Why speak Chinese?
Mandarin is the most spoken first language on Earth, and simpler in grammar than most people expect. The real key is speaking, because tones only make sense aloud.
- The world's most spoken first language
- Tones only make sense when spoken
- Grammar is simple, speaking is the hurdle
Phrases to say out loud
Say each one before your call. Mira will use them with you.
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo)Hello.
- 请再说一遍 (qǐng zài shuō yí biàn)Please say that again.
- 这个用中文怎么说？(zhège yòng zhōngwén zěnme shuō?)How do you say this in Chinese?
- 我还在学 (wǒ hái zài xué)I'm still learning.
- 你可以说慢一点吗？(nǐ kěyǐ shuō màn yìdiǎn ma?)Can you speak more slowly?
- 我想练习说话 (wǒ xiǎng liànxí shuōhuà)I want to practice speaking.
Tips to speak Chinese sooner
- Practise each new word with its tone out loud, and record yourself to check.
- Learn words in short phrases so tones flow together naturally.
- Focus on being understood first. Tones sharpen fastest through real conversation.
Preparing for a speaking exam? See exams
Questions, answered
Do I need to learn characters or tones first?
No. You can practise speaking with pinyin and tones from day one. Characters can come later, since conversation is about sound, not writing.
Do I need to know any Chinese already?
No, you can start as a complete beginner. Mira speaks slowly, keeps things simple, and can help in English when you are stuck, then raises the difficulty as you improve.
How is this different from a language app?
Apps build vocabulary but rarely make you speak in real time. Mira is a live phone conversation, so you practise understanding and speaking Chinese together, which is what real conversations demand.
Your free practice call is one ring away.
- Pick the language you speak and the one your exam is in
- Tell us where to reach you
- Mira calls for a free 3-minute practice conversation
Confirm your details
Mira will call this number for your free 3-minute trial conversation.
When the call connects, wait for Mira to speak first. There's no need to say hello, she begins the conversation on her own.