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Use this as a quick map for Mandarin. Start with pinyin and tones, then use character parts to make Hanzi easier to remember.

Pronunciation

pinyin
PinyinRoman letters that show Mandarin pronunciation.你好 = nǐ hǎo
TonesPitch changes meaning, so the marks matter.mā má mǎ mà ma
InitialsThe beginning sound of a syllable.n + i = ni
FinalsThe vowel or ending part of a syllable.h + ao = hao

Tone table

5 tones

Initials

starter

Useful finals

sounds
a爸 bà
o我 wǒ
e喝 hē
ai买 mǎi
ei没 méi
ao好 hǎo
ou走 zǒu
an看 kàn
ang忙 máng
ong中 zhōng

Characters

hanzi
好 = 女 + 子Characters are often built from smaller parts.
明 = 日 + 月Components can hint at meaning or memory.
简体 / 繁體Simplified and Traditional are writing systems.
笔顺Stroke order keeps writing balanced.

Common radicals

meaning hints

Radicals are recurring character parts. They often hint at meaning and help you look up or remember Hanzi.

Measure words

counting

Chinese usually counts with a number, a measure word, then the noun. Think “one cup water,” not just “one water.”

Sentence particles

tone + grammar

Particles are small words that change the feeling or grammar of a sentence. They often sit at the end.

Sentence patterns

grammar
你好吗？吗 makes a yes/no question.
我今天在家工作。Subject + time + place + verb.
我想喝茶。想 adds “want to.”
这个多少钱？多少 asks “how much” or “how many.”

Progress is shared between Simplified and Traditional. The writing changes, but the Mandarin card stays the same.

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