Survival Chinese Language Course

Chinese Course Curriculum

🥡 Level 1: Survival Mandarin (Weeks 1–2)

Goal: Order dumplings, find a bathroom, and say “no spicy” without panic.

🔤 Vocabulary & Phrases

• Greetings: 你好 (nǐ hǎo), 再见 (zàijiàn), 谢谢 (xièxie)
• Yes / No: 是 (shì) / 不是 (bú shì)
• Numbers 1–100
• Polite phrases: 请 (qǐng), 对不起 (duìbuqǐ), 没关系 (méiguānxi)
• Essential travel words: water, toilet, taxi, hospital, hotel

🧠 Grammar

• Basic word order: Subject + Verb + Object
• No conjugation! But: word particles like 吗 (question) and 呢
• Using 是 (shì) and 有 (yǒu)
• Making questions with 什么 (what), 谁 (who), 哪儿 (where)

🗣️ Speaking Practice

• Introducing yourself (我叫… Wǒ jiào…)
• Asking prices (多少钱？duōshǎo qián?)
• Ordering food and drinks
• Asking for directions

🥟 Cultural Tips

• Learn to use WeChat—it’s essential
• Don’t tip (unless you're somewhere touristy)
• Saying “no” directly is rare—learn to read between the lines

 

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🎒 Level 2: Everyday Mandarin for Travel & Study (Weeks 3–6)

Goal: Manage transportation, school, social life, and basic errands.

🔤 Vocabulary & Phrases

• Days, time, and weather
• Transportation: 地铁 (subway), 公交车 (bus), 滴滴 (Didi/Uber)
• Classroom vocabulary: 学生 (student), 老师 (teacher), 上课 (attend class)
• Daily activities: 吃饭 (eat), 睡觉 (sleep), 工作 (work)

🧠 Grammar

• Negation with 不 (bù) and 没 (méi)
• The verb 有 for possession: 我有书 (I have a book)
• Measure words (个, 本, 杯, etc.)
• Expressing time with 在, 正在 (ongoing actions)

🗣️ Speaking Practice

• Talking about your schedule
• Describing your day
• Asking and giving simple directions
• Buying things and asking about sizes, colors

🚇 Cultural Tips

• Be prepared for curiosity—people may ask your nationality
• Buses and trains can be chaotic: assertive is OK
• Use Mandarin, not English—many locals won’t speak English well

 

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💼 Level 3: Social & Business Mandarin Basics (Weeks 7–10)

Goal: Survive meetings, polite social events, and professional introductions.

🔤 Vocabulary & Phrases

• Office basics: 工作 (job), 同事 (colleague), 会议 (meeting), 公司 (company)
• Making appointments: 安排 (arrange), 时间 (time), 方便 (convenient)
• Introducing your job and background
• Phone and email basics

🧠 Grammar

• Expressing future: 会 (huì), 要 (yào)
• Expressing past: 了 (le), 过 (guò)
• Using 想, 要, 可以 for intent and permission
• Building polite requests (可以…吗？)

🗣️ Speaking Practice

• Scheduling and rescheduling meetings
• Talking about your studies or job
• Introducing your company or major
• Phone etiquette and basic voicemail

🧧 Cultural Tips

• Exchanging business cards is an art—use two hands
• Titles matter: always use someone’s surname + title (e.g., 王经理 = Manager Wang)
• Gift-giving is expected in business settings (avoid clocks or umbrellas!)

 

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📚 Level 4: Intermediate Conversation & Cultural Awareness (Weeks 11–14)

Goal: Share stories, express opinions, and understand casual conversation.

🔤 Vocabulary & Phrases

• Emotions: 开心 (happy), 累 (tired), 生气 (angry)
• Talking about experiences: 去过 (been to), 看过 (seen), 做过 (done)
• Making comparisons: 比 (than), 更 (more)
• Hobbies, travel, festivals, and family

🧠 Grammar

• Past experiences using 过 (guò)
• Serial verb constructions (e.g., 去买东西 – go to buy stuff)
• Basic comparisons (比)
• Expressing duration (了…time)

🗣️ Speaking Practice

• Telling a story about a trip or experience
• Describing people and things
• Giving and asking for opinions
• Talking about your hometown, food, and culture

🧨 Cultural Tips

• Chinese holidays are a big deal—know your 春节 (Spring Festival)!
• Group dinners often involve toasting—learn 干杯 (gānbēi = cheers!)
• Saving face (面子) is crucial—never openly criticize

 

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🌏 Level 5: Practical Fluency for Academic & Business Use (Weeks 15–20)

Goal: Speak clearly, read short texts, and operate confidently in formal situations.

🔤 Vocabulary & Phrases

• Negotiation and problem-solving terms
• Education, research, presentation language
• Formal expressions for emails, meetings, and reports
• Idiomatic phrases: 马马虎虎 (so-so), 不见不散 (see you there), 没办法 (can’t do anything)

🧠 Grammar

• Conditional-like expressions: 如果…就 (if… then)
• Passive voice with 被 (bèi)
• Expressing reasons: 因为…所以 (because… so)
• Using 还是 (or), 或者 (or), 虽然…但是 (although… but)

🗣️ Speaking Practice

• Giving a short presentation
• Making formal introductions or proposals
• Clarifying misunderstandings politely
• Responding to cultural or academic questions

🧠 Cultural Tips

• Silence during conversation can be respectful—don’t panic
• Group consensus > individual opinion in many cases
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics (Taiwan, politics, etc.)

 

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📚 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

• Apps: HelloChinese, Pleco, Ninchanese, Du Chinese
• Books: Integrated Chinese, New Practical Chinese Reader, HSK Standard Course
• YouTube: Yoyo Chinese, Mandarin Corner, ChinesePod
• TV & Film: The Untamed (陈情令), A Love So Beautiful (致我们单纯的小美好)
• Tools: Pleco Dictionary, Tofu Learn (SRS flashcards), HSK vocabulary lists