Your next language
Learn Chinesefor real life
中文
Learn Chinese through a language you already know. Build useful vocabulary, follow personalized lessons, and practise everyday conversations with your AI tutor.
Get the appFree to start, on Android and iPhone.
- Speakers
- 1.1+ Billion
- Speaking regions
- China & Chinese-speaking World
- Writing system
- Chinese (Hanzi)
People, places & possibilities
Why learn Chinese?
Chinese (Mandarin) is the most spoken native language in the world, using a character-based writing system with thousands of years of history.
- Connect with 1.1+ billion native speakers worldwide
- Access the world's second-largest economy for business and trade
- Explore thousands of years of Chinese history, art and philosophy
- Understand a character-based script used across East Asia
- Useful for careers in technology, manufacturing and global trade
Your first steps
How to start learning Chinese
Start where you are. Connect each new word to something you want to say.
Get to know the writing and sounds
Explore Chinese (Hanzi) writing and how Chinese sounds. Take time with unfamiliar characters and pronunciation.
Start with words you will use
Learn useful Chinese greetings and everyday vocabulary, with explanations in the language you choose.
Turn words into a conversation
Practise speaking Chinese with your AI tutor. Ask a question, explain an idea, or talk about something you enjoy.
Make a little time for practice
Return to your lessons and try your new Chinese words in different situations. Build towards fluent speaking at your own pace.
From knowing to speaking
Make Chinese part of your day
Work towards more fluent conversations by putting your words into practice, not just memorising them.
Practise both sides of a conversation
Speak Chinese with an AI tutor that responds. Try everyday situations or talk about your interests.
Understand it in your own language
Ask your AI tutor to explain a word or idea in a language you already know, then try using it yourself.
Follow a plan that starts with you
Your goals, interests and level help shape your next lesson. Keep building on what you have already learned.
Speaking practice in the Indilingo app.
Can I start learning Chinese for free?
Yes. You can start with the core learning experience for free. AI chat and speaking have free-use limits, and Indilingo Pro gives you more. Check the app for your current plan's features and limits.
Can I learn Chinese from a language I already speak?
Yes. Choose Chinese as the language you want to learn and a supported language for your explanations. Your starting language can help you understand new words and ideas.
How can I practise speaking Chinese?
Open the Speak tab in the app and choose an everyday situation or General Practice. Talk with your AI tutor, ask questions, and try using the Chinese words you have learned.
Is Chinese difficult to learn?
That depends on the languages you already know and what you want to do with Chinese. Get familiar with its Chinese (Hanzi) writing system, start with useful words, and give yourself time to practise.
How long does it take to become fluent in Chinese?
There is no single timeline. Your starting point, goals, regular practice and opportunities to use Chinese all matter. Set a practical goal, such as introducing yourself or making plans, and build from there.
How many people speak Chinese?
Our language guide lists 1.1+ Billion speakers, with speaking communities across China & Chinese-speaking World. Speaker estimates vary by source and by whether they include second-language speakers.
Where can I learn Chinese with Indilingo?
Download Indilingo on Android from Google Play or on iPhone from the App Store. Personalized lessons, AI chat and speaking practice are available in the mobile app.
Learn Chinese from the language you know
- From Hindiहिन्दी
- From Malayalamമലയാളം
- From Bengaliবাংলা
- From Gujaratiગુજરાતી
- From Marathiमराठी
- From GermanDeutsch
- From Manipuriꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ
- From Odiaଓଡ଼ିଆ
- From Thaiไทย
- From Arabicالعربية
- From Assameseঅসমীয়া
- From Bodoबोडो
- From Dogriडोगरी
- From DutchNederlands
- From FrenchFrançais
- From IndonesianBahasa Indonesia
- From ItalianItaliano
- From Japanese日本語
- From Kannadaಕನ್ನಡ
- From Kashmiriکٲشُر
- From Konkaniकोंकणी
- From Korean한국어
- From Maithiliमैथिली
- From Nepaliनेपाली
- From PolishPolski
- From PortuguesePortuguês
- From Punjabiਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- From RussianРусский
- From Sanskritसंस्कृतम्
- From Santaliᱥᱟᱱᱛᱟᱲᱤ
- From Sindhiسنڌي
- From SpanishEspañol
- From Tamilதமிழ்
- From Teluguతెలుగు
- From TurkishTürkçe
- From Urduاردو
- From VietnameseTiếng Việt
Keep exploring
More ways into Chinese
- Why Learn Mandarin Chinese? Business, Travel, and Cultural Benefits
- How to Learn a Language
- The Science of Speaking
- Why We Are Building Indilingo
Where would you like to go next?
Your next conversation could be in Chinese
Take the next step towards fluent speaking. Start with a language you know and build from there.