Mandarinput Docs

Core Method

Turn short sessions into steady Chinese recall.

Mandarinput is built around complete sentences, plain Pinyin recall, audio, and Review. The goal is not to stare at explanations forever; it is to understand enough to practice again.

Why sentence typing works

Chinese words make more sense when they arrive inside a sentence. Typing the sentence in Pinyin asks you to recall sound, order, and meaning together instead of recognizing a card passively.

Pinyin without tone marks

You can type plain Pinyin. The app checks whether the sentence is being rebuilt correctly and lets audio, repetition, and Review reinforce the parts you missed.

Sentence building loop

  1. Hear the Mandarin.
  2. Understand the English meaning.
  3. Type the sentence in plain Pinyin.
  4. Use feedback to correct the attempt.
  5. Review missed content later.

Chinese word order

Word order is easier to learn when you see whole sentences repeatedly. Use Watch Mode when the order does not match your English expectation, then type the sentence yourself.

Audio, meaning, and recall

Audio gives the sentence a sound shape. Meaning gives it a reason to exist. Typing gives it active recall. Review decides what comes back later.

5 minutes a day

11 minute: Watch

Understand one sentence before typing.

23 minutes: Guided

Type three to five short sentences.

31 minute: Review

Clear the newest Mistakes or New items.

Suggested learning paths

Complete beginner

Beginner course, Watch Mode, Guided Mode, then Review.

HSK study plan

Follow the HSK course level, use Dictation for listening, and Review missed items.

Listening plan

Watch difficult sentences, then practice Dictation and Read-Along.

Speaking plan

Use Guided first, then Speak Mode after the sentence is familiar.

Parent / teacher guide

Pick a small course path and use Progress plus Review to see where help is needed.

Travel Chinese

Create or choose everyday courses for the situations you expect to use soon.