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

Robots: a task, a rule and a limit

Describe sensors, labels and instructions.

Goals & study plan
Robots: a task, a rule and a limit

Use this specific exhibition robot to follow read, check and act. Its designed behaviour does not establish what every robot can do; tasks depend on conditions and design. You can pause after any study block and continue later.

  • Describe sensors, labels and instructions.
  • Follow how this robot responds to incomplete information.
  • Connect a task with its design requirements.

Appearance, skill & perspectives · Lessons 5–8

Science · reading focus

Identify the phenomenon, the explanation and the evidence. Distinguish observations from guesses and look for a limitation.

Reading sessions · 2 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. 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: 器 · 人 · 令 · 务 · 机 · 传.

Lesson text · words, sentences and reading

Words & phrases

机器人

jī qì rén

robot

指令

zhǐ lìng

instruction

传感器

chuán gǎn qì

sensor

程序

chéng xù

programme

任务

rèn wù

task

限制

xiàn zhì

limitation

Model sentences

机器人可以按照设计完成重复性工作。

jī qì rén kě yǐ àn zhào shè jì wán chéng chóng fù xìng gōng zuò。

A robot can complete repetitive work according to its design.

操作员输入指令,让机械臂向左移动。

cāo zuò yuán shū rù zhǐ lìng, ràng jī xiè bì xiàng zuǒ yí dòng。

The operator enters an instruction that moves the robotic arm to the left.

距离传感器发现前方出现障碍。

jù lí chuán gǎn qì fā xiàn qián fāng chū xiàn zhàng ài。

The distance sensor detects an obstacle ahead.

程序根据传感器的信息决定下一步动作。

chéng xù gēn jù chuán gǎn qì de xìn xī jué dìng xià yí bù dòng zuò。

The program decides the next action using information from the sensor.

我们把寻找红色积木设为机器人的任务。

wǒ men bǎ xún zhǎo hóng sè jī mù shè wèi jī qì rén de rèn wù。

We set finding the red block as the robot's task.

机器人能力有明确限制,不能理解没有写入程序的所有情况。

jī qì rén néng lì yǒu míng què xiàn zhì, bù néng lǐ jiě méi yǒu xiě rù chéng xù de suǒ yǒu qíng kuàng。

A robot has clear limitations and cannot understand every situation outside its programming.

神奇的机器人

学校的科技展上,一台小机器人停在桌边。它有轮子、机械臂,还有一个能够识别标签的装置。桌上放着几个盒子,标签写着不同的名称。

xué xiào de kē jì zhǎn shàng, yì tái xiǎo jī qì rén tíng zài zhuō biān。 tā yǒu lún zi、 jī xiè bì, hái yǒu yí ge néng gòu shí bié biāo qiān de zhuāng zhì。 zhuō shàng fàng zhe jǐ gè hé zi, biāo qiān xiě zhe bù tóng de míng chēng。

At a school technology exhibition, a small robot waited beside a table. It had wheels, an arm and a device for identifying labels. Several boxes bore different names.

工作人员按下开始键,机器人先靠近一个盒子,读取标签,再把盒子送到对应的架子上。它不是看见任何东西都能知道用途,而是按照事先设置的任务工作。

gōng zuò rén yuán àn xià kāi shǐ jiàn, jī qì rén xiān kào jìn yí ge hé zi, dú qǔ biāo qiān, zài bǎ hé zi sòng dào duì yìng de jià zi shàng。 tā bú shì kàn jiàn rèn hé dōng xi dōu néng zhī dào yòng tú, ér shì àn zhào shì xiān shè zhì de rèn wù gōng zuò。

An operator started it. The robot approached a box, read its label and carried it to the matching shelf. It did not know every object's purpose; it followed a predefined task.

一个标签被纸遮住了一半。机器人停下来,屏幕亮起提示。工作人员重新放好标签,它才继续行动,没有把看不清的盒子随便丢到一个位置。

yí ge biāo qiān bèi zhǐ zhē zhù le yí bàn。 jī qì rén tíng xià lai, píng mù liàng qǐ tí shì。 gōng zuò rén yuán chóng xīn fàng hǎo biāo qiān, tā cái jì xù xíng dòng, méi yǒu bǎ kàn bù qīng de hé zi suí biàn diū dào yí ge wèi zhì。

One label was partly covered. The robot stopped and displayed a notice. After the operator fixed the label, it continued instead of placing the box randomly.

地上忽然多了一只空盒子。机器人前面的传感器发现障碍,轮子减慢,最后停住。有人移开空盒子,检查周围的空间,再让它往前走。

dì shàng hū rán duō le yì zhī kōng hé zi。 jī qì rén qián miàn de chuán gǎn qì fā xiàn zhàng ài, lún zi jiǎn màn, zuì hòu tíng zhù。 yǒu rén yí kāi kōng hé zi, jiǎn chá zhōu wéi de kōng jiān, zài ràng tā wǎng qián zǒu。

An empty box appeared on the floor. The robot's sensor detected it, and its wheels slowed to a stop. Someone removed the box and checked the space before restarting it.

展厅另一边,屏幕展示不同的机器人:有的帮助工厂搬运材料,有的进入不方便人到达的地方,有的协助人们完成重复的工作。它们的外形并不相同,也不一定像人。

zhǎn tīng lìng yì biān, píng mù zhǎn shì bù tóng de jī qì rén: yǒu de bāng zhù gōng chǎng bān yùn cái liào, yǒu de jìn rù bù fāng biàn rén dào dá de dì fang, yǒu de xié zhù rén men wán chéng chóng fù de gōng zuò。 tā men de wài xíng bìng bù xiāng tóng, yě bù yí dìng xiàng rén。

Elsewhere, a screen showed robots transporting factory materials, entering places difficult for people to reach and helping with repetitive work. Their shapes differed, and they did not necessarily resemble humans.

每一种任务都有自己的条件。重物需要合适的机械结构,狭窄的地方需要较小的身体,新的环境还可能需要重新调整程序。机器的本领与设计和使用方法紧紧相连。

měi yì zhǒng rèn wù dōu yǒu zì jǐ de tiáo jiàn。 zhòng wù xū yào hé shì de jī xiè jié gòu, xiá zhǎi de dì fang xū yào jiào xiǎo de shēn tǐ, xīn de huán jìng hái kě néng xū yào chóng xīn tiáo zhěng chéng xù。 jī qì de běn lǐng yǔ shè jì hé shǐ yòng fāng fǎ jǐn jǐn xiāng lián。

Each task has its own requirements. Heavy loads need suitable structures, narrow spaces require smaller bodies and new environments may call for different programming. Ability is closely linked to design and use.

最后一个盒子放好了,工作人员关闭机器。轮子停下,机械臂收回原位。展厅里的人还在讨论,怎样让下一次工作更顺利,又有哪些问题需要继续解决。

zuì hòu yí ge hé zi fàng hǎo le, gōng zuò rén yuán guān bì jī qì。 lún zi tíng xià, jī xiè bì shōu huí yuán wèi。 zhǎn tīng lǐ de rén hái zài tǎo lùn, zěn yàng ràng xià yí cì gōng zuò gèng shùn lì, yòu yǒu nǎ xiē wèn tí xū yào jì xù jiě jué。

After placing the last box, the operator switched the robot off. Its wheels stopped and its arm returned to rest. Visitors kept discussing how to improve the next task and what problems remained.

Conversation

A 你的机器人负责什么?

nǐ de jī qì rén fù zé shén me?

What does your robot do?

B 把有标签的盒子放到相应位置。

bǎ yǒu biāo qiān de hé zi fàng dào xiāng yìng wèi zhì。

It places labelled boxes in matching locations.

A 它先需要读什么信息?

tā xiān xū yào dú shén me xìn xī?

What information does it first need?

B 标签内容,还有前方是否有障碍。

biāo qiān nèi róng, hái yǒu qián fāng shì fǒu yǒu zhàng ài。

The label and whether an obstacle is ahead.

A 没有标签时怎么办?

méi yǒu biāo qiān shí zěn me bàn?

What happens without a label?

B 停下来,请人确认,而不是随便猜。

tíng xià lai, qǐng rén què rèn, ér bú shì suí biàn cāi。

It stops and asks a person, rather than guessing.

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.