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Free starter path

Start learning Chinese before you pay

ACA's free starter path is four short beginner lessons (pinyin, tones, Hanzi basics and a starter review) that you can study online without paying. No Chinese reading ability is required.

Illustration of the pinyin, tones, Hanzi and beginner review lessons
Four-lesson path: listen → read → look closely at Hanzi → introduce yourself.
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Free lessons

Each lesson is short enough to finish in one sitting and prepares you for the HSK1 learning path.

Lesson 1Free

Pinyin and Tones

Learn initials, finals, tone marks and the sound system that makes Mandarin easier to pronounce.

  • Understand the four tones
  • Read basic pinyin
  • Avoid common pronunciation mistakes
30 min
Start lesson
Lesson 2Free

Pinyin Reading Practice

Practice reading short pinyin lines with numbers, dates and beginner-friendly phrases.

  • Read short pinyin phrases
  • Build rhythm
  • Prepare for HSK1
35 min
Start lesson
Lesson 3Free

Hanzi Basics

See how Chinese characters are built from strokes, structure and meaning clues.

  • Understand strokes
  • Notice character structure
  • Write your first simple forms
35 min
Start lesson
Lesson 4Free

Starter Graduation Review

Review beginner words, self-introduction and simple Hanzi before moving into HSK1.

  • Review starter vocabulary
  • Introduce yourself
  • Choose the next course
40 min
Start lesson
Save progress

Start free — save progress with email

Use magic-link login to save free-lesson progress. Study guides for the HSK1 vocab checklist and first-week path are already on the blog — no payment required for free lessons.

No password. We email a one-time login link to save your lesson progress. Looking for printable practice? Get the free New HSK 1 Starter PDF or the 100-character writing worksheets below.

MemberEmail me a login linkOr start free lessons without an account
Free printable PDFs (separate from login)Get the free New HSK 1 Starter PDF (54 words)Get the free 100-character writing worksheets (HSK 1–2)

Free printable PDF on Gumroad. Enter 0 in “Name a fair price”, then click “I want this!” to continue.