Mandarin Insights

Learn Mandarin You’ll Actually Use

Practical Chinese Made Easy—built to empower what you can do, not just what you can memorize.

Have you spent months memorizing words and reciting grammar rules but still can’t use Chinese to actually do things?

Have you studied for years, can handle simple conversations, and even passed your HSK, yet freeze on simple, real questions like “How was your flight?”

Mandarin Insights is different. My step-by-step, scenario-based lessons teach you practical Chinese and train you to get things done in Chinese.

You’ll still learn the essentials:

  • pronunciation

  • tones

  • grammar

  • core vocabulary

But always in the service of action. Not “dead” language knowledge—"live" Chinese you can use immediately.

The goal: to empower you into a fluent, adaptable speaker who doesn’t just know the language—but think, act, and belong in Chinese:

  • express complex opinions

  • build lasting relationships

  • unlock new opportunities

  • engage fully in Chinese-speaking communities

Weekly episodes that teach real-life Mandarin, with language embedded in social and cultural contexts.

Podcast

Website

Bite-sized Mandarin tips you can use right away

TikTok

Website

All my shorts and podcast episodes in one place, with a welcoming community to learn together

YouTube

Website

Grid section

你好,我叫 Hanyu

I am a language teacher with a Ph.D. in applied linguistics from the University of Arizona. I have worked with 500+ students and supported their language learning journey.

I work with

adult learners of Mandarin Chinese who aspire to live, study, or travel to Chinese-speaking communities. I provide structured lessons, teacher support, and a community, and you have the flexibility to learn on your own schedule.

Beginner-Level Online Course

Enrollment opens in January 2026

✔️ Learn with purpose as each video lesson walks you through practical scenarios with just-in-time grammar and vocabulary you can use immediately.

✔️ Get immediate support with built-in practice.

✔️ Build momentum each week with hands-on tasks that help you speak, understand, and respond in real conversations—right from the beginning.

✔️ Join one live online session each week to ask questions and receive personalized guidance in a supportive environment.

High Quality Mandarin Resources

Join the Mandarin Insights Newsletter and get one practical language tip delivered to your inbox every week. From everyday phrases to cultural know-hows, you’ll learn how to gain fluency, connect with people, and grow your confidence step by step.