Enroll for free in Peking University’s Chinese for Beginners on Coursera and build a strong foundation in Mandarin with essential words, phrases, and pronunciation.

Why Learn Mandarin?

Mandarin Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world, opening doors to rich cultural experiences, professional opportunities, and personal growth. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your career, prepare for travel, or simply embrace a new language, learning Mandarin can be a transformative journey.

About the Course

Peking University’s Chinese for Beginners on Coursera is designed specifically for those who are new to the Mandarin language. This comprehensive course provides an immersive learning experience through seven well-structured modules, each focusing on different aspects of the language and culture.

Course Highlights

Instructor: Xiaoyu Liu, a highly-rated educator from Peking University.
Duration: 2 weeks to complete, with a flexible schedule accommodating your pace.
Modules: 7 engaging modules covering basics to intermediate topics.
Skills Gained: Language competency, grammar, vocabulary, oral comprehension, and communication.
Certification: Shareable certificate upon completion, perfect for your LinkedIn profile.
Accessibility: Taught in English with support in 23 languages.

Course Structure

Module 1: Who Are You?

Learn to introduce yourself, discuss family, and grasp Mandarin phonetics. Engage with videos, readings, and interactive assignments to build your foundational vocabulary and pronunciation skills.

Module 2: When Do You Go To School?

Master daily schedules, numbers, time expressions, and routines. This module enhances your ability to plan and discuss daily activities in Mandarin.

Module 3: What Do You Like to Eat?

Dive into Chinese cuisine vocabulary, including main courses, fruits, vegetables, and drinks. Practical exercises help you confidently talk about food preferences and dining experiences.

Module 4: I Like Shopping!

Focus on expressing color and size preferences, asking about prices, and bargaining. Learn essential phrases for a seamless shopping experience in Chinese-speaking environments.

Module 5: Do You Live in a Big City?

Learn to give directions, discuss transportation, and describe living environments. This module is crucial for navigating and communicating in urban settings.

Module 6: How About the Weather?

Talk about temperature, seasons, and personal health. Understanding weather-related vocabulary is essential for daily conversations and planning activities.

Module 7: What is Your Hobby?

Explore topics related to hobbies, sports, TV programs, the internet, reading, music, and travel. This module helps you discuss personal interests and engage in more dynamic conversations.

Immersive Learning Experiences

Beyond traditional lessons, the course offers immersive experiences to apply your language skills in real-world contexts:

Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Practice Mandarin in a simulated Chinese market environment.
Conversation Practice: Enhance speaking skills through interactive sessions with peers and native speakers.
Interactive Games: Reinforce learning through gamified activities that make language acquisition fun and effective.

Instructor Insights

Xiaoyu Liu brings expertise and a passion for teaching Mandarin, ensuring that learners receive high-quality instruction. With a rating of 4.8 from over 6,800 reviews, students consistently praise her effective teaching style and ability to simplify complex concepts.

Learner Reviews

Join over 1.4 million learners who have benefited from this course:

“This course was very helpful and very well made. Amazing first course for people who don’t have knowledge of Mandarin. Thank you to the teacher for the easy understanding classes and exercises!”
— C.S.

“Thanks Coursera for giving me such an opportunity to learn this course, the Teacher was excellent, the way she teaches us was really helpful and easier for us…. thanks, xiexie.. :-)”
— S.S.

Why Choose Coursera and Peking University?

Coursera partners with top universities like Peking University to provide accessible, high-quality education. Learning Mandarin on Coursera offers:

Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Community Support: Engage with fellow learners and participate in discussion forums.
Comprehensive Curriculum: From phonetics to conversational skills, the course covers all essential aspects of Mandarin.
Career Advancement: Enhance your resume with a certificate from a prestigious institution.

Enhance Your Learning Journey

While Chinese for Beginners on Coursera is an excellent starting point, consider supplementing your studies with advanced tools like HelloChinese Plus. This enhanced app offers personalized learning paths, AI-driven tutoring, and a vibrant community of learners to further elevate your Mandarin proficiency.

Ready to take your Mandarin skills to the next level? Join HelloChinese Plus today!