If you want to learn Chinese, you are not alone. By 2025, over 12 million people will be taking online Chinese classes. Every year, there are more options available, including a Chinese course free of charge that fits your preferred learning style. Some learners enjoy fun apps, while others benefit from live coaching at Coachers.org. These online Chinese courses allow you to learn at your own pace. You can choose short Chinese lessons or follow a complete beginner path. Start your Chinese learning journey today, even if you’ve never tried before.
Key Takeaways
Pick free Chinese courses that teach basics like pronunciation, grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. This helps you build strong skills.
Choose a learning style that works for you. Self-paced apps give you flexibility. Live coaching helps you practice speaking. Immersion can help you learn faster.
Try popular free platforms like Coachers.org for live coaching. Use HelloChinese for interactive lessons. Duolingo is good for fun daily practice.
Use tools like flashcards, quizzes, and progress tracking. These help you stay motivated and get better over time.
Practice a little bit every day. Set clear goals. Try different courses to see what helps you learn Chinese best.
How We Picked the Best Free Chinese Courses
What Makes a Good Chinese Course Free
If you want to learn Chinese, you need a chinese course free that helps you get better. You should pick courses that teach all the basics, not just a few lessons. The best online chinese courses help you read, write, speak, listen, and remember words. This lets you practice every skill you need for real talks.
Here are some things to look for in a good chinese course free:
The course teaches basics like pronunciation, pinyin, and simple characters.
You get easy grammar tips and lots of practice chances.
Lessons use videos, audio, and fun activities to keep you interested.
You can go at your own speed and review lessons as much as you want.
The course is really free, with no hidden fees or locked lessons.
Tip: Try to find courses where you can talk with native speakers or get help from real teachers. This will help you learn chinese faster and feel more sure of yourself.
You also want a course that is easy to use. Many online chinese classes let you study on your phone, tablet, or computer. This means you can learn chinese anywhere and anytime.
What Makes a Course Good for Beginners
A beginner-friendly chinese course free should help you feel ready from the start. You want lessons that begin with the basics and get harder slowly. Look for courses that use simple words, lots of pictures, and clear steps. Good courses break down chinese grammar into small parts and give you lots of practice with basic chinese words and phrases.
Here’s a quick look at different ways to learn and how they help beginners:
Learning Option | Features & Benefits |
|---|---|
Self-Paced Courses | Flexible time, repeat lessons, good for busy people |
Group Live Classes | Practice talking, meet others, get excited together |
Private Live Lessons | One-on-one help, special feedback, learn faster |
Immersion Programs | All Chinese setting, fast results, learn about culture |
Hybrid Programs | Mix of live and self-study, balanced and flexible |
Pick a course that fits how you like to learn. If you like learning alone, self-paced courses are good. If you want to talk and get help, live coaching is a great pick. No matter what you choose, make sure the course helps you learn chinese in a way that is fun and keeps you going.
Coachers.org – Personalized Chinese Coaching
Features
If you want a personal touch while you learn chinese, Coachers.org gives you just that. Here’s what you get:
Unlimited 1-on-1 and group coaching sessions with certified teachers.
Lessons for both daily conversation and business Chinese.
Flexible plans that let you upgrade as you grow.
Fun, interactive tools and real-life practice activities.
Progress tracking with detailed reports and personalized feedback.
Free trial classes so you can try before you decide.
Special coaching options for kids, including games and activities.
The chance to become a certified Coacher and teach others.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
You choose between private or group lessons.
Expert coaches help you reach your goals.
Lessons focus on real-life situations and industry words.
Progress reports keep you motivated.
Suitable for all levels, even kids.
Cons:
You need a good internet connection for live sessions.
Some advanced features may require a paid plan after the free trial.
Why It's Good for Beginners
You start with the basics and move up at your own pace. The coaches break down tough ideas into simple steps. You get to practice speaking, listening, and reading in every lesson. If you want to learn chinese for travel, work, or just for fun, you’ll find lessons that fit your needs. The platform uses games and real-life practice, so you never get bored. You always know how you’re doing with progress reports and feedback.
Tip: Don’t worry if you feel shy at first. The coaches are friendly and help you feel comfortable right away.
Practical Tips
Try a free class to see if the teaching style matches you.
Set a weekly goal for lessons or practice time.
Use the interactive tools to review new words and phrases.
Ask your coach for feedback after each session.
If you want to teach, check out the “Become a Coacher” program.
HelloChinese – Learn Chinese Online Easily
Features
You want a fun way to learn Chinese? HelloChinese makes it easy. The app uses smart technology to help you every step of the way. Here’s what you get:
Real-time feedback on your pronunciation with speech recognition. You can practice speaking and know right away if you sound right.
Interactive writing exercises. The app checks your stroke order and helps you write Chinese characters the correct way.
Lessons with videos, audio, and pictures. These keep you interested and make new words easier to remember.
Personalized learning paths. The app tracks your progress and gives you lessons that fit your level.
A PC version with bigger screens, Pinyin input, and handwriting practice. You can even multitask with other resources.
All these features work together to create an interactive and fun place to learn Chinese.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Easy to use for beginners.
Fun games and activities keep you motivated.
You get instant feedback on speaking and writing.
You can use it on your phone or computer.
Cons:
Some advanced lessons may need a paid upgrade.
You need internet for some features.
Why It's Good for Beginners
You start with simple words and phrases. The app teaches you how to say, read, and write each one. You get to practice speaking, listening, and writing in every lesson. The speech and handwriting tools help you build good habits from the start. You can see your progress and feel proud as you move forward. If you want to learn Chinese at your own pace, HelloChinese is a great choice.
Tip: Try the PC version if you like bigger screens or want to practice writing with a keyboard.
Practical Tips
Set a daily reminder to keep your streak going.
Use the speech tool often to improve your tones.
Review old lessons to remember what you learned.
Mix in some chinese lessons online from other sources for extra practice.
ChineseSkill – Free Chinese Learning App
Features
ChineseSkill gives you a playful way to learn Chinese right from your phone. You get lessons that mix listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The app uses short games and quizzes to help you remember new words. You can practice pinyin, characters, and grammar in small steps. The lessons use real-life topics like food, travel, and greetings. You can track your progress and unlock new levels as you go.
Fun mini-games for every skill
Voice recognition for speaking practice
Handwriting tools for learning characters
Daily challenges to keep you on track
Offline mode so you can study anywhere
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to use for beginners | Some features need internet |
Colorful and fun design | Ads in the free version |
Quick lessons fit busy days | Not much live speaking |
Covers all language skills | Advanced lessons may cost |
Why It's Good for Beginners
You will feel comfortable starting with ChineseSkill. The app starts with the basics and builds up slowly. You get lots of practice with simple words and phrases. The games make it easy to remember what you learn. You do not need to worry about making mistakes. The app gives you hints and feedback right away. If you want to learn chinese at your own pace, this app is a great pick.
Tip: Try the voice and handwriting tools. They help you sound better and write characters the right way.
Practical Tips
Set a goal for how many lessons you want to finish each week.
Use the review feature to go over old words.
Play the daily challenge to keep your streak alive.
Turn on offline mode before you travel or ride the bus.
Mix ChineseSkill with other ways to learn chinese for even better results.
Duolingo – Free Chinese Course for Beginners
Features
Duolingo lets you learn Chinese in a fun way. You can use your phone or computer. The lessons are short and easy to fit into your day. Each lesson takes only 5 to 10 minutes. You can practice even when you are busy. The app uses games, streaks, and rewards to keep you interested. You can earn points and move up levels. There are matching games and fill-in-the-blank questions. You also get to practice speaking with real audio. The app shows Hanzi, pinyin, and English together. This helps you remember new words. You can see how you are doing and compete with friends on leaderboards.
Pros & Cons
Here is a simple table that shows what Duolingo is good at and what it could do better:
Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
Not much practice for writing characters; no stroke order help | |
Easy for beginners and has short lessons | Not for advanced students; best for beginners |
Lets you practice saying words with real audio | Does not explain grammar much; some patterns are hard |
Helps you match characters and pinyin | Does not teach real-life talking; uses set phrases |
Free and simple to use | Not much practice for speaking with others |
Why It's Good for Beginners
Duolingo is a good place to start learning Chinese. The app teaches tones, characters, and sentences slowly. You get to repeat words and phrases many times. This helps you remember them better. The pictures and matching games help you learn what the characters mean. You do not have to worry about long or hard lessons. Duolingo makes learning simple and fun. If you want a chinese course free that helps you practice every day, this app is a smart choice.
Tip: Start with Duolingo, but try other chinese lessons online too. This will help you get better at speaking and writing.
Practical Tips
Pick a daily goal and try to keep your streak going. This helps you stay on track.
Use the speaking parts to practice your tones. Listen to the audio and say the words out loud.
Go back to old lessons often. Doing them again helps you remember.
Use Duolingo with other tools if you want to learn chinese faster.
Coursera – Chinese for Beginners
Features
You want to learn mandarin chinese from a top university? Coursera gives you that chance. The "Chinese for Beginners" course comes from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. You get video lectures that show you how to say words and phrases. The course uses interactive exercises, so you can practice what you learn right away. You also see cultural tips that help you understand daily life in China. If you finish the course, you can earn a career certificate from the university.
Here’s what you get:
Step-by-step lessons for true beginners
Video and audio to help you hear and speak mandarin chinese
Practice quizzes and review activities
Cultural notes about Chinese customs
A certificate if you complete the course
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Taught by a top Chinese university | You need to sign up for Coursera |
Clear video lessons and real examples | Some features may need an account |
Covers speaking, listening, and culture | No live teacher for instant help |
Some quizzes may be locked |
Why It's Good for Beginners
You do not need any background in mandarin chinese to start. The course begins with the basics and moves at a slow pace. You learn how to say hello, introduce yourself, and ask simple questions. The teachers explain each part in clear English. You get to watch, listen, and repeat. The cultural tips make learning more interesting. You feel like you are learning with a real teacher, even though it is online.
Tip: Watch the videos more than once. Repeating helps you remember new words and sounds.
Practical Tips
Set a schedule to watch one or two lessons each week.
Use the practice quizzes to check your progress.
Write down new words and try to use them in daily life.
Share what you learn with a friend or family member.
If you want a certificate, finish all the lessons and quizzes.
Yoyo Chinese – Free Video Lessons
Features
Yoyo Chinese helps you start learning Chinese with free videos. You begin with the Beginner Conversational Course. This course teaches basics like pronunciation, tones, grammar, and vocabulary. Each video is about five minutes long. The lessons explain things clearly and use real-life examples. Native speakers show how to use Chinese every day. The videos have slow audio and break things down step by step. This makes it easy to follow along.
You also get helpful study tools. Try the flashcards with audio to practice new words. You can download notes to review what you learned. Take short quizzes to see how much you remember. The Audio Review lets you listen and repeat to sound more natural. Yoyo Chinese has a free Interactive Pinyin Chart too. This chart shows how to say all 93 Chinese sounds, including tones and tone pairs.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Short video lessons are easy to watch | Not all content is free |
Real native speaker conversations | No live teacher to talk to |
Flashcards and quizzes for practice | Some tools need sign-up |
Free Pinyin Chart for pronunciation | Advanced lessons cost money |
Why It's Good for Beginners
Yoyo Chinese is good if you are just starting out. The lessons start at the very beginning. You do not need to know anything before you start. Each lesson builds on the last one. You hear real Chinese from native speakers right away. The slow audio and clear steps help you understand. Flashcards and quizzes help you remember new words. The Pinyin Chart is great for learning how to say words the right way.
Tip: Take your time. Watch each video more than once and use flashcards to practice new words.
Practical Tips
Spend five minutes a day watching a video lesson.
Use the Pinyin Chart to practice hard sounds.
Try a quiz after each lesson to test yourself.
Listen to the Audio Review with and without notes.
Replay the Dialogue feature to get used to different accents and speeds.
Mandarin Blueprint – Structured Learning Path
Features
Mandarin Blueprint gives you a clear path to learn mandarin chinese from the ground up. You start with the basics—pronunciation, meaning, and writing. The course uses visualization exercises to help you remember characters. You get interactive lessons that mix listening, speaking, and writing. Mandarin Blueprint connects with the Traverse app, which uses AI-driven spaced repetition and mind mapping. This means you review words at the best times, so you remember more and forget less. You also get graded reading materials and podcasts made for learners. These tools help you build vocabulary and understand real Chinese faster.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Science-based learning methods | Some features need sign-up |
Flexible and self-paced | No live teacher support |
Focus on reading and immersion | Can feel self-guided |
Interactive exercises for all skills | Not all content is free |
Personalized learning path |
Why It's Good for Beginners
You get a step-by-step plan that makes learning mandarin chinese less scary. The course breaks down tough ideas into small, easy parts. You learn characters, grammar, and pronunciation together, not in separate chunks. The science-backed methods, like spaced repetition and active recall, help you remember what you learn. You start reading simple stories early, which builds your confidence. The course also encourages you to listen to podcasts and watch shows made for learners. This way, you hear real Chinese from the start. You can set your own goals and move at your own speed.
Tip: Try to read a little every day, even if it’s just a few sentences. This helps you get used to Chinese faster.
Practical Tips
Use the mind mapping tools to connect new words and ideas.
Review your lessons when the app suggests. This keeps your memory sharp.
Listen to the podcasts while you walk or ride the bus.
Watch Chinese TV shows for learners to hear natural speech.
Don’t rush. Take time to understand each lesson before moving on.
ChineseClass101 – Free Chinese Learning Websites
Features
When you join ChineseClass101, you get a Free Lifetime Account. You can start learning right away. There are over 500 audio and video lessons for all levels. New lessons come out every week. You can also use old lessons from the big archive. There are vocabulary tools like flashcards and word banks. You get a “word of the day” to learn new words. There are free lessons on pronunciation, grammar, radicals, and stroke order. You can print practice sheets for Chinese characters. Beginner lesson pathways teach real conversations and culture. You can use mobile apps to learn anywhere. There are forums where you can talk with other learners and hosts. You have everything you need to start learning Chinese. You can listen, watch, or practice writing.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Many audio and video lessons by native speakers | Some features need a paid upgrade |
New lessons every week and lots of old lessons | The amount of content can feel overwhelming at first |
Great vocabulary tools and printable sheets | Not much focus on reading and writing in the free version |
Fun community and active forums | No traditional course structure; lessons grouped by theme |
Why It's Good for Beginners
Beginners feel welcome here. Lessons start easy and use real-life topics. You can listen to native speakers and learn how people really talk. The “Beginner Season 1 and 2” pathways give you a clear path to follow. You also learn about Chinese culture, not just the language. If you like learning by listening, this is a great free chinese learning website for you.
Tip: If you feel lost at first, try the beginner pathways. Use the flashcards to build your word bank.
Practical Tips
Start with the Absolute Beginner pathway to build a strong base.
Use the “word of the day” to learn something new every morning.
Download printable sheets to practice writing characters.
Join the forums to ask questions and meet other learners.
Mix ChineseClass101 with other chinese lessons online for even better results.
Mandarin Corner – Learn Chinese Online for Free
Features
Mandarin Corner lets you see how people really talk in mandarin chinese. You can watch videos where native speakers talk about daily life, food, and culture. Each video has subtitles and transcripts. You can read the words in both simplified and traditional characters, pinyin, and English. This helps you match what you hear with what you read. The site has vocabulary lists you can use. You can listen to each word, check what it means, and practice saying it. If you want to learn chinese online, you will find a friendly group here. You can join chats, ask questions, and share your own tips.
Real video lessons with native speakers
Subtitles and transcripts in different formats
Vocabulary lists with guides for saying words
Fun quizzes and flashcards
Community forums for help and support
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Real videos help you practice listening | No live teacher to answer right away |
Transcripts show pinyin and English | Some videos might be too quick first |
All beginner content is free to use | Not a course with steps in order |
Active group for asking questions | Not much practice for speaking |
Why It's Good for Beginners
You do not need to worry if you are new to mandarin chinese. Mandarin Corner sorts lessons by HSK level, so you can pick videos that fit your skills. The subtitles and transcripts make it easy to keep up. You can pause, go back, and watch again as much as you want. The vocabulary lists help you remember new words. You also get to see how people use mandarin chinese in real life, not just in books. The group is always ready to help if you get stuck or need advice.
Tip: Begin with easy videos and use flashcards to practice new words. Try to say the words out loud with the speakers to feel more sure of yourself.
Practical Tips
Watch one short video every day and read the transcript while you listen.
Use the vocabulary lists to practice new words and how to say them.
Join the forums to ask questions or find friends to study with.
Go back to old videos and quizzes to help your memory.
If you want to learn mandarin online, set a weekly goal and check your progress.
Chinese Grammar Wiki – Free Resource for Beginners
Features
You want to understand chinese grammar without feeling lost? Chinese Grammar Wiki gives you a huge collection of clear explanations. You can look up topics like word order, particles, and sentence patterns. The site sorts lessons by level, so you can start with basic chinese and move up when you feel ready. Each page uses simple language and lots of examples. You can see how real sentences work. The search tool helps you find answers fast. You also get links to related topics, so you can keep learning step by step.
Over 400 grammar points explained
Examples for every rule
Beginner, elementary, and intermediate levels
Search and browse features
Free to use on any device
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to understand | No audio or video lessons |
Covers all chinese grammar | Not interactive |
Great for quick questions | No live teacher support |
Free and always updated | Can feel like a textbook |
Why It's Good for Beginners
You might feel nervous about learning chinese grammar. This site makes it simple. You start with basic chinese rules and see how to use them in real life. The examples show you how to build sentences. You do not need to guess what comes next. You can check a rule, see a sample, and try it yourself. If you get stuck, you can look up another topic right away. The site helps you build a strong grammar base, so you feel more confident when you speak or write.
Tip: Bookmark your favorite grammar pages. You can come back and review them anytime you need a quick reminder.
Practical Tips
Start with the beginner section and read one grammar point each day.
Copy example sentences into a notebook and practice saying them out loud.
Use the search bar if you have a question about a sentence you see in a book or app.
Try to use new grammar rules in your own writing or speaking.
Share helpful pages with friends who also want to learn chinese grammar.
Comparison Table – Top Free Chinese Learning Websites
Key Features Compared
You may want to know how these Chinese learning sites compare. Each site has its own way of teaching and special things it does best. Some focus on grammar. Others help you practice real-life talking. A few mix many skills together. The table below shows what makes each one different:
Website/App | Key Features | Teaching Methods | Who Will Like It Most |
|---|---|---|---|
Coachers.org | Live coaching, group/private, business Chinese | 1-on-1, group, interactive tools | Beginners who want personal help |
HelloChinese | Speech recognition, writing, games | App-based, interactive lessons | Visual and auditory learners |
ChineseSkill | Mini-games, voice, handwriting | App-based, gamified | Busy learners, game lovers |
Duolingo | Short lessons, streaks, rewards | App-based, repetition | Beginners who like quick wins |
Coursera | University course, video, quizzes | Structured, step-by-step | Learners who want certificates |
Yoyo Chinese | Short videos, flashcards, pinyin | Video-based, real-life examples | Visual learners, self-starters |
Mandarin Blueprint | Mind maps, podcasts, spaced review | Science-based, immersive | Kinesthetic and visual learners |
ChineseClass101 | Audio/video, flashcards, forums | Audio, video, community | Auditory learners, listeners |
Mandarin Corner | Real-life videos, transcripts | Video, community support | Learners who like immersion |
Chinese Grammar Wiki | Grammar rules, examples, search | Text-based, reference | Grammar lovers, quick checkers |
Some apps are better for certain people. App-based tools can be hard for beginners who want more help. If you like learning with a real person, Coachers.org is a good free website. You get live help and feedback there.
Best Picks by Learning Style
People learn in different ways. Some remember best by listening. Others learn by seeing or doing things. Here are the top free websites for each learning style:
Learning Style | Best Free Website | Why It’s a Good Fit |
|---|---|---|
Auditory | ChineseClass101 | Lots of audio and video lessons, real conversations |
Visual | Yoyo Chinese | Short videos, flashcards, and clear pictures |
Kinesthetic | Mandarin Blueprint | Learn by doing, writing, and using mind maps |
If you want to try everything, Coachers.org is a great free website. You get live coaching, fun tools, and lessons for talking and business. This helps you find a way to learn that fits you.
Tip: Try a few sites before you choose your favorite free website. You will find one that makes learning fun and keeps you going!
You have so many ways to learn chinese in 2025. Each chinese course free on this list gives you a new way to start with basic chinese. Try a few and see which one helps you learn chinese best. Some people like apps, while others want live coaching. Coachers.org stands out because you get unlimited coaching, expert teachers, and flexible plans. You can learn chinese for business or just for fun, all online. Want to become a certified Coacher? You can do that, too. Ready to start? Join Coachers.org today!
FAQ
How do I choose the best free Chinese course for me?
Think about how you like to learn. Do you enjoy games, videos, or talking with a real coach? Try a few courses from the list. Pick the one that feels fun and keeps you coming back.
Can I really learn Chinese online for free?
Yes! Many websites and apps offer full beginner lessons at no cost. You can start with basics, practice daily, and even join live classes. Some sites have paid extras, but you can learn a lot for free.
Do I need to know any Chinese before starting these courses?
Nope! You can start as a complete beginner. Most courses teach you from the very first word. You will learn pinyin, tones, and simple phrases step by step.
How much time should I spend learning Chinese each day?
Try to study at least 10–20 minutes every day. Short, daily practice helps you remember more. Set a small goal, like one lesson or a few new words. Consistency matters more than long study sessions.
Can I practice speaking with real people in these courses?
Some courses, like Coachers.org, let you talk with real teachers and other students. Others use voice tools or chat features. If you want live practice, look for courses with group or private coaching options.
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