Best insights for Mandarin & Chinese culture
What Is Zhuyin?
By: MAMA MandarinWhen learning Chinese, most people are introduced to Pinyin, the Romanization system used to represent Mandarin pronunciation. But in Taiwan, many students grow up using a different system called Zhuyin, also known as Bopomofo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ).
10 Greeting Phrases to Use with Strangers in Chinese
By: MAMA MandarinWhen learning a new language, greetings are one of the most important things to master—especially when you're meeting someone for the first time. In Chinese, greetings can range from formal and polite to casual and culturally specific. Knowing how to greet strangers properly can help you make a good first impression, show respect, and start conversations smoothly.
5 Common Mistakes English Speakers Make When Learning Chinese
By: MAMA MandarinLearning Chinese as an English speaker is an exciting and rewarding journey—but it also comes with a fair share of surprises. The structure, tones, and writing system are all very different from English, and it’s easy to fall into certain habits that slow down progress or cause confusion.
How the Chinese Language Works: A Beginner’s Guide
By: MAMA MandarinAt first glance, Chinese may seem mysterious—even intimidating. With its characters, tones, and non-alphabetic system, it's very different from most Western languages. But once you understand the core components, the Chinese language begins to make sense—and becomes an exciting language to explore.
