Introductory & Basic Course
This course is for people who are new to Chinese. You start carefully from pinyin (pronunciation) with a native tutor who speaks Japanese, so even complete beginners can learn with confidence.
Who this course is forFOR BEGINNERS
- Complete beginners who want to start learning Chinese
- Self-learners who have struggled with pronunciation and want to check the correct sounds
- Those who have taken Chinese classes at university or high school and want to solidify the basics
- Those with an upcoming trip or business trip who want to learn the basics in a short time
- Those who studied a little before and want to start over from the basics
Your first step: pinyinPINYIN & TONES
In Chinese, even the same “ma” can mean something completely different depending on the rise and fall of the pitch (the four tones). Pinyin is the system that describes these sounds. Because this is where self-learners struggle most, in this course you learn pronunciation that people will understand from your very first lesson, while watching your tutor’s mouth shape.
The four tones at a glance: the same “ma” means “mother” in the first tone and “horse” in the third tone.
Curriculum OverviewCURRICULUM
Designed around where beginners tend to struggle, the course progresses through the following 5 stages. You move on only after mastering the previous stage, so there’s no need to worry about being left behind.
Pinyin and the four tonesThe foundation of pronunciation
Master how Chinese sounds work one-on-one, while watching your tutor’s mouth shape.
Greetings and self-introductionsYour first conversations
Start with the expressions you need when meeting someone for the first time, such as your name, where you’re from, and your job.
Basic grammarBuilding sentences
Learn the foundations of sentence-building, such as “是” sentences, verb-predicate sentences, and questions.
Everyday expressionsUsing Chinese in more situations
Expand to phrases used in real situations, such as shopping, eating out, and getting around.
Conversation practiceToward Chinese that gets you understood
Use the expressions you’ve learned in real conversations with a native tutor to make them stick.
TextbooksTEXTBOOK
Main textbook汉语会话301句 (Conversational Chinese 301), Vol. 1 & 2 / Beijing Language and Culture University Press
One of the most widely used Chinese textbooks in the world, and the go-to standard for the introductory to beginner levels. The edition sold in Japan comes with explanations in Japanese, so you can preview and review on your own even on days without a lesson (editions sold outside Japan may have explanations in a different language).
- Vol. 1 From Lesson 12,200 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
- Vol. 2 From Lesson 212,220 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
Starting with pinyin (pronunciation), these two volumes take you seamlessly from the introductory to the basic level. The books are also available at bookstores, but the NetChai Shop delivers the 4th edition, purchased directly from Beijing Language and Culture University Press.
About purchasing the textbooks
*The NetChai Shop ships within Japan only. If you live outside Japan, please purchase from an online bookstore or similar retailer in your country.
This textbook has an edition in your language. If you buy it outside Japan, please choose the edition in your language.
freeYou can also use NetChai’s original “Daily Conversation” course materials
In addition to the main textbook, 汉语会话301句, you can use NetChai’s original “Daily Conversation” course materials (85 lessons in total) for free. All Chinese text comes with pinyin, so even complete beginners can read along.
- Introductory 15LessonPronunciation & pinyin
- Beginner 30LessonGreetings to everyday conversation
- Intermediate 40LessonTravel & work situations
The first 3 lessons of each level are open to everyone. The rest are available at no extra cost to full members with an active membership.
Daily Conversation Course MaterialsAbout the Daily Conversation course
Course GoalsGOAL
- Can handle basic exchanges while traveling, such as greetings, ordering, and shopping
- Can introduce yourself and your family in simple Chinese
- Can pronounce even unfamiliar words correctly by reading the pinyin
Common worries for first-timersFIRST STEP
How lessons workLESSON STYLE
Lessons are 25-minute one-on-one sessions with a Chinese tutor who speaks Japanese.
- Open every day from 6:00 to 24:00. Take lessons before work, after you get home, or whenever fits your life
- Choose any tutor you like each time. You can also make requests, such as focusing on pronunciation or speaking slowly
- You can take lessons with just a smartphone. No need to commute to a classroom
🛒Purchasing Textbooks
You can purchase the textbooks from our Chinese Textbook Purchase Page .
*The NetChai Shop ships within Japan only. If you live outside Japan, please purchase from an online bookstore or similar retailer in your country.
This textbook has an edition in your language. If you buy it outside Japan, please choose the edition in your language.
Try it free first and feel the joy of “I actually spoke Chinese!” for yourself
We offer trial lessons for first-timers. Your tutor speaks Japanese, so it’s fine even if you’ve never studied Chinese before.
2 trial lessons1,680yen→free
FAQFAQ
Is it okay if I’ve never studied Chinese at all?
Yes. This course starts with pinyin (pronunciation), so it is designed for beginners starting from zero.
Do I have to buy the textbook?
This course follows 汉语会话301句, so we ask you to have a copy of the textbook. For how to purchase it, please see the purchase information on this page.
What do I need to take lessons?
You can take lessons on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Lessons run every day from 6:00 to 24:00, so you can choose a time that suits you.
What should I study after finishing this course?
Normally you move on to the Beginner course (说汉语), consolidating what you learned in 301 with a different textbook before moving up to Intermediate. However, if you can listen to the 301 audio and understand 90% or more of it as-is, you can skip the Beginner course and go straight to the Intermediate course.
→ Beginner Our Courses
NetChai’s “Introductory & Basic Course” corresponds to the “beginner course” level at typical Chinese language schools. Many learners give up because the level jumps sharply from beginner to intermediate, so NetChai splits “beginner” into two stages, “Introductory & Basic” and “Beginner,” so you can step up without strain.
