar level. Even beginners can work through the Greetings and Thanks lessons.

Read the phrases aloud

Use the Pīnyīn to practise pronunciation. Each phrase is written with tone marks — reading aloud is significantly more effective than silent study.

Look up audio

Audio per phrase is coming. In the meantime, paste any Hanzi into Forvo or Google Translate to hear native-speaker pronunciation.

Use in real conversation

The fastest path to fluency is using phrases with a language partner or tutor the same day you study them. Even one real use creates a durable memory trace.