Duolingo

The world's most popular language-learning app, widely used to learn Mandarin Chinese or to learn other languages while living in China. About Duolingo: Duolingo is a free, gamified language-learning platform covering dozens of languages, including a Mandarin Chinese course for English speakers and English courses for Chinese speakers, structured around short daily lessons. Key Features: Bite-Sized Lessons: Short, game-like exercises that fit into a few minutes at a time. Streak and Gamification: Daily streaks, XP points, and leagues to encourage consistent practice. Speaking and Listening Practice: Exercises covering pronunciation and listening comprehension, not just reading. Free Core Access: The main learning content is free, with an optional paid tier removing ads and adding extra features. How to Get Started: Download the Duolingo app and select the language you want to learn. Take the placement test if you already have some knowledge, or start from the basics. Complete daily lessons, aiming to build a consistent streak. Use the practice and review features to reinforce vocabulary you've already covered. Important Notice: Duolingo's Mandarin course covers vocabulary, tones, and basic characters, but reading fluency in Chinese characters takes significant additional practice — pairing the app with dedicated character study or a class tends to produce faster practical results.