Question 1

Are the lessons suitable for complete beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large part of Jingyao's students start from zero — no characters, no pinyin, no idea what a tone is. The first lessons cover pronunciation and a handful of sentences you can actually use, so you leave the very first class having said something real in Chinese.

Question 2

Do I need to know Chinese characters?

Accepted Answer

No. You can learn to speak and understand Mandarin using pinyin alone, and many students do exactly that at the start. Characters are introduced gradually, and how far you take them is your choice — a traveller and an HSK candidate need very different amounts of reading.

Question 3

What language are the lessons taught in?

Accepted Answer

Explanations are given in English, with more and more Mandarin used as your level rises — by intermediate, most of the lesson is in Chinese. If you'd prefer explanations in another language, mention it when you book and Jingyao will tell you what she can offer.

Question 4

I've tried apps and courses before and stopped. Will this be different?

Accepted Answer

Apps are good at vocabulary and bad at conversation, which is why so many people stall exactly where you did. In a one-on-one lesson you have to produce language, someone corrects you in real time, and the plan adapts when something isn't working. That combination is what usually breaks the plateau.

Question 5

How do I book a trial lesson?

Accepted Answer

Use any “Book a lesson” button on this site and choose “Book a trial lesson”. You'll be asked for your name, email, current level and main goal, so Jingyao can prepare something useful instead of spending your trial on questions. She then replies with available times.

Question 6

What happens after the trial lesson?

Accepted Answer

You'll get a short summary of where you are now and a suggested learning path with what the first month would cover. If it feels right, you agree a schedule and start. If it doesn't, there's no obligation to continue — and you keep the notes either way.

Question 7

Are the lessons personalized?

Accepted Answer

Every lesson is built around your level, goals and interests. Two students at the same level often work on completely different material — one on restaurant Chinese, another on HSK 4 reading — because their reasons for learning are different.

Question 8

Can you help me prepare for HSK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HSK preparation starts with a diagnostic against your target level, then a week-by-week plan to your exam date covering vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading and exam strategy, with timed mock sections along the way.

Question 9

Can I study Chinese for travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's one of the most popular paths. Tell Jingyao where you're going and for how long, and lessons focus on exactly what you'll need: restaurants, transport, hotels, shopping, directions and paying for things.

Question 10

How often should I take lessons?

Accepted Answer

One lesson a week is enough to make steady progress if you do a little practice in between. Two a week is where most students start to feel a real change in how quickly they can speak. Three or more makes sense when there's a deadline, such as an exam or a move.

Question 11

What if I have a long break and forget everything?

Accepted Answer

You won't have forgotten as much as you think, and it's a normal part of learning. Lessons restart with a short review to find what's still there, and the plan is rebuilt from that point rather than from scratch.

Question 12

What do I need for a lesson?

Accepted Answer

A stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and somewhere you feel comfortable speaking out loud. Headphones help a lot with pronunciation work. Nothing else is required.

Questions, answered