🇨🇳Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore

Learn Mandarin Chinese with real humans

Learn Mandarin Chinese with native teachers from China and Taiwan. The mother tongue of 920 million people, Mandarin is a strategic investment: China accounts for 18% of global GDP, and trade between France and China exceeds 70 billion euros per year. 4 tones, thousands of characters, a fascinating logic, our small-group classes break down the complexity into clear, progressive steps. Chinese grammar is actually the simplest in Asia: no conjugation, no gender, no complex plurals.

Small groupsNative teachersTwice a week

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First words in Mandarin Chinese

你好！(Nǐ hǎo!) / 嗨！(Hāi!), Hello! / Hi!

ni HAO (2nd tone then 3rd tone)

您好 (Nín hǎo), Hello (respectful)

Formal greeting

Did you know? Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language with 4 distinct tones (plus the neutral tone): the same syllable 'mā/má/mǎ/mà' can mean 'mother', 'hemp', 'horse', or 'to scold'. Chinese characters are not an alphabet but morphograms, each character represents both a sound and a meaning. The great revelation for learners: Chinese grammar is remarkably simple, no grammatical gender, no verb conjugation, no complex plurals, no cases. In Chinese, 'I eat' and 'He ate yesterday' are built almost the same way. What you lose in writing, you more than gain in grammatical structure.

Small

Class groups

2×

Live classes / week

100%

Native teachers

30d

Money-back guarantee

Live classes

Learn Mandarin Chinese live with a native teacher

2 live classes per week in small groups. Ask questions, practice conversation, progress fast.

Native teacher in class - Mandarin Chinese | Targumi

Conversation with a teacher - Mandarin Chinese | Targumi

classes per week

Small

groups

100%

certified native teachers

Live classes

Your typical Mandarin Chinese week

2 live video classes per week, Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm (Paris time). Small groups.

Week of

1 – Jun 7, 2026

Mon1

Tue2

Wed3

Thu4

20:00

At the restaurant: ordering

Role-playBeginner

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Fri5

Sat6

Sun7

Ready to get started?

Try Targumi risk-free for 30 days. Money-back guarantee, no commitment.

Try for 30 days

Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The platform

Progress in Mandarin Chinese between classes, at your own pace

Interactive lessons with native audio, vocabulary, dialogues and quizzes. Everything you need to reinforce your skills between live sessions.

Ready to improve?

Access all interactive exercises and online courses.

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Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The community

Join Targumi's Mandarin Chinese community

Dedicated WhatsApp group, exchanges between learners, resource sharing. You're never alone in your learning journey.

Join the support group

Free · Lifetime access · Native speakers present

🇲🇦

Mandarin Chinese School - Community

Anissa

Hi everyone 🙌

4:22 PM

Fatiha

Hey, welcome back!

4:23 PM

I’m not on desktop, is it mobile-friendly too?

4:23 PM

Mrhd

Yes, it works on phone and computer together 📱💻

4:24 PM

Message

The method

Our method for learning Mandarin Chinese

Step 01

Quick level test

Assess your current knowledge in 5 minutes

Step 02

Structured modules

Progressive learning path with native audio and exercises

Step 03

Interactive live classes

2 sessions per week with your native teacher

Step 04

Level certification

Validate your progress with an official certificate

Why Targumi

What makes us different for Mandarin Chinese

100+

Available languages

Including rare languages you won't find anywhere else.

Free trial days

Try everything with no commitment. Classes, exercises, community.

3-en-1

Complete platform

Video classes + interactive exercises + WhatsApp community. All included.

24/7

Unlimited access

Learn whenever you want. Exercises and content are available 24/7.

The curriculum

What you'll learn in Mandarin Chinese

A curriculum designed to get you speaking Mandarin Chinese in the situations that actually matter to you.

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01
Pinyin and mastery of the 4 tones: the key to Mandarin pronunciation
02
Simplified Chinese characters (Mainland) vs. Traditional (Taiwan, Hong Kong)
03
Business Mandarin: negotiation, emails, and Sino-French corporate culture
04
HSK 1 to 6: preparation and official certification exam
05
Chinese culture: festivals, business etiquette, and social codes
06
Mandarin for travel: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen

Start Mandarin Chinese now

Try free for 30 days, no commitment.

Try for 30 days

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about learning Mandarin Chinese

Do you absolutely need to learn Chinese characters, or can you stick with pinyin?

Pinyin (the phonetic romanization of Mandarin) is essential for learning pronunciation and tones, it is the foundation. But to truly function in Mandarin, reading menus, WeChat messages, signs, contracts, characters become necessary. At Targumi, we teach both in parallel from the start: spoken priority in the first 3 months, then progressive ramp-up on characters. Characters are not random: many have a visual logic (the 氵radical tied to water, 木 wood, 火 fire) that makes them easier to memorize.

Are the 4 tones of Mandarin really that difficult?

Honestly: yes in the first few weeks, no after 2 to 3 months of consistent practice. The Western brain isn't used to distinguishing tones as lexical information. The method: expose the ear massively from the start (active listening, dictations, repetitions with immediate feedback), and pair each tone with a visual and physical representation. Our native teachers have been teaching tones to Westerners for years and use proven techniques. After 2 months, the distinction becomes automatic.

What is the difference between Simplified and Traditional Mandarin?

Spoken Mandarin is identical, the distinction concerns writing only. Mainland China uses Simplified characters (1950s-60s reform), which are faster to write. Taiwan, Hong Kong, and historical Chinese diasporas use Traditional characters, which are visually richer and closer to their original etymology. For most learners targeting Mainland China or Sino-French business, Simplified is recommended, and amply sufficient.

Can you prepare for the HSK with Targumi?

Yes. The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is the official certification from the Chinese government, ranging from HSK 1 (150 words, beginner) to HSK 6 (5,000+ words, advanced). HSK 4 is generally required for studies in China; HSK 5-6 for professional positions at Sino-French companies. Our preparation tracks cover level-specific vocabulary, targeted grammar, and simulations of real exam conditions. Since 2021, the HSK reform has introduced levels 7-9 for experts.

Why is Mandarin a strategic investment?

China is the world's second-largest economy and is expected to become the largest by 2030-2035. Trade between France and China exceeds 70 billion euros per year. Mandarin-speaking professionals are scarce and in high demand in import-export, logistics, luxury (China = 40% of the global luxury market), agri-food, and technology. An HSK 4-5 on a resume in these sectors represents a significant, and often decisive, differentiator.

Is Mainland Mandarin different from Taiwanese or Singaporean Mandarin?

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua in China, Guoyu in Taiwan, Huayu in Singapore) is mutually intelligible across all three regions. The differences are minor: some vocabulary terms (taxi = 出租车 in China, 計程車 in Taiwan), slightly different pronunciations for certain words, and the writing system (Simplified vs. Traditional). At Targumi, our teachers come from both Mainland China and Taiwan, you choose based on your goal.

How long does it take to learn Mandarin Chinese?

For an English or French speaker, reaching a B1 conversational level in Mandarin takes roughly 18 to 24 months with 2 classes per week. The 4 tones are mastered in 2 to 3 months; the first simple conversations become possible after 4 to 6 months. Chinese grammar is in fact very simple (no conjugation, no gender). With Targumi, progress is accelerated thanks to small groups and speaking practice from the very first lesson.

Can you learn Chinese on your own?

Basic vocabulary and grammar are accessible through self-study. But Mandarin's 4 tones absolutely require real-time human feedback, something an app simply cannot provide. A mispronounced tone completely changes the meaning of a word. Our native Targumi teachers correct your tones from the very first class in small groups, which dramatically accelerates phonetic mastery.

How much do Mandarin Chinese courses cost on Targumi?

Targumi offers 3 plans: quarterly, yearly, and lifetime access. All plans include live small-group classes with native teachers, interactive lessons, and the community. See full pricing on the pricing page.

Are the Mandarin Chinese courses online or in person?

100% online. Live classes happen twice a week in small groups via Google Meet. You can join from anywhere in the world. The mobile and web app stay accessible 24/7 for interactive lessons.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Targumi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you are not satisfied, just email [email protected] for a full refund.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel anytime from your profile (“My subscriptions” section) with no hidden fees. Your access stays active until the end of your paid period.

Resources

All Mandarin Chinese resources

Explore our free tools to progress outside of class.

Mandarin Chinese level test

Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes. 30-day learning plan included.

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Mandarin Chinese survival kit

A hundred words and thirty key phrases as a printable PDF, free.

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Mandarin Chinese cultural quiz

How well do you know Mandarin Chinese culture? Films, music, traditions.

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Mandarin Chinese articles

Guides and articles to learn Mandarin Chinese.

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Mandarin Chinese vocabulary

Essential words and phrases organized by theme.

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Cultural resources

Podcasts, movies, TV shows and music to progress through immersion.

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Guides & articles

Guides to learn Mandarin Chinese

Beginner Guide

How to Learn Mandarin Chinese as a Complete Beginner (2026 Guide)

Mandarin Chinese seems intimidating, but it's more learnable than you think. Here's an honest, practical guide for complete beginners , with timelines, methods, and exactly where to start.

11 min read→Practical Guide

How to Learn Mandarin Chinese Quickly: Complete Beginner Guide (2026)

Mandarin seems impossible. It is not. Discover a structured method to learn Mandarin Chinese fast , tones, characters, grammar, and a 6-month action plan.

15 min read→Beginner Guide

How to Learn Chinese Characters: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Learn Chinese characters (hanzi) efficiently. Covers radicals, stroke order, memorization techniques, and how many characters you actually need.

10 min read→Guide

Best Way to Learn Mandarin Chinese in 2026: What Actually Works

A realistic guide to learning Mandarin Chinese. Tones, characters, immersion strategies, and how native teachers help you avoid the most common pitfalls.

15 min read→

See all articles→

Reviews

They are learning Mandarin Chinese with Targumi

Verified learner testimonials.

“got transferred to our Shanghai office in jan, had 2 months to not look completely clueless. colleagues said my accent was 'cute' — does that count?”

Idriss B.Verified purchase

“Graphic designer, Mandarin gives me access to this country's creative market. Stimulating collaborations.”

Patrick DupontVerified purchase

“Good Mandarin teacher and pace. Revision PDFs could use some more detail.”

Leila GarciaVerified purchase

“During my recovery, I proved to my kids you're never too busy to learn.”

Laura DupontVerified purchase

“After my divorce, I rediscovered the power of a simple, measurable, weekly goal.”

Bjorn EspositoVerified purchase

“When a native told me "you speak Mandarin well", I went the other way: I said "thanks" in the original language, no hesitation.”

Andrea H.Verified purchase

“Mandarin signup took 3 minutes. Next day I had my first class. Zero administrative friction.”

Celine ZhouVerified purchase

“After 5 months of Mandarin, I can present a project to an audience. Targumi kept its promise.”

Akua DupontVerified purchase

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