Beginner Course
This course helps you review and consolidate the Chinese you learned in the Introductory & Basic Course using a different textbook. Together with a native tutor who speaks Japanese, you’ll build a solid foundation for moving on to Intermediate.
Where this course fitsA course that bridges the Introductory & Basic and Intermediate courses
This Beginner course helps you review and consolidate what you learned in the Introductory & Basic Course (汉语会话301句) with a different textbook, so that you can use it reliably. The step from the Introductory & Basic Course up to the Intermediate course is a big one, so this course was created to fill that gap.
If, after completing the Introductory & Basic Course, you “can listen to the 301 audio and understand 90 percent or more of every lesson as-is,” you may skip this course and go straight to the Intermediate course. If you’re unsure, please check the Intermediate course sample here.
Who this course is forFOR YOU
- Those who have just finished the Introductory & Basic Course (301)
- Those who can’t yet say the expressions they’ve learned right away
- Those who studied Chinese for about a year at university or high school
- Those who passed HSK Level 3 and want to aim for HSK Level 4
- Those who want to move on to Intermediate but would like to build a firm footing first
Curriculum OverviewCURRICULUM
Covering everything from familiar topics to Chinese culture, the course goes through 15 themes and 40 lessons in the following 5 stages. You’ll consolidate the grammar you learned in 301 by using it repeatedly in new situations.
Starting with familiar topicsLessons 1–7
Begin with situations where you talk about yourself, such as work, sports, and transportation.
Exploring language and cultureLessons 8–14
Covers literature and art, the Chinese language and Chinese characters, and phone and internet topics.
Expanding to everyday situationsLessons 15–20
Expand to conversations you’ll use right away in daily life, such as weather and travel.
Getting to know ChinaLessons 21–29
Learn through topics from Chinese culture, such as customs, weddings, and Beijing architecture.
Toward applied skillsLessons 30–40
Broaden the topics to visits, education, food culture, and field trips, leading into Intermediate.
TextbooksTEXTBOOK
Main textbook说汉语, Vol. 1 & 2 / Beijing Language and Culture University Press
A conversation textbook designed for learners who have finished 汉语会话301句. The edition sold in Japan comes with explanations in Japanese (editions sold outside Japan may have explanations in a different language). You’ll broaden your topics and vocabulary while using the grammar you learned in 301 as-is.
- Vol. 1 Lessons 1–202,410 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
- Vol. 2 Lessons 21–402,420 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
Across 40 lessons in two volumes, you’ll learn about 1,000 new words and 60 new sentence patterns. Each lesson consists of a main text, new vocabulary, notes, and exercises, so you can use it as-is for preview and review on days without a lesson.
- WorkLessons 1–3
- SportsLessons 4–5
- TransportationLessons 6–7
- Literature & artLessons 8–10
- Chinese language & charactersLessons 11–12
- Phone & internetLessons 13–14
- WeatherLessons 15–17
- TravelLessons 18–20
- CustomsLessons 21–23
- MarriageLessons 24–25
- Beijing architectureLessons 26–29
- VisitsLessons 30–31
- EducationLessons 32–34
- Food cultureLessons 35–38
- Field tripsLessons 39–40
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, 说汉语, you can use NetChai’s original “Daily Conversation” course materials (85 lessons in total) for free. All Chinese text comes with pinyin, so they also work well as review reading.
- 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 express your own thoughts on familiar topics such as work and hobbies
- Can follow conversations about Chinese customs and culture
- Can rephrase expressions learned in 301 on your own and use them in other situations
Questions we often get before you startNEXT 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 wanting more speaking time
- 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. You can check whether this course suits your current level while talking with a tutor.
2 trial lessons1,680yen→free
FAQFAQ
Can I sign up without having taken the Introductory & Basic Course?
Yes. If you’ve studied at another school or on your own up to about the level of 汉语会话301句, you can start with this course. First, check your level together with a tutor in a free trial lesson.
Do I have to buy the textbook?
This course follows 说汉语 (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2), so we ask you to have copies of the textbooks. For how to purchase them, please see the purchase information on this page.
Can I choose my own pace?
There are 40 lessons in total, but you can adjust how many sessions to spend on each lesson in consultation with your tutor. You can also spend extra time on just the lessons you find difficult.
What should I study after finishing this course?
You’ll move on to the Intermediate course. You can also choose a course that fits your goals, such as Business Chinese or HSK Prep.
→ Intermediate Our Courses
At NetChai, many learners give up because the level jumps sharply from beginner to intermediate, so we split “beginner” into two stages: “Introductory & Basic” and “Beginner.” This course is the second of those two stages.
