Question 1

How do I know if you’re the right teacher for me?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to try a lesson. I offer a free trial so we can talk through your goals and you can see how I teach in practice.
In the trial, we’ll:

clarify what you’re aiming for (conversation, pronunciation, exams, work, etc.)
do a short diagnostic to spot what will make the biggest difference
run through a mini-lesson so you get a feel for my style and pacing
agree on a simple plan you can follow, whether or not you continue with me

There's no pressure to commit after the trial. It's simply a chance to see if we connect and if my approach feels like a good fit for your learning journey!

Question 2

How will you help me learn Chinese?

Accepted Answer

I keep lessons practical and targeted, so you’re improving the things you’ll actually use.

Here’s what that usually looks like:

Start with your goal. We’ll define what “progress” means for you (conversation, travel, work, exams, pronunciation, characters) and build lessons around that.
Speak from day one. Even as a beginner, you’ll practise short, useful exchanges—then expand them so you can handle real situations with less hesitation.
Clear explanations, then practice. I’ll explain grammar and sentence patterns in a straightforward way, and we’ll drill them with focused exercises until they feel natural.
Real-life tasks. We’ll practise the language you need for everyday scenarios (ordering, appointments, messaging, meetings), so you’re not learning phrases in isolation.
Materials that match your level and interests. For intermediate/advanced learners, we can use articles, short videos, dialogues, or work-related content to build vocabulary and comprehension in context.
Feedback you can use immediately. I’ll correct pronunciation and tone issues in a practical way and show you how to fix them, not just point them out.

You’ll always know what we’re working on and why, and you’ll leave each lesson with a small set of things to practise that actually move the needle.

Question 3

What will our classes be like?

Accepted Answer

Classes are one-on-one, practical, and tailored to how you actually want to use Chinese.

We start with what you need that week. A quick check-in (what’s been easy, what’s been difficult, what you want to be able to say), then we set a clear focus for the session.
Topic-led, not textbook-led. We’ll use themes that keep you engaged—work, travel, daily life, hobbies—so the vocabulary and patterns stick.
Conversation first, with support. We’ll practise speaking in realistic situations, and I’ll give you the grammar and structures you need to say things cleanly and naturally.
Targeted correction. I’ll correct pronunciation, tones, and phrasing in the moment, but without interrupting your flow too much.
A simple takeaway after each class. You’ll leave with a short set of useful vocabulary/phrases, notes on what to improve, and a small, manageable practice plan for the next lesson.

The aim is steady, visible progress—and for you to feel more comfortable using Chinese outside class.

Question 4

Will we cover all the key language skills?

Accepted Answer

Yes—but we’ll prioritise what matters most for your goals.

Most students want to get comfortable speaking and listening first, so we’ll usually put more time there, while also building the foundations you need to keep improving.

We can work on:

Speaking & listening: real conversations, pronunciation/tones, and understanding natural speech.
Grammar & vocabulary: the patterns and words that let you say more with less effort.
Reading & writing (if you want them): characters, short texts, messages, and longer materials as your level grows.

If one area feels harder, we’ll adjust the balance. The aim is steady progress across the skills you actually need—not trying to do everything at once for the sake of it.

Question 5

What learning materials will I get?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get resources that are simple to use and closely tied to what we do in class, rather than a huge pile of documents.

Typically, you’ll receive:

Class notes and a vocabulary list from each lesson (key phrases, sentence patterns, and corrections).
Optional homework that fits your schedule—usually short, targeted practice rather than long worksheets.
Audio and speaking practice when it’s useful (e.g., pronunciation drills, shadowing lines, tone practice).
Recommended resources between lessons—graded readers, short videos, podcasts, or news materials—chosen for your level and interests.

If you’re working toward something specific (HSK, a trip, work situations), I’ll tailor the materials to that so your practice stays focused and relevant.

Question 6

Can your courses be tailored to my current level and learning goals?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I can tailor my courses to fit your individual needs. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner looking to reach the next level, I can create a personalized learning plan to help you achieve your goals.

My courses are designed using internationally recognized frameworks like the CEFR and proficiency tests like TOCFL, HSK, and Yale-China's Cantonese framework. This ensures your learning is structured and effective.

Just tell me a bit about your current level and what you hope to achieve, and I'll be happy to discuss how I can help you get there!

Question 7

How long will it take to see improvement?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your starting level, your goal, and how often you use Chinese between lessons—but most students notice progress faster than they expect once they practise consistently.

Here’s a realistic way to think about it:

In 2–4 weeks: you should feel more comfortable with core sentence patterns, and speaking should start to feel less “blocked,” especially if we focus on high-frequency situations.
In 2–3 months: you can make clear, steady gains in conversation—better fluency, fewer pauses, and more reliable pronunciation—if you’re practising regularly.
Longer-term fluency: holding deeper discussions and understanding fast, natural speech takes time, but it becomes very achievable with a stable routine.

What makes the biggest difference is:

Frequency: 1–2 lessons a week plus short practice in between beats occasional long study sessions.
Targeted practice: working on the specific gaps that are holding you back (tones, listening, word order, etc.).
Real use: even small amounts of real-world exposure (messages, short calls, daily listening) accelerates progress.

In our trial lesson, I can give you a clearer estimate based on your level and what you want to do with Chinese, and we’ll set milestones you can actually track.

Question 8

Do you teach Mandarin, Cantonese, or both?

Accepted Answer

Yes—I’m qualified to teach both Cantonese and Mandarin. Cantonese is my main focus, and I also teach Mandarin with Putonghua Shuiping Ceshi (PSC, the national Mandarin proficiency test) certification and formal training in language education. I’ve taught HSK preparation for many years as well. If you’re concerned about “Mandarin accents,” don’t be—I also work as an accent coach, and I can teach in the accent you prefer.

Question 9

Do you teach in English, Chinese, or a mix?

Accepted Answer

Whichever works best for you. I can teach in English, Chinese, or a mix, depending on your background and level.

If you already speak Mandarin, I can use Mandarin to teach Cantonese (many students find this very efficient).
If you’re an English speaker, we’ll use English as the main support language—then gradually reduce it as your Cantonese/Mandarin becomes stronger.
For more advanced learners, lessons naturally become more Chinese and less English.

If you don’t speak English or Chinese at all, having at least some English is helpful for explanations and instructions. If that’s not possible, I can refer you to a colleague who teaches Mandarin/Cantonese in Spanish or Italian.

Question 10

Can I message you with questions between lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You’re welcome to message me between lessons via WhatsApp or email—whether it’s a quick grammar question, a sentence you want to check, or something you heard and couldn’t quite catch.

Frequently Asked Questions