Is it possible to learn Chinese online for free? Absolutely, you can learn Chinese online for free through a variety of resources. Many universities, platforms, and websites offer free courses, tutorials, and study materials that cater to learners of all levels. You can access video lessons, interactive exercises, language apps, and more without any cost.
While some platforms may provide premium options for additional features, there are numerous quality resources available at no charge to help you embark on your journey to learn Chinese.
- What is the best way to learn Chinese online for free?
- Apps for learning Chinese for free
- What is the best app to learn Chinese for free?
- Free videos for Chinese lessons
- Learn Chinese from Audio and Podcasts
- Free online courses for learning Chinese
- Learning Chinese from BBC Chinese
- Free online Chinese / Mandarin courses with a certificate
- FAQ: about learning Chinese for free online
What is the best way to learn Chinese online for free?
Personally speaking, I like Mondly. I think using Mondly is the best way to learn Chinese. I appreciate the short and engaging nature of the lessons, similar to Babbel’s approach. The quick pace of these lessons is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, including working professionals, parents with hectic routines, and students.
Mondly
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.mondly.com/learn-chinese-online |
If you’re seeking the most effective way to learn Chinese without any cost, your search ends here. Say hello to Mondly, the language app that’s empowering millions worldwide to embark on their Chinese learning journey with free daily lessons.
By employing swift language learning techniques, Mondly ensures a quick, efficient, and enjoyable mastery of the Chinese language. Developed and refined over years of dedicated language learning work, the app operates on four incredibly powerful principles:
- Embrace the Chinese language through common phrases, not isolated words. Phrases hold meaning, paint vivid pictures, and tell stories, making them easier to remember. By focusing on common phrases, you’ll rapidly memorize essential Chinese words, construct sentences, engage in conversations, and develop your speaking skills. Mondly’s interactive Chinese lessons offer unparalleled improvement in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Master Chinese by immersing yourself in the voices of native speakers. Textbooks may not foster rapid language acquisition, but natural exposure to the language in everyday contexts can. Mondly collaborates with professional native speakers to deliver crystal-clear voices, ensuring impeccable pronunciations and accents.
- Solidify your learning by engaging in real conversations. Speaking is a crucial aspect of mastering Chinese. Mondly’s innovative technology transports you into genuine conversations, allowing you to practice casual dialogues, book accommodations, or order meals from the comfort of your home, anytime and anywhere.
- Utilize an intelligent repetition system to engrain your knowledge. Mindless word repetition yields limited results. Instead, Mondly employs smart intervals for repetition, enabling you to swiftly memorize new words and phrases. Trust in Mondly as millions worldwide do, considering it the optimal way to learn Chinese for free.
Apps for learning Chinese for free
Anki
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://apps.ankiweb.net/ |
I think Anki is a powerful and effective Chinese learning program, which is open-source and free (though the iOS version does have a fee). This means that you can study Chinese on any device where Anki is available. If you’re looking for a way to learn words and build your vocabulary effectively, I believe Anki is the app for you.
Pleco
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.pleco.com/ |
What impresses me the most is Pleco’s powerful dictionary with native audio pronunciations, Pleco has a plethora of additional features that make it indispensable for learners. Not only can the dictionary be used offline but also allows you to look up characters using a variety of efficient methods.
Pleco has a built-in flashcard system that also allows you to upload your own flashcards, and it lets you instantly look up any word in documents and text files.
Duolingo
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.duolingo.com/ |
So, let’s talk Duolingo – it started off all cool and free, and guess what? It’s keeping that promise alive. They’ve jazzed things up by diving into the ad-supported pool and introducing a groovy paid membership, now lovingly called Super Duolingo (previously known as Duolingo Plus). But hold up, you don’t need to whip out your wallet for Super. Just roll on in, sign up with an email and a password, and you’re good to rock ‘n’ roll. No need to sweat, my friend, you can tackle as many languages as your heart desires with a free account.
If you’re feeling fancy and wanna splurge a little, there’s the Super membership at $7.99 a month. And here’s the kicker – if you go all-in for a year upfront, it’s $47.99 (that’s some sweet discounting right there). Oh, and don’t forget the family plan, a steal at $71.99 a year for up to six peeps. They’ve even turned down the dial on these prices since the last time PCMag gave ’em a once-over.
FluentU
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.fluentu.com/en/ |
FluentU is a real gem, no doubt about it. But let’s keep it real – it’s not meant to be your main squeeze for learning a language. Here’s the deal: it’s all about diving headfirst into the language, but hold up – without flexing those speaking muscles, you’re gonna miss out on the magic of actually using the language.
Picture this: FluentU as your trusty sidekick for beefing up your vocab and honing your listening skills. But you gotta tag team it with the big guns – structured, educational programs like JapanesePod101. Think of it as a dynamic duo that packs a punch. This combo gives you the full spread – solid grammar, fresh vocabulary – the works. And when you’re all set, it’s time to strut your stuff and chat it up with a native tutor from italki. Now that’s how you roll!
Skritter
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://skritter.com/ |
Skritter is like a treasure trove, and you’re gonna love this part: they’ve got a stash of decks in their library that’s off the charts.
For instance, check this out: in my Skritter Japanese App, I’m diving into the Learn Hiragana and Learn Katakana Decks (these are like the Japanese alphabets’ secret weapons). And guess what, in my Skritter Chinese App, I’m all in on the Skritter Character Course and the HSK Decks. But wait, there’s more! Their deck collection is like a playground – you can flip through and explore all day long.
Now, here’s the real kicker – Skritter’s not just about being the study buddy for the HSK and calling it a day. They’re cookin’ up some killer collaborations with textbooks, meaning your study buddies might just become your deck buddies. Plus, they’re serving you up some juicy topics straight out of the headlines, like Celebrating Women, LGBTQ+, and even dissecting Mark Zuckerberg’s Chinese journey. This app’s got some serious staying power – it’s your ticket to mastering more than just the HSK. And the cherry on top? They’re always jazzing up their decks and cooking up new ones. So, yeah, you’re in for a treat!
Arch Chinese
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.archchinese.com/ |
Arch Chinese functions as an educational website furnishing learning resources and instructional tools. Through a paid subscription, you gain the ability to tailor a diverse array of worksheets for personal or student use. These encompass character practice grids, multiple choice quizzes, true or false inquiries, sentence rearrangements, and a plethora of other options. The platform doubles as a dictionary, complete with stroke order animations and authentic native-speaker pronunciations for each entry.
Exploring radicals, components, parts of speech, homophones, measure words, and words sharing similar pronunciation is facilitated as well. Notably, the Mandarin Chinese Tone Drill section assists in refining the distinction between 4 out of the 5 Mandarin tones. Aesthetically, the website might not be a visual masterpiece, but in terms of functionality, it can prove advantageous, particularly for educators working with school-age children.
Still, you can replicate similar templates on Microsoft Word or adopt a curriculum-aligned textbook with exercises. Whether it’s worth your investment depends on personal preference. Arch Chinese could also serve individual learners seeking physical worksheets. If that doesn’t resonate, you might want to explore Skritter for character learning or Pleco for vocabulary retention on mobile devices, reserving Hanzi Grids for occasions when you’re set on writing characters by hand.
MeetUp
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.meetup.com/ |
Chinese tutors offer valuable guidance, but they often come with a price tag. A superb alternative is to team up with a language partner, which doesn’t cost a dime.
You could buddy up with a Chinese individual honing their English skills and divide your time – 30 minutes conversing in Chinese, followed by 30 minutes in English. Another avenue is locating an English speaker who’s also delving into Chinese and arranging meetups to practice together.
For both scenarios, finding someone at a similar language proficiency level is beneficial. To kick-start this journey, consider setting up a free Meetup account in your locality. If there’s no existing group for language exchange or Chinese learners, you can take the reins and create one yourself. Then, just wait for fellow enthusiasts to join in!
What is the best app to learn Chinese for free?
Based on my trial, I think Mondly could be the best one to learn Chinese for the following reasons:
Acquire practical Chinese phrases for real-life scenarios
The app’s language experts have meticulously curated the most common real-world situations you might encounter. This approach breaks down the learning process into concise lessons, grouped into highly relevant themes.
Choose your area of interest and delve into words and expressions associated with that subject until you become proficient. Whether it’s introducing yourself, navigating a city, purchasing a ticket, reserving a hotel room, or shopping, the app provides detailed coverage, enabling you to effortlessly grasp the essentials of the Chinese language while enjoying a fun and accessible learning journey. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself capable of engaging in genuine conversations in Chinese.
Engage in conversations with our Chinese Chatbot anytime
Imagine the convenience of engaging in meaningful conversations from the comfort of your own home. To fulfill this aspiration, we’ve developed an advanced virtual conversational partner—a sophisticated computer program that engages you in intelligent discussions.
Dive right in, respond to questions posed by the app, and witness its understanding of your responses and its native-speaker-like replies. Worried about making mistakes? Fear not. The app offers instant feedback whenever you stumble or face pronunciation challenges. Through each interaction, you’ll make strides toward fluency while gaining the confidence to converse in Chinese in real-world situations.
Experience top-notch Speech Recognition technology
Picture having a Chinese instructor available at your fingertips, ready to assist you at every stage of your language learning journey. This becomes particularly crucial when aiming to enhance and master pronunciation.
That’s precisely why Mondly has incorporated cutting-edge Speech Recognition software that evaluates your Chinese pronunciation in real time and suggests immediate improvements. Swift feedback plays a pivotal role in rapidly acquiring any language, and that’s our primary goal.
Immerse yourself in crystal-clear audio delivered by skilled Chinese native speakers
With Mondly, you’ll grasp accurate Chinese pronunciations through listening to phrases articulated by native speakers. Collaborating with proficient Chinese speakers globally, we’ve curated a top-tier audio experience that we believe is indispensable for accelerated Chinese learning.
As a result, the next time you engage in a conversation with an English speaker, brace yourself for compliments on your impeccable accent and flawless pronunciation.
Free videos for Chinese lessons
YouTube
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.youtube.com/ |
YouTube can be a valuable resource for learning Chinese. Start by searching for reputable language learning channels that offer structured lessons, vocabulary explanations, and cultural insights. Popular channels like “Learn Chinese with Yangyang” and “Yoyo Chinese” provide lessons on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday phrases.
\Additionally, watch videos to practice listening skills and immerse yourself in natural speech. Create playlists to organize content, use subtitles for written forms, and engage with the community for a well-rounded learning experience. While YouTube is a great tool, remember to supplement your learning with other resources and consistent practice for effective language acquisition.
Here are some great YouTube channels for Chinese learners
- EverydayChinese
- ChineseClass101
- ChineseFor.Us
- Traditional Chinese
- Chinese Buddy
- Mandarin HQ
- Elementary Chinese
- Learn Chinese with Litao
- Yoyo Chinese
Learn Chinese from Audio and Podcasts
Spotify
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://open.spotify.com/ |
Using Spotify to learn Chinese is an engaging way to enhance your language skills. Begin by searching for Chinese language podcasts, music, and audio lessons. Look for podcasts that offer language learning discussions, cultural insights, and conversations to improve your listening comprehension. Explore Chinese music genres like pop, hip-hop, and traditional tunes to familiarize yourself with the language’s rhythm and melody.
Create playlists for different learning purposes, such as “Chinese Chill” for relaxing background music or “Language Learning” for audio lessons. Utilize Spotify’s “Repeat” and “Loop” features to focus on specific phrases or songs. You can also use Spotify’s “Lyrics” feature to follow along with the lyrics as you listen. Incorporating Chinese content into your daily routine, such as while commuting or doing chores, can help you immerse yourself in the language and make learning enjoyable.
Here are some recommended Mandarin Chinese learning podcasts
- Mandarin Bean
- ChineseClass101
- Talk Chineasy
- Melnyks Chinese
- Popup Chinese
- Mandarin Monkey
- I Love Learning Chinese
Free online courses for learning Chinese
Coursera
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.coursera.org/ |
Coursera stands out as an exceptional platform for learning Chinese, seamlessly connecting you to global university courses. The site hosts a plethora of complimentary courses delivered by esteemed educators from renowned academic institutions. You can choose to audit classes, opt for specializations, obtain professional certifications, or embark on an online degree journey.
Peking University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University offer an array of free Chinese courses on Coursera. If you’re just starting, I’d suggest diving into “Chinese for Beginners.” The platform caters to learners of all levels – beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. You can also target specific HSK proficiency levels or delve into courses centered around Chinese characters. Coursera’s courses offer flexibility, with set assignment deadlines that can be adjusted upon request if they don’t align with your schedule.
Here are the best Chinese courses & certifications
- Chinese for Beginners
- Chinese for HSK 4
- Chinese for HSK 1
- Chinese Characters for beginner 汉字
- Learning Chinese : Start From Scratch (零到一學中文)
- More Chinese for Beginners
- Chinese for HSK 5
- Learn Mandarin Chinese
EdX
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.edx.org/ |
Learning Chinese on edX is an accessible and structured journey. Start by exploring the platform’s language courses, such as Mandarin Chinese, which provide comprehensive lessons taught by skilled educators. These courses often cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural insights, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Enroll in a course that suits your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or aiming to advance your proficiency. Utilize interactive exercises, quizzes, and assignments to practice and reinforce your understanding. Many courses also offer forums and discussions for interaction with fellow learners and instructors. With the flexibility of online learning, you can pace yourself and engage with the content at your convenience. By committing to the courses, leveraging the resources, and actively participating, you can effectively learn Chinese on edX and make notable progress in your language skills.
Learning Chinese from BBC Chinese
| Supported devices: | iOS, Android |
| App store: | Apple App Store, Google Play Store |
| Website: | https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp |
Start by exploring their language learning section, where you’ll find podcasts, videos, articles, and interactive lessons designed to enhance your skills.
Utilize their audio and video content to improve your listening comprehension and familiarize yourself with authentic Chinese speech patterns. The articles cover a range of topics, allowing you to expand your vocabulary and understanding of Chinese culture. Take advantage of interactive lessons to practice reading, writing, and grammar in an engaging way.
Engage with the provided exercises, quizzes, and activities to reinforce your learning. The platform often includes language tips and insights to help you navigate the complexities of Chinese. Consistently immerse yourself in the content, actively participate in discussions, and leverage the tools available to effectively learn Chinese on BBC Chinese.
Free online Chinese / Mandarin courses with a certificate
If you’re looking for online courses with a certificate, here’s a list of the courses.
Acquire proficiency in Chinese and obtain certificates through complimentary online courses offered by prestigious institutions like MIT, The Open University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other renowned global universities. Assess reviews to determine if a course aligns with your preferences and needs.
| Institution | Course Title | Type | Duration | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsinghua University | Tsinghua Chinese: Start Talking with 1.3 Billion People | Online Course | 2-3 hours/week | Free (Audit) |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Mandarin Chinese for Intermediate Learners: Capstone Project | Online Course | 4 weeks | Free (Audit) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Chinese Language in Culture: Level 3 | Online Course | 6-7 hours/week | Free (Audit) |
| MandarinX | Mandarin Chinese Level 1 | Online Course | 4-10 hours/week | Free (Audit) |
| The Open University | Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course | Online Course | 4 hours | Free (Certificate) |
| The Open University | Getting started with Chinese 1 | Online Course | 8 hours | Free (Certificate) |
| The Open University | Getting started with Chinese 2 | Online Course | 8 hours | Free (Certificate) |
| The Open University | Getting started with Chinese 3 | Online Course | 8 hours | Free (Certificate) |
| The Open University | Getting started with Chinese business culture essentials | Online Course | 6 hours | Free (Certificate) |
| MandarinX | Mandarin Chinese Level 2 | Online Course | 4-10 hours/week | Free (Audit) |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Mandarin Chinese 1: Chinese for Beginners | Online Course | 5 weeks | Free (Audit) |
| National Chiao Tung University | Fall in Love with Mandarin | Online Course | 1 hour/week | Free (Audit) |
| National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | Mandarin Chinese in Motion: Essay-Writing Skills | Online Course | 2 hours/week | Free (Audit) |
FAQ: about learning Chinese for free online
Yes, it is possible to learn Chinese for free through online resources, language learning apps, and courses provided by universities. Many platforms offer free basic courses and lessons that can help you build a foundation in the language.
You can learn Chinese by yourself using a combination of online resources, language learning apps, textbooks, and practice with native speakers. Start with learning the basics of pronunciation, characters, and grammar, and gradually progress to more advanced levels. Consistent practice, dedication, and exposure to the language are key to successful self-learning.
Both Duolingo and HelloChinese are popular language learning apps, but they have different approaches. Duolingo offers a gamified experience with a variety of languages, while HelloChinese is specifically designed for learning Chinese. Choosing between them depends on your preference for the learning method and the language you want to focus on.
The time it takes to become fluent in Chinese can vary widely based on factors like your previous language learning experience, the amount of time you dedicate to learning, and your immersion in the language. Generally, achieving fluency in Chinese could take several years of consistent practice and effort.
The perceived difficulty of languages varies from person to person, but some of the languages often considered among the hardest to learn include Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean due to their complex writing systems, tonal structures, and linguistic nuances.
Achieving fluency in any language, including Chinese, typically involves reaching a high level of proficiency where you can comfortably converse, write, and understand various contexts without significant difficulty. This usually corresponds to advanced levels of language proficiency, such as C1 or C2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
For Chinese speakers, the hardest language to learn might vary based on their linguistic background and familiarity with certain language features. Languages with vastly different linguistic structures, such as those with complex grammatical rules and unique writing systems, could pose significant challenges.
