Top 10 Free Chinese Online Courses for Beginners in 2025

You want to learn Chinese but do not know where to start. Here are the top 10 free Chinese online courses for beginners: Coachers.org, Duolingo, HelloChinese, ChineseSkill, Coursera (Peking University), edX (MandarinX), Tsinghua University, China Education Center, Yoyo Chinese, and Abridge Academy. These courses are great because they teach well and have new lessons. They are easy for beginners to use. You can join these courses from anywhere. Every learning style gets help. Coachers.org gives a flexible and personal way to learn. Over 6 million people now learn Chinese online. This shows how easy and helpful these courses are.

Key Takeaways

• Many free online Chinese courses help beginners learn to speak, listen, read, and write. You can learn at your own speed.

• Apps like Duolingo and HelloChinese make learning fun. They use games, speech tools, and short lessons. You can use them anytime.

• Coachers.org gives you unlimited personal coaching and group classes. Expert teachers help you reach your goals and fit your schedule.

• University courses on sites like Coursera and edX have structured lessons. Experts back these lessons for steady progress.

• Set small goals and use different free apps, videos, and practice tools. This helps you stay motivated and get better at Chinese.

Top 10 Free Chinese Online Courses

Quick List for Beginners

Are you excited to learn Chinese? Here is a simple list of the best free Chinese online course choices for beginners. These courses and free Chinese learning apps help you start with fun and easy lessons. You can try each one to see which you like best.

Tip: Try lessons from different platforms. You may find one way is easier for you!

You get both free Chinese learning apps and university courses. Each free Chinese online course has its own style. Some help you speak and listen. Others help you read and write. Many lessons use games or videos to make learning fun. You can pick free Chinese courses that fit your needs. You might want to travel, talk with friends, or just try something new.

If you like language learning apps, these platforms are easy to use. Most lessons are short, so you can do them anytime. Many free Chinese learning apps track your progress and give rewards when you finish lessons. You can start as a beginner and go at your own speed. Free Chinese courses let you learn without feeling worried or rushed.

How We Picked the Best Free Chinese Online Course

What We Looked For

When you start learning Mandarin Chinese, you want it to be easy and fun. You need a course that teaches listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The best online courses help you learn Pinyin and tones first. This helps you say words and read better. You should get to practice speaking a lot. You can record your voice and check it with native speakers. Reading out loud and writing characters by hand help you remember words.

Here’s what we wanted in a free Chinese online course:

• Easy to use, so you can start right away.

• Covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

• Fun lessons with games, videos, or speech tools.

• New lessons that show real Chinese culture.

• Teaches about daily life and traditions.

A good course lets you practice all four skills. You listen to people talk, repeat what they say, read scripts, and write characters. This way, learning Chinese stays fun and works well.

We also checked if the courses are simple to use. HelloChinese and ChineseSkill use games and short tasks. Duolingo and Memrise have fun, quick lessons. Yabla has videos and subtitles you can click, so you learn with real-life examples.

Why Free and Online Is Important

You want to learn Mandarin Chinese in a way that fits your life. Free and online courses let you do that. You can study anytime and anywhere. You do not need to travel or pay a lot. These courses save money and give you choices. You can talk to native speakers, join group classes, or have one-on-one lessons. Many programs, like Coursera and edX, let you try lessons for free. You can see what you like before you pay.

Free online courses help everyone learn Chinese. They start with basics like Pinyin, tones, and greetings. You get clear examples, practice, and feedback. This makes them great for beginners. You can also find self-study options that fit your style and budget.

Online learning lets you go at your own speed. You can repeat lessons, join group chats, or use AI tools to practice. This makes learning Mandarin Chinese easier and more fun.

Coachers.org – Personalized Chinese Coaching

Unlimited 1-on-1 and Group Sessions

You want to learn Chinese online in a way that fits your life. Coachers.org gives you unlimited 1-on-1 and group sessions. You can pick private lessons if you like personal attention. You can join group classes if you enjoy learning with others. Every session matches your level and goals. You get to work with expert coaches who know how to help you grow. These coaches have advanced degrees and lots of experience. They listen to what you need and change the lessons for you.

• You can start as a beginner and keep learning as you get better.

• The platform helps you if you want to learn Chinese for travel, business, or school.

• You can switch between group and private lessons anytime.

• Progress tracking and regular feedback keep you on the right path.

Personalized coaching helps you stay focused and motivated. Research shows that students who get one-on-one time with a teacher learn faster and feel less stressed. You get more chances to speak, ask questions, and practice real-life situations.

Learn Chinese Online from Anywhere

You can learn Chinese online from any place in the world. Coachers.org is fully remote. You do not need to travel or follow a strict schedule. You can book lessons that fit your time zone and daily routine. The platform uses interactive tools like quizzes and pre-recorded lessons to make learning fun. You can see your progress and set new goals as you improve.

Coachers.org welcomes everyone. Kids, adults, and business professionals all find plans that work for them. If you want to teach, you can join the “Become a Coacher” program. This path helps you get certified and start coaching others. The platform supports your growth, whether you want to learn or teach.

Coachers.org believes in making learning easy, flexible, and personal. You get support every step of the way. The mission is to help you reach your goals and enjoy learning Chinese.

Duolingo – Free Chinese Online Course

Features for Beginners

Duolingo is a very popular app for learning Chinese. You can start right away, even if you know nothing. The app looks bright and uses a cute owl mascot. You see Chinese characters in your first lessons. This helps you get used to how the language looks.

Here’s what you get with Duolingo:

Lessons are short and simple to follow. Each lesson builds on the last one. You can practice reading, listening, and speaking. There is a community of learners, so you do not feel alone.

Gamified Learning Experience

Duolingo makes learning feel like a game. You earn points, collect gems, and keep a streak. These rewards make you want to come back every day. You can see your place on leaderboards with other learners. This makes learning fun and keeps you interested.

• Lessons are short and fit into any schedule.

• New Chinese characters are added slowly, so you do not get lost.

• Game features help you build a daily habit.

• You can track your progress with crowns and points.

• Speaking and listening tasks help you learn real Mandarin.

• The fun style makes lessons feel like a game, not homework.

Many apps try to make learning fun, but Duolingo does it best. You will want to finish one more lesson each time. This way, you keep learning and see real progress, even as a beginner.

HelloChinese – Learning Chinese for Beginners

Pronunciation and Practice Tools

If you want to start with chinese learning apps, HelloChinese makes it easy for any beginner. The app gives you special tools to help you sound like a native speaker. You can try the pronunciation course, which explains pinyin and Chinese tones step by step. Each lesson breaks down the sounds, so you know exactly how to say each word. After you finish, you take a quiz to check your skills.

HelloChinese uses speech recognition technology. When you say a word or sentence, the app listens and gives you a score from 0 to 5. You can see where you need to improve. If you mispronounce a word, you can long-press it and practice repeating it three times. The app plays the correct sound, and you try again until you get it right. You can even listen to your own voice and compare it to native speakers. This makes every lesson feel personal and helpful.

Here’s a quick look at the tools you get:

You get to practice chinese characters early in your lessons. The app shows you how to write and say them, so you build strong skills from the start.

Interactive Stories

HelloChinese keeps you interested with interactive stories. These stories use simple chinese characters and real-life situations. You read, listen, and speak as you move through each lesson. The app asks you to choose answers, fill in blanks, or say lines out loud. This makes you part of the story.

You learn new words and grammar in every lesson. The stories help you remember what you study because you use the language in context. You can replay stories as many times as you want. This helps you review and get better with each try.

Many chinese learning apps offer stories, but HelloChinese makes them feel like a game. You get instant feedback and see your progress after every lesson. If you are a beginner, you will find these lessons easy to follow and fun to finish.

Tip: Try to speak out loud during every story. You will remember words faster and feel more confident using Chinese in real life.

ChineseSkill – Beginner Mandarin App

Skill-Building Activities

When you start learning Mandarin, you want lessons that keep you interested. ChineseSkill gives you just that. You get quick, bite-sized lessons that fit into your day. Each lesson helps you build vocabulary and test what you know with mini-games. You can practice pinyin, which teaches you the sounds and tones of Mandarin. This is important for every beginner.

You listen to native speakers and repeat what they say. This shadowing activity helps you sound more natural. You also learn basic grammar rules, so you can make your own sentences. Flashcards help you remember new words. You get to practice a little bit every day, which helps you improve without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s what you can do in ChineseSkill:

• Play mini-games to learn new words.

• Practice pinyin and tones.

• Listen to native conversations.

• Repeat sentences out loud to improve your pronunciation.

• Study basic grammar.

• Use flashcards for review.

• Practice daily in short sessions.

Tip: Try to say the words out loud. This helps you remember them and get used to the sounds.

Progress Tracking

You want to see how much you have learned. ChineseSkill makes this easy. The app has 75 beginner units. Each unit has class notes, short lessons, and speaking practice. You move through the units step by step. Lessons get harder as you go, so you always feel challenged.

You do matching games, build sentences, and spot mistakes. These activities help you remember grammar and vocabulary. A cute panda mascot cheers you on when you do well. You feel proud every time you finish a lesson. The app shows your progress as you complete more units. You also get to practice writing chinese characters, which is a big part of learning Mandarin.

You can see your improvement by looking at the lessons you have finished. The app gives you feedback on your speaking and writing. You always know what to work on next.

Coursera – Chinese for Beginners (Peking University)

University-Backed Curriculum

When you join Coursera’s Chinese for Beginners from Peking University, you get more than just simple lessons. You learn from a real university program. This means you follow a plan that experts created just for beginners. You do not have to guess what to study next. The course uses a model that helps you move step by step.

Here’s why a university-backed curriculum stands out:

• You get lessons that build on each other, so you never feel lost.

• The course follows national standards for language learning.

• You practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a level made for a beginner.

• Teachers use the latest research to help you learn better.

• You see technology and real-life topics in your lessons, which keeps things interesting.

• The course gives you access to resources that help teachers stay up to date.

You can trust that every lesson has a purpose. The course designers want you to succeed. They use proven methods to help you learn Chinese in a way that makes sense.

Tip: If you want a strong start, pick a course with a university-backed curriculum. You get a clear path and support from experts.

Structured Learning Path

You do not have to worry about what comes next. Coursera’s Chinese for Beginners course gives you a clear path from your first word to your first conversation. Each lesson builds on the last one. You start with simple greetings and pinyin. Then you move to basic grammar and everyday words.

The course uses videos, quizzes, and practice activities. You can watch a teacher explain new ideas. You answer questions to check your understanding. You practice speaking and listening with real examples. The lessons help you remember what you learn.

You can go at your own speed. If you need more time, you can repeat a lesson. If you feel ready, you can move ahead. This makes it easy for any beginner to feel confident.

Note: A structured path helps you stay on track. You always know what to do next, so you keep making progress.

edX – Mandarin Chinese Essentials (MandarinX)

Academic Approach

If you want to learn Mandarin, this course is a good start. Mandarin Chinese Essentials on edX, made by MandarinX, helps you learn step by step. The lessons are simple and go in order. You learn new words, grammar, and how to say things. You also see how Chinese culture is part of the language.

Teachers use videos and fun activities. You watch and listen, then try things yourself. This helps you remember what you learn. You can check your answers and see how other students do. This makes learning feel like you are part of a team.

You will not miss anything important. The course teaches all the basics you need to start speaking and understanding Mandarin.

Flexible Online Access

You can join this course from any place. edX lets you learn Mandarin in a way that fits your life. You pick when to study. You can watch videos, do activities, and talk with others at your own speed. The course uses many types of media to keep things fun.

Here are some things that make this course easy and interesting:

• Lessons let you practice while you learn.

• Videos and quizzes help you learn in different ways.

• You can work with other students and check your work.

• All lessons are online, so you can study anytime.

See what you get with this course:

You can fit lessons into your busy day. You do not have to hurry. This is great for anyone who wants to start learning Mandarin.

Tsinghua University – Mandarin for Beginners

Comprehensive Introduction

Tsinghua University has a course called "Chinese: Start Talking with 1.3 Billion People." This course is good for beginners who want to learn Mandarin. You start with the basics you need for daily life. The lessons use pinyin, which is a way to spell Chinese words using English letters. Pinyin makes it easier to read and say words. You do not have to know Chinese characters at first. The course helps you learn useful language skills. You practice greetings, asking questions, and talking about simple things.

Here’s what you get in this course:

• Easy lessons that help you feel sure of yourself.

• Practice with pinyin and how to say words.

• Phrases you can use when you travel or shop.

• Tips to help you use Mandarin in real life.

You do not need to know anything before you start. The course helps you go from your first word to your first talk.

Cultural Insights

When you learn a new language, you may want to know about the culture too. This course from Tsinghua University mostly teaches you how to speak and understand Mandarin. The lessons help you with language skills for daily life. You use pinyin to help you say words the right way. The course does not have special lessons about Chinese culture for beginners. But you see how people use Mandarin in real life. This helps you learn a little about life in China as you study the language.

If you want to know more about Chinese culture, you can find extra videos or articles on your own. Learning the language is a great way to start!

China Education Center – Free Mandarin Lessons

Basic Pronunciation

You want to start speaking Mandarin, but you might worry about the sounds. China Education Center makes it simple for any beginner. Their free online Mandarin lessons help you with pronunciation right from the start. Each lesson gives you audio files, so you can listen to native speakers and repeat after them. You hear how each word should sound. You also see Pinyin, which shows you how to say the words using English letters. This helps you match the sounds to the right letters.

You do not need to guess. The lessons break down each sound and tone. You can practice as many times as you want. If you get stuck, just replay the audio. You will feel more confident every time you try. These lessons make pronunciation less scary and more fun.

Tip: Try to say each word out loud while listening to the audio. This helps your mouth get used to new sounds.

Practical Phrases

You want to use Mandarin in real life, not just in a classroom. China Education Center’s lessons focus on practical phrases you can use every day. You learn how to introduce yourself, ask questions, and even bargain at a market. Each lesson is short, so you do not feel overwhelmed. You get translations, vocabulary lists, and audio for every phrase.

Here’s what you can expect from these lessons:

• Simple greetings and introductions

• Asking for directions or help

• Shopping and market phrases

• Talking about yourself and your family

The lessons cover 32 different topics, all designed for a beginner. You get everything you need to start speaking right away. These lessons are part of basic chinese courses that help you build a strong foundation. You can study at your own pace and review any lesson whenever you want.

Note: Short, focused lessons make it easy to remember what you learn. You can practice a little bit every day and see real progress.

Yoyo Chinese – Video Lessons for Beginners

Native Speaker Videos

When you start learning Mandarin, you want to hear how real people speak. Yoyo Chinese gives you this with native speaker videos. You watch "on the street" clips where people talk in real conversations. These videos show you how Mandarin sounds in daily life. You hear different accents and ways of speaking. This helps you get used to the speed and style of real conversations.

You might feel nervous about understanding native speakers. Yoyo Chinese makes it easier. Each video breaks down what people say. You get clear explanations and can replay the videos as much as you want. You also get lecture notes to help you remember new words. The relaxed teaching style helps you feel comfortable. You can practice listening without any pressure.

Tip: Watch the same video a few times. You will notice new words and phrases each time. This builds your confidence for real-life talks.

The lessons focus on everyday Mandarin. You learn how people really speak, not just textbook sentences. You also get to hear informal speech and see how words are sometimes left out. This prepares you for real conversations in China.

Step-by-Step Mandarin

Yoyo Chinese organizes its lessons in a way that helps you learn step by step. You start with simple words and phrases like “我爱你.” The lessons slowly add more topics, such as ordering food, giving directions, and talking about your hobbies. Each lesson is short, usually around five minutes, so you never feel overwhelmed.

Here’s what you get with these lessons:

• Clear video explanations with Yangyang, who speaks slowly and explains everything.

• Practice with pinyin, tones, and basic conversation skills.

• Printable vocabulary lists and interactive flashcards to help you review.

• Audio reviews and speaking practice so you can check your pronunciation.

• Quizzes after each lesson to test what you learned.

You can choose to focus on speaking or also learn to read and write. The character course teaches you 300 common characters using a building-block method. The lessons separate speaking and character learning, so you can pick what works best for you.

The course uses a slow and steady pace. You move through six levels, each with units and lessons. You get to practice with real Mandarin, not just classroom language. After finishing the beginner lessons, you should feel ready to travel in China and talk about daily topics.

Note: Regular practice with these lessons helps you master Mandarin in about six months. Stick with it, and you will see real progress.

Abridge Academy – Learn Chinese Online

Multiple University Courses

You want to learn Chinese from real experts. Abridge Academy lets you use courses from top universities. You can choose from many programs, so you find what you like. Each course has a simple plan. You begin with easy lessons and move up as you learn more. Teachers talk in easy words and show real-life examples. You do not have to worry about getting confused.

Here are some things you get with Abridge Academy’s university courses:

• Video lessons from teachers who know a lot

• Practice activities to help you remember words

• Quizzes to check how much you learned after each topic

You can trust these courses because real universities make them. You learn just like students in China.

Beginner-Friendly Resources

Abridge Academy makes it easy for beginners to learn. You get lots of help, so you never feel lost. The platform gives you free things like flashcards, worksheets, and audio files. You can listen to native speakers and say the words after them. This helps you sound more like a real speaker.

See what you can use as a beginner:

You can join live group classes or watch lessons that are recorded. The teachers answer your questions and give you tips. You can also join a group of other learners. Everyone helps each other. You feel like you are part of a team.

Tip: Try to use the lessons every day. Even ten minutes can help you get better at Chinese.

Compare Free Chinese Online Courses

Features at a Glance

You want to see how each free chinese online course stacks up. Here’s a quick table to help you compare the most important features. This way, you can spot what matters to you—like live coaching, fun games, or video lessons.

Tip: Look for free chinese learning apps with progress tracking if you like to see your improvement!

Choosing the Right Beginner Course

Picking the right chinese course can feel tricky. You might want a course with lots of speaking practice. Maybe you like learning with games. Some people want to join group classes, while others prefer to study alone. Think about what helps you learn best.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want to talk with a real coach or just use an app?

• Would you rather learn with videos or play games?

• Is it important to track your progress?

• How much does cost matter to you?

If you like flexibility, Coachers.org gives you unlimited sessions and personal coaching. Free chinese learning apps like Duolingo and HelloChinese make learning fun with games and rewards. University courses on Coursera or edX give you a more structured path. You can try a few free chinese courses to see which one feels right.

Remember: The best online courses for chinese are the ones you enjoy and stick with. Try different language learning apps and see what keeps you coming back!

Tips for Learning Mandarin Chinese

Setting Realistic Goals

When you start learning mandarin chinese, you might feel excited and want to learn everything at once. Try not to rush. Set small, clear goals for yourself. For example, you can aim to learn ten new chinese words each week. You might want to practice speaking for five minutes every day. These small steps help you see progress and keep you motivated.

You can write your goals in a notebook or use a phone app. Check off each goal when you finish it. This makes you feel proud and helps you stay on track. If you miss a day, do not worry. Just start again the next day. Remember, learning mandarin chinese takes time. Celebrate your wins, even the small ones!

Tip: Break big goals into smaller tasks. You will feel less stressed and more confident as you learn.

Making the Most of Free Resources

You have many free tools to help with learning mandarin chinese. Try different apps, websites, and videos. Each one teaches chinese in a new way. Some focus on speaking, while others help you read or write. Mix them up to keep learning fun.

Here is a simple table to help you use free resources:

You can join online groups or forums to meet people who are also learning mandarin chinese. Ask questions and share tips. If you use free lessons, try to review them often. Repeating lessons helps you remember more.

Note: Use what works best for you. Try new things until you find your favorite way to learn chinese.

Learning Chinese online lets you gain new skills and have fun. You can pick from many free courses to find what you like. Each course helps you feel sure and lets you learn at your own speed.

• Coachers.org is special because it gives:

  • Unlimited personal coaching

  • Expert coaches to help you

  • Flexible plans for any goal

  • Remote access from any place

  • Interactive tools for learning

  • A way to become a certified Coacher

Are you ready to begin? Join Coachers.org today!

FAQ

How long does it take to learn basic Chinese online?

You can start speaking simple Chinese in a few weeks. If you practice every day, you will see progress fast. Most beginners feel comfortable with greetings and basic phrases after one or two months.

Do I need to know any Chinese before starting these courses?

No, you do not need any experience. These courses start from zero. You will learn pinyin, tones, and simple words right away. Just bring your curiosity!

Can I really learn to speak Chinese with free online courses?

Yes! Free courses help you build a strong foundation. You get speaking, listening, and reading practice. If you want more help, try live coaching or group classes for extra support.

What makes Coachers.org different from other Chinese learning platforms?

Coachers.org gives you unlimited 1-on-1 and group sessions. You get personal feedback from expert coaches. The lessons fit your goals and schedule. You can even become a certified coach!

Do I need special software or equipment to join online Chinese classes?

You only need a computer, tablet, or phone with internet. Most courses work in your browser or as an app. A headset or microphone helps with speaking practice, but it is not required.