If you’re planning a trip to China, preparing for a business assignment abroad, or simply want to learn one of the most spoken languages on Earth, then Beginner Mandarin Chinese: Your First 180 Words & Phrases is a practical, compact course worth checking out.
This Udemy course is designed specifically for absolute beginners, and that’s what makes it so effective. With no prior knowledge required, learners are gently guided into the world of Mandarin using everyday phrases, real-life scenarios, and helpful explanations around grammar and tone. The lessons span 12 sections and 28 short videos totaling just over 90 minutes—perfect for those with busy schedules looking for an efficient introduction to conversational Chinese.
Speak Mandarin from Day One
At the heart of Beginner Mandarin Chinese: Your First 180 Words & Phrases is a clear goal: help learners speak and understand essential Mandarin quickly. Instead of overwhelming you with complex grammar or writing systems, the course focuses on 180+ useful expressions you can use right away in daily life.
Early lessons cover basic greetings and social phrases like nǐ hǎo (hello), xiè xie (thank you), and zǎo shang hǎo (good morning). As you move forward, you’ll learn how to ask essential questions, talk about time, order food, go shopping, and even interact with taxi drivers—yes, including phrases like dào le (we’ve arrived) or màn yì diǎn er (slow down a bit).
You’ll also be introduced to numbers, days of the week, and months, making it easier to plan itineraries, understand prices (duō shǎo qián?), or set appointments. Other sections teach you how to describe the weather, express likes and dislikes, and identify people and places, such as lǎo shī (teacher) or yī yuàn (hospital).
More Than Just Vocabulary
One of the standout features of Beginner Mandarin Chinese: Your First 180 Words & Phrases is how it blends language with culture. The instructor doesn’t just teach words—he explains how they’re used and why tone matters. For example, you’ll not only learn wǒ ài nǐ (I love you), but also when and how it’s appropriate to use it culturally.
Students will also benefit from real-life context woven into each lesson. You’ll go beyond flashcards by engaging with practical communication scenarios—whether it’s finding your way to the airport (qù fēi jī chǎng), expressing that you’re hungry (chī fàn), or asking what something is (zhè shì shén me?).
And it doesn’t stop at conversation. By the time you finish the course, you’ll know how to express desire (wǒ xiǎng…), give compliments (hěn piào liang – very beautiful), and identify items as yours (shuí de dōng xi? – whose thing is this?). The well-structured lessons ensure nothing feels rushed, and everything connects back to real-world usage.
What Are Learners Saying?
Many learners have praised the course for its clarity and usefulness. One beginner said it was more effective than popular apps like Duolingo, highlighting how the course “goes straight to the useful expressions” that matter most when communicating in Mandarin. Another appreciated how the instructor emphasized tone and pronunciation—crucial aspects that are often glossed over in beginner courses.
Others noted that it doesn’t just teach language, but offers a gateway into Chinese culture, giving them a deeper appreciation for the language and its nuances. Reviewers consistently found the lessons “easy to follow,” “engaging,” and “perfect for beginners,” with several describing it as the best introduction to Chinese they’ve come across.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a vacation, aiming to pass the HSK1, or simply want to connect more deeply with Chinese-speaking friends or colleagues, Beginner Mandarin Chinese: Your First 180 Words & Phrases offers an excellent entry point. With its short, digestible lessons and real-world focus, it’s ideal for learners who want to build confidence in speaking fast—without spending months buried in textbooks.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to greet people, ask questions, express preferences, handle basic travel interactions, and much more—all using Mandarin that’s immediately useful. It’s practical, friendly, and refreshingly to the point.
If learning Chinese has been on your bucket list, Beginner Mandarin Chinese: Your First 180 Words & Phrases might just be the best place to start.
