Mandarin Meadow
A little Mandarin, every day.

Help & FAQ 常见问题

Practising Mandarin

How do Listen, Record, Play mine and Compare work?

Listen plays the example. You can skip listening and record straight away. Tap Record, say the item, then tap Stop. A successful recording completes that item’s task. Play mine plays your voice; Compare plays the model, then your voice.

“Recorded” means you practised; it is not a pronunciation score. Listen for tones, rhythm and light syllables. You can record again. Try a few items at a time and take a break when needed.

Where do my recordings and completed tasks go?

Voice clips stay in this browser tab. Reloading, closing the tab or leaving the website clears them. Opening this help page keeps your clips available. Completed tasks remain saved even when a voice clip is gone, so Play mine and Compare become available after a new recording.

Learners have separate progress. Use the learner’s progress backup or sign-in sync to carry supported learning progress between devices. Voice clips are not included in backups or sync.

How can I read a longer text?

Use the Listen button beside each part. Pause or stop with the audio controls, then continue when ready. Pinyin + English and Useful expressions provide optional support. Short texts have one Listen button.

How do character animations and tracing work?

Flip a character card to see the writing controls. Replay shows the strokes; Trace lets you try them. The lesson’s writing focus identifies which characters to practise first. Printable pages are available in Practice.

Choosing a course & reviewing

How do I choose a starting point?

Each course page lists what to know before starting and what you will practise. Choose by what you can understand and do in Mandarin. Later literature and social themes are intended for teenagers and adults ready for extended reading and discussion; language support remains available.

How do the cumulative reviews work?

Open Review & connect on a course page, or use the extra review in the Review tab after each study block. Earlier vocabulary, sentence patterns and readings return in short recall questions, followed by a written response. First choices and retries remain saved. The written reflection is self-reviewed, with room for different supported answers.

Can I spread a long reading over several days?

Yes. Open Goals & study plan for reading sessions linked to each part. Read one part in a sitting, then connect the parts and complete the reading tasks when ready. The short Course 7 bridge readings have optional longer versions; the longer version is not required.

Chinese typing

How do I type Chinese and use written responses?

Add a Simplified Chinese Pinyin keyboard in your device’s keyboard or language settings. On iPhone/iPad, look under Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards. On Android, use your keyboard’s Languages settings. On Windows or Mac, use language or input-source settings. Select the Chinese keyboard, type pinyin, then choose the intended characters.

Later readings include a short written response. Drafts are saved to the active learner’s progress as you type. You can save a response, compare it with a possible supporting detail, and revise it. These responses are not automatically graded; different reasoned answers can work. Progress backup and supported sign-in sync include saved responses.

Microphone setup

What if microphone access is blocked?

Tap Record and allow microphone access when your browser asks. If access was denied, change this website’s microphone permission to Allow or Ask. Your device must also let the browser use its microphone. Return to the lesson and try Record again; reload only if your browser requires it. Reloading clears voice clips in this tab.

Open Mandarin Meadow directly in your browser if recording is unavailable in an embedded window. If the microphone is busy, close other apps using it. For children, a parent or carer can help with permission settings.

iPhone or iPad · Safari
  1. Open this website in Safari, then tap Record and allow the request.
  2. If blocked, open Safari’s page menu beside the address, find Website Settings (or More, then Website Settings), and change Microphone to Ask or Allow for this website.
  3. You can also check Settings → Apps → Safari → Microphone; older versions may show Safari directly in Settings. Return to Safari and try again.

Menu names vary by version. Apple’s Safari settings guide

Android phone or tablet · Chrome
  1. In Chrome, open Settings → Site settings → Microphone. Allow this website or remove its blocked permission, then try Record again.
  2. If still blocked, check Android Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions → Microphone, and allow access while using the app.

Google’s microphone guide for Android

Mac · Safari or Chrome

In Safari, use Settings → Websites → Microphone and choose Ask or Allow for this website. In Chrome, open the controls beside the address → Site settings → Microphone → Allow.

If the browser is blocked by macOS, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and allow the browser if listed. Relaunch it if requested; relaunching clears current voice clips.

Safari website settings · Chrome microphone settings

Windows · Chrome or Edge

Open the controls beside the website address and allow Microphone in this site’s permissions. In Windows Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone, check microphone access and permission for desktop apps. On older Windows versions, look under Privacy.

Microsoft’s microphone settings guide

Firefox

Use the permissions icon beside the address to remove a blocked microphone permission, then tap Record and allow the new request. You can also review Microphone under Firefox Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions. Check your device’s microphone permission for Firefox too.

Mozilla’s permission guide

Mount Everest: reading a landscape

Locate Everest and explain 海拔.

Goals & study plan
Mount Everest: reading a landscape

Use 海拔 as height relative to sea level. Compare lower and higher environments; the mountain’s appearance does not remove the challenges described in the reading. You can pause after any study block and continue later.

  • Locate Everest and explain 海拔.
  • Compare vegetation and conditions with height.
  • Find examples of preparation and environmental pressure.

Responsibility, landscapes & signals · Lessons 5–8

Description · reading focus

Follow the viewpoint and organise observed details. Explain how a selected detail helps the reader picture the setting.

Reading sessions · 3 parts
  1. Session 1 · Part 1

    Read this part, identify the main event or idea, and note one useful detail.

  2. Session 2 · Part 2

    Read this part, identify the main event or idea, and note one useful detail.

  3. Session 3 · Part 3

    Read this part, identify the main event or idea, and note one useful detail.

  4. Connect & respond

    Link the parts, try the reading checks, then write or explain a supported response. Complete the dialogue recordings in short blocks.

Words & sentences

5–8 minutes

Learn the core expressions and record in short blocks.

Reading & dialogue

10–15 minutes per sitting

Read one part per sitting. Use the reading sessions in this plan, then connect the parts and practise the dialogue in short blocks.

Practice & review

5–10 minutes

Practise the writing focus and revisit your first-choice answers.

Help with self-study

Try each item in a short block. Listen when needed, record when ready, and use the hints to retry. Pinyin and English can be turned off independently.

Show support:
Pronunciation & learning options

Pinyin shows how to say a word. The mark above a vowel shows its tone.

mā1. High and level
má2. Rising
mǎ3. Low, then rising
mà4. Falling

Watch the tone marks and listen for the rhythm of the whole phrase. Light syllables are short; pauses belong between meaningful groups.

Characters0 / 18 tasks
Task checklist · 0 / 18 complete

Characters · 生字

Flip each card for stroke order. This lesson’s writing focus: 山 · 拔 · 脉 · 峰 · 海.

Lesson text · words, sentences and reading

Words & phrases

山峰

shān fēng

mountain peak

海拔

hǎi bá

altitude above sea level

山脉

shān mài

mountain range

地形

dì xíng

terrain

气候

qì hòu

climate

路线

lù xiàn

route

Model sentences

珠穆朗玛峰是世界上海拔最高的山峰。

zhū mù lǎng mǎ fēng shì shì jiè shàng hǎi bá zuì gāo de shān fēng。

Mount Everest is the highest peak above sea level in the world.

海拔越高,空气通常越稀薄。

hǎi bá yuè gāo, kōng qì tōng cháng yuè xī bó。

The higher the elevation, the thinner the air usually becomes.

珠穆朗玛峰位于喜马拉雅山脉。

zhū mù lǎng mǎ fēng wèi yú xǐ mǎ lā yǎ shān mài。

Mount Everest lies in the Himalayan mountain range.

地图上的等高线可以表现山区的地形。

dì tú shàng de děng gāo xiàn kě yǐ biǎo xiàn shān qū de dì xíng。

Contour lines on a map can show the terrain of a mountain region.

高山气候变化很快,登山者必须做好准备。

gāo shān qì hòu biàn huà hěn kuài, dēng shān zhě bì xū zuò hǎo zhǔn bèi。

Mountain weather changes quickly, so climbers must prepare carefully.

登山队根据天气和体力调整前进路线。

dēng shān duì gēn jù tiān qì hé tǐ lì tiáo zhěng qián jìn lù xiàn。

The climbing team adjusts its route according to the weather and its strength.

珠穆朗玛峰

在喜马拉雅山脉的群峰之间,珠穆朗玛峰高高耸立。它位于中国和尼泊尔交界处,是世界上海拔最高的山峰。远望山顶,白雪与蓝天相接,山脊像一道明亮而锋利的线。

zài xǐ mǎ lā yǎ shān mài de qún fēng zhī jiān, zhū mù lǎng mǎ fēng gāo gāo sǒng lì。 tā wèi yú zhōng guó hé ní pō ěr jiāo jiè chù, shì shì jiè shàng hǎi bá zuì gāo de shān fēng。 yuǎn wàng shān dǐng, bái xuě yǔ lán tiān xiāng jiē, shān jí xiàng yí dào míng liàng ér fēng lì de xiàn。

Among the Himalayan peaks stands Mount Everest. On the border between China and Nepal, it is the world's highest mountain above sea level. Its snow meets the blue sky, and the ridge forms a bright, sharp line.

阳光照到山坡上,一边闪着银光,另一边仍藏在阴影里。云从山腰经过,时而遮住岩壁,时而露出更高的雪峰。同一座山,在不同的光线下显出不同的颜色。

yáng guāng zhào dào shān pō shàng, yì biān shǎn zhe yín guāng, lìng yì biān réng cáng zài yīn yǐng lǐ。 yún cóng shān yāo jīng guò, shí ér zhē zhù yán bì, shí ér lù chū gèng gāo de xuě fēng。 tóng yí zuò shān, zài bù tóng de guāng xiàn xià xiǎn chū bù tóng de yán sè。

Sunlight turns one slope silver while another remains in shadow. Clouds cross the mountainside, sometimes hiding rock faces and sometimes revealing snowy peaks. Changing light gives the mountain different colours.

山脚到山顶,环境不断改变。较低处有河谷和人们生活的地方,继续升高,草木渐渐稀少;到了更高处,眼前更多的是岩石、冰和雪。

shān jiǎo dào shān dǐng, huán jìng bù duàn gǎi biàn。 jiào dī chù yǒu hé gǔ hé rén men shēng huó de dì fang, jì xù shēng gāo, cǎo mù jiàn jiàn xī shǎo; dào le gèng gāo chù, yǎn qián gèng duō de shì yán shí、 bīng hé xuě。

The environment changes from base to summit. Valleys and settlements lie lower down; vegetation becomes sparser with height, and higher still there is mostly rock, ice and snow.

高处的空气稀薄,天气寒冷,风也可能很强。登山者需要长期训练,准备合适的装备,并与同伴互相照应。山顶的壮丽,不能使这些困难消失。

gāo chù de kōng qì xī bó, tiān qì hán lěng, fēng yě kě néng hěn qiáng。 dēng shān zhě xū yào cháng qī xùn liàn, zhǔn bèi hé shì de zhuāng bèi, bìng yǔ tóng bàn hù xiāng zhào yìng。 shān dǐng de zhuàng lì, bù néng shǐ zhè xiē kùn nán xiāo shī。

The high-altitude air is thin, temperatures are low and winds can be strong. Climbers need extensive training, suitable equipment and support from companions. The summit's beauty does not remove these difficulties.

营地里,帐篷随风轻轻响动。有人检查绳索,有人整理物品,还有人观察天气,决定下一步怎样安排。在高山上,一次出发往往要经过长时间的准备和等待。

yíng dì lǐ, zhàng péng suí fēng qīng qīng xiǎng dòng。 yǒu rén jiǎn chá shéng suǒ, yǒu rén zhěng lǐ wù pǐn, hái yǒu rén guān chá tiān qì, jué dìng xià yí bù zěn yàng ān pái。 zài gāo shān shàng, yí cì chū fā wǎng wǎng yào jīng guò cháng shí jiān de zhǔn bèi hé děng dài。

In camp, tents rustle in the wind. Some people check ropes, others organise supplies or watch the weather. Departures on the mountain often follow long periods of preparation and waiting.

登山活动也给环境带来压力。留在山上的废弃物不会很快消失,清理又十分困难。因此,队伍需要尽量减少垃圾,并把能够带走的东西带下山。

dēng shān huó dòng yě gěi huán jìng dài lái yā lì。 liú zài shān shàng de fèi qì wù bú huì hěn kuài xiāo shī, qīng lǐ yòu shí fēn kùn nán。 yīn cǐ, duì wǔ xū yào jǐn liàng jiǎn shǎo lā jī, bìng bǎ néng gòu dài zǒu de dōng xi dài xià shān。

Climbing also puts pressure on the environment. Waste left on the mountain does not disappear quickly and is difficult to remove. Teams therefore need to reduce waste and take down what they can.

傍晚,最后一束阳光离开峰顶,群山渐渐暗下来。珠穆朗玛峰仍站在风雪之间,既吸引着远方的目光,也保存着高山世界的严寒与宁静。

bàng wǎn, zuì hòu yī shù yáng guāng lí kāi fēng dǐng, qún shān jiàn jiàn àn xià lai。 zhū mù lǎng mǎ fēng réng zhàn zài fēng xuě zhī jiān, jì xī yǐn zhe yuǎn fāng de mù guāng, yě bǎo cún zhe gāo shān shì jiè de yán hán yǔ níng jìng。

At dusk, the final sunlight leaves the summit and the mountains darken. Everest remains among wind and snow, drawing distant eyes while holding the cold and silence of the high mountains.

Conversation

A 照片能告诉我们山的准确高度吗?

zhào piān néng gào su wǒ men shān de zhǔn què gāo dù ma?

Can the photograph tell us the exact height?

B 不能,准确高度需要测量资料。

bù néng, zhǔn què gāo dù xū yào cè liáng zī liào。

No; exact height requires measurement data.

A 地图有什么不同的作用?

dì tú yǒu shén me bù tóng de zuò yòng?

What different purpose does the map serve?

B 它能显示位置、地形和路线关系。

tā néng xiǎn shì wèi zhì、 dì xíng hé lù xiàn guān xì。

It can show location, terrain and route relationships.

A 海拔从哪里算起?

hǎi bá cóng nǎ lǐ suàn qǐ?

What is altitude measured from?

B 通常从海平面这个参照来说明。

tōng cháng cóng hǎi píng miàn zhè ge cān zhào lái shuō míng。

It is usually described relative to sea level.

Sources & image credits

Curriculum references: 幼儿汉语 1–4 and 中文 1–12. Lessons are organised by learning themes and include original texts and graded adaptations.

Scene illustrations: Twemoji, © Twitter and contributors, CC BY 4.0. Pilot word-card illustrations are original AI-generated images.