Conversational ChineseGet speaking with a native tutor, one-on-one

Most learners do plenty of listening and reading, but very little speaking out loud. With lots of input and almost no output, even phrases you know won't come out in a real conversation.

• You rarely get to talk. In a group class or a university course, each student speaks for only a few minutes.
• You hold back for fear of mistakes — especially when you're unsure of the tones.
• Nobody corrects you. Speaking alone, it's hard to tell what sounds unnatural.

To improve, you need both time speaking and feedback right when you say it.

1. Learn whole phrases, not single words. Chunks you've memorized come out much faster. Start with our Chinese phrases, each with native audio.
2. Shadow native audio. Listen and repeat right away to pick up pronunciation and rhythm together.
3. Drill your tones separately. Shaky tones kill confidence. Use the Mandarin tones guide and the tone quiz.
4. Talk about your own life. Introduce yourself, describe your day, plan your weekend — in Chinese. It's the closest thing to a real conversation.
5. Find someone who will correct you. Language exchange helps, but schedules are hard to match and partners often don't know how to point out mistakes. For steady feedback, a 1-on-1 tutor is the most efficient option.

Useful the first time you meet someone, in class, or around town. Tap any phrase for native audio, pinyin, and example sentences.

• One-on-one with a native Chinese tutor, 25 minutes per lesson.
• Join from a computer, tablet, or phone using VooV Meeting, WeChat, or NetChai Meeting. NetChai Meeting runs in your browser — nothing to install.
• Lessons run 6:00 a.m. to midnight Japan time (UTC+9) — late afternoon through the next morning in the US. Book on the website up to 2 hours ahead.
• In your trial lesson, the tutor starts with a quick self-introduction to check your level and learning background, then teaches with material that fits you.

Many international students find their speaking doesn't improve as much as expected, even in China. Classes focus on textbooks and grammar, and conversations with locals can be fast or hard to come by. Using what you learned in class with a tutor turns it into Chinese you can actually say. VooV Meeting and WeChat are Chinese apps, so they work in China without a VPN. More for students in China →

Check your current level with the free HSK level test. Your tutor can switch to materials for your target level whenever you're ready.

For children who hear Chinese at home but answer in English, see online Chinese lessons for heritage kids — reading and writing with China's Yuwen textbooks, or conversation practice. Parents can also read our guide on how to keep your child speaking Chinese.

After signing up as a trial member, you get 2 free lessons. Choose a plan only if you want to continue.

• Point plans: 1 point = one 25-minute lesson. From $13.00 for 2 points — take lessons only on the days that suit you.
• Monthly plans: Daily, Weekday, and Weekend plans. The Weekend 25-minute plan starts at $56.00 a month.

All prices include tax and are as of October 2026. See all plans and prices.