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Chinese Graded Readers: What They Are and How to Pick One

Chinese graded readers are stories written with limited vocabulary so learners can read comfortably. Here's how they work and how to choose your level.

Chinese Short Stories for Learners: Free Stories by HSK Level

Free Chinese short stories for learners at every level, from 150-character HSK 2 stories to full graded-reader novels, with pinyin and translations.

HSK 6 Reading Practice: Free Essays and Advanced Stories

Free HSK 6 reading practice: essays on dialects, big-city life, and modern China, plus two full graded-reader novels at the HSK 6 level.

HSK 5 Reading Practice: Free Stories and Real-World Texts

Free HSK 5 reading practice: articles on coffee culture, memory science, and modern China, plus two full graded-reader novels at the HSK 5 level.

HSK 3 Reading Practice: Free Stories and a 12-Chapter Novel

Free HSK 3 reading practice: short stories about pandas, festivals, and daily life, plus a full 12-chapter graded novel you can read at no cost.

Best Books to Learn Chinese: Honest Picks by Level and Goal

The best books to learn Chinese, honestly ranked: graded reader series like Mandarin Companion and Chinese Breeze, textbooks, and when to skip books.

Chinese Reading Practice: A Complete Guide by Level (HSK 1–7)

A complete guide to Chinese reading practice at every level, from HSK 1 to 7: graded readers, free stories, and a method that makes reading stick.

How to Read Chinese: A Beginner's Roadmap That Works

How to read Chinese, step by step: what characters are, how many you need, and a roadmap from zero to reading real stories in Mandarin.

HSK 4 Reading Practice: Free Stories, Articles, and Strategy

Free HSK 4 reading practice: short articles on Chinese breakfast, festivals, and city life, plus two full graded-reader novels at the HSK 4 level.

Yes in Chinese and No in Chinese: How to Answer Naturally

Chinese has no single word for yes or no. Learn how 是, 对, 好, and 不 work so you can answer any question in Mandarin naturally.

Thank You in Chinese: Xièxie and 9 More Ways to Say Thanks

Thank you in Chinese is 谢谢 (xièxie). Learn 10 ways to say thanks in Mandarin, how to pronounce them, and how to reply when someone thanks you.

Happy Birthday in Chinese: 生日快乐 and the Birthday Song

Happy birthday in Chinese is 生日快乐 (shēngrì kuàilè). Learn the birthday song, more birthday wishes, and Chinese birthday traditions.

I Love You in Chinese: How to Say 我爱你 (and When)

I love you in Chinese is 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ). Learn how and when to say it, sweet nicknames, and the number slang 520 that means I love you.

You're Welcome in Chinese: 不客气 and 7 Friendly Alternatives

You're welcome in Chinese is 不客气 (bú kèqi). Learn 8 friendly ways to respond to thank you in Mandarin and what 客气 means.

Please in Chinese: 请 (Plus Excuse Me and Sorry)

Please in Chinese is 请 (qǐng). Learn how to use it, plus how to say excuse me and sorry in Mandarin: 请问, 不好意思, and 对不起.

Chinese Greetings: 15 Ways to Greet Someone at Any Time of Day

Learn 15 Chinese greetings for any time of day: 你好, 早上好, 晚上好, plus natural greetings natives use, like 吃了吗 and 最近怎么样.

100 Basic Chinese Words Every Beginner Should Know

The 100 most useful basic Chinese words for beginners, grouped by theme, with characters, tone-marked pinyin, and plain English meanings.

Goodbye in Chinese: 再见 and 9 Other Ways to Say Bye

Goodbye in Chinese is 再见 (zàijiàn). Learn 10 natural ways to say bye in Mandarin, from casual 拜拜 to 明天见, see you tomorrow.

Chinese Slang: Internet Slang, Numbers, and a Few Rude Words

A friendly guide to Chinese slang: internet slang like 666 and yyds, number codes like 520, and rude words you should recognize but use with care.

Hello in Chinese: Nǐ Hǎo and 9 Better Ways to Say Hi

Hello in Chinese is 你好 (nǐ hǎo). Learn 10 natural ways to say hi in Mandarin, from polite 您好 to phone-only 喂, plus how natives greet each other.

150 Essential Chinese Phrases for Beginners (with Pinyin)

150 essential Chinese phrases for beginners, organized by situation, with simplified characters, tone-marked pinyin, and plain English meanings.

How Are You in Chinese: 你好吗 and What People Say Instead

How are you in Chinese is 你好吗 (nǐ hǎo ma), but natives rarely say it. Learn what they say instead and how to answer naturally.

Using Graded Readers to Climb from One Level to the Next

When to Look a Word Up and When to Read Past It