Insights
Notes on learning Mandarin — written by our instructors, aimed at adult learners who'd rather understand how the language works than just memorise phrases.
Pronunciation
Why tones trip up Dutch speakers — and how to fix that
Dutch intonation is sentence-level; Mandarin tones work at the syllable level. That shift is harder than it sounds.
Business Chinese
What to say in a Chinese business meeting when your Mandarin is still basic
A short list of formulas that hold up even at A1 level, and some things to avoid.
Characters
A guide to the hanzi writing system for complete beginners
Radicals, stroke order, and why learning the system actually helps — rather than just memorising lists.
Choosing a language
Mandarin or Cantonese: a plain guide to which one makes sense for you
The question comes up constantly. The answer depends on where you're going and who you're talking to — not on which sounds easier.
Study methods
Online versus in-person Chinese lessons: what actually matters
The format matters less than people think. What breaks online lessons is usually not technology — it's the absence of group accountability.