Subject & Course Guides: Mandarin Chinese Language Guide: Beginner

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Character & Pinyin Tools

Chinese Characters FAQ
"Do Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans use the same characters?", "Why was Peking changed to Beijing?", "How do you know the pronunciation of a character?", "Why are Chinese characters so complicated?", and many more FAQ.
YellowBridge Chinese Flashcards
Vocabulary from Integrated Chinese and more
Yellowbridge online dictionary with animated stroke order
Pinyin Chart: Combinations of Initials and Finals
MDBG free online English to Chinese dictionary: Radical/strokes lookup (笔划检字表)
Chart of radicals with the Chinese name and English meaning. The "Practice" section includes predefined HSK vocabulary, character quizzes, flashcards, and the ability to create your own.
Reading and Writing Chinese: Chart of Modern Radicals
Chart of radicals with English meanings
Romanization Comparison Chart
Chart to compare Zhuyin, Wade-Giles, MPS2, Hanyu Pinyin, Yale, and Tongyong Pinyin systems
Character Etymology Search
Character explanations and ancient character images. Etymology assists in remembering characters.

Pleco Chinese Dictionary (Mobile: iOS & Android)
FREE for basic services, must pay for additional tools. Internet connection NOT required.
Paid add-ons include an integrated Chinese dictionary, document reader, flashcard system with full-screen handwriting input, and live camera-based character recognition.

Little Fox Chinese
Animated stories and songs for learners
Learn the Top 25 Must-Know Chinese Phrases!
Very entertaining Youtube video for beginners to learn basic Chinese in context
ChinesePodTV
Youtube channel for casual Chinese lessons (with level often marked in video titles)
In Deep Films: film library
In Deep Films creates many independent travel documentaries that are raw, in the moment, and adventurous. Having lived in Qingdao and spoken Mandarin Chinese for many years, they have many films on China (among other countries) that provide an inside look as if you are traveling along and getting into trouble with them.
Baidu- Video
Search for Chinese TV shows and movies depending on your interests. You can also search for American movies with Chinese subtitles but be aware that the translations may not always be correct.

HSK test prep books- Beijing Language and Culture University Press
HSK practice test books and audio are essential for preparing to take the HSK.
Beijing Global Village School
Taking training courses to pass the HSK is recommended, if not necessary. There are many HSK training schools available in China. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, Beijing Global Village School is a great training school and they can issue student visas, as well.
Helpful HSK Tips
Available on both Intermediate and Advanced pages. Although these tips are given with upper-level HSK test-taking in mind, they may be helpful for beginners.