— No Need to Worry If You’re a Complete Beginner: Masons Aupair Agency Makes Learning Chinese Easy and Fun !
Many future au pairs ask us before coming to China:
“I’ve never studied Mandarin Chinese before — will it be really hard?”
“Will it be difficult to live in China if I don’t speak the Chinese language?”
“What if the kids speak to me in spoken Chinese and I don’t understand anything?”
These are some of the most common questions we receive from foreigners preparing to start their au pair journey in mainland China — and if you’re wondering the same things, you’re definitely not alone. Stepping into a new country with a new language and culture can feel intimidating, especially when that language is as complex and unique as Mandarin Chinese.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to be fluent in Chinese—or even experienced in language learning—to thrive as an au pair in China. Thousands of international students and exchange participants have started this journey with little or no background in Chinese language learning, and many have left China with not only improved language skills, but also lifelong memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Chinese culture.
Still, taking the time to learn Mandarin, even just the basics, can significantly enhance your overall experience. Picking up essential Chinese words, working on your Chinese pronunciation, and understanding how tones work in this tonal language will help you communicate more clearly, bond with your host family, and feel more confident navigating daily life.
Even learning how to say “你好” (nǐ hǎo – hello), “谢谢” (xièxiè – thank you), or “我不懂” (wǒ bù dǒng – I don’t understand) can go a long way. These simple Chinese phrases break barriers and show locals that you respect their language and culture. And trust us — most people in China will be excited and supportive when you try to speak Mandarin, no matter how basic your skills are.
Whether you’re joining a language course, using apps like HelloChinese or Pleco, or simply learning through real-life conversations, the goal is progress—not perfection. Every little word you learn adds value to your language learning journey and brings you closer to the people, places, and traditions of China.
In this blog post, you’ll discover:
Why learning even a little Mandarin is helpful (and fun!) during your au pair experience
What makes Masons Au Pair’s Chinese lessons and learning tools ideal for beginners
How to integrate language learning naturally into your daily life in China
And some practical tips, study methods, and everyday Chinese phrases to help you start speaking with confidence
Whether you’re curious about the Chinese writing system, want to study Chinese during your gap year, or just want to communicate better with your host family, this guide is for you.
1. Why Should Au Pairs Learn Some Chinese?
While most host families in China—especially the kids—have some level of English, you’ll quickly notice that “a little Chinese goes a long way.” Learning even basic Mandarin Chinese opens countless doors and helps you experience daily life in mainland China with more ease, confidence, and joy.
Instead of relying on gestures or translation apps, knowing simple Chinese words and expressions allows you to:
✅ Communicate more smoothly with your host parents, especially in moments where body language isn’t enough
✅ Be more independent in daily tasks like ordering food, navigating public transport, or shopping
✅ Connect with locals and form meaningful friendships through language
✅ Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and traditions more deeply
✅ Show your host family that you respect their culture and are making a sincere effort to adapt
This type of language and culture immersion isn’t just helpful—it’s one of the most enriching parts of the au pair experience. Speaking even a few sentences of spoken Chinese can turn strangers into friends and ordinary moments into meaningful memories.
✨ Bonus: Chinese is one of the most widely spoken and fastest-growing languages in the world. Gaining Mandarin language skills now is not only practical for your time in China, but also a powerful career asset.
Whether you plan to study in China, work in international business, or simply expand your global communication abilities, learning Mandarin will give you a serious edge.
2. How Masons Aupair Agency Supports Your Chinese Learning
At Masons Au Pair, we’ve partnered with a professional Chinese language school that has over 20 years of experience teaching Mandarin Chinese to international students. All instructors are certified in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and specialize in working with absolute beginners. Whether you’re learning your first Chinese words or brushing up on basic conversation, these Chinese teachers create a fun, relaxed, and effective language learning environment.
Their approach is focused on interactive learning, not just textbooks—so you’ll be engaged from day one, even if you’ve never studied a foreign language before.
Whether you’re learning Mandarin for daily life or future goals, these courses are a perfect way to build confidence, practice speaking Chinese, and even enjoy a coffee after class with new friends ☕.
📚 Real-Life Curriculum Based on the HSK
Our program follows the official HSK syllabus, the standard for Chinese language proficiency, but with a focus on speaking and listening in everyday situations. You’ll still learn important Chinese characters and sentence structures, but the goal is to help you feel confident when interacting in real-life settings—like buying something, giving directions, or chatting with your host family.Whether you’re preparing for the HSK exam, or just want to speak Mandarin naturally, this language course covers everything you need.
🕒 Structured but Flexible Schedules
Classes are held at fixed times each week to help you develop a steady language learning habit. Sessions are short but effective, and each teacher provides light homework or review tasks to help reinforce what you’ve learned. The idea is not to overload you, but to support your progress with manageable, practical learning materials.
3. Outside the Classroom: Daily Life Is Your Language Playground
Immersive learning is one of the most effective methods to learn a new language—and living in China gives you countless opportunities to apply your skills in real life. Instead of just studying from a textbook, you’ll be surrounded by Mandarin language every day, allowing you to build your speaking skills through genuine, spontaneous interactions.
Here are just a few examples of how you’ll learn Mandarin through daily life:
🗣 Casual conversations with children and your host family — great for picking up useful spoken Chinese
🛒 Shopping in supermarkets and small local stores — where you’ll practice vocabulary, numbers, and basic questions
📲 Using popular Chinese apps (like WeChat or Dianping) to connect with local friends or browse for food and entertainment
🎉 Participating in Masons’ cultural activities — including dumpling-making workshops, Chinese calligraphy, and traditional Chinese holiday celebrations
This kind of language and culture immersion not only accelerates your language learning but also deepens your appreciation for Chinese culture. You won’t just be memorizing grammar—you’ll be living it.
By engaging daily with locals, navigating your surroundings, and joining community events, you’ll naturally expand your Mandarin vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and build true confidence in speaking Chinese.
4. Be Brave—It’s Okay to Make Mistakes!
The secret to successful language learning isn’t flawless grammar or perfect pronunciation—it’s the willingness to try, speak, and learn from each interaction. In China, locals truly appreciate when foreigners make the effort to speak Mandarin, even if it’s just a few words.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Saying simple Chinese phrases like “你好” (nǐ hǎo – hello), “谢谢” (xièxiè – thank you), or “我不懂” (wǒ bù dǒng – I don’t understand) is already a huge step. These small expressions show curiosity and respect—and they’re often met with smiles and encouragement.
What makes the experience even better?
Learning Mandarin Chinese with other au pairs who are going through the same journey. Studying in a group not only makes learning mandarin more fun and interactive, but it also provides accountability and emotional support. You’ll share challenges, laugh over mistakes, and celebrate progress together.
Whether you’re just starting to learn to speak Chinese or aiming for fluency, remember: every small effort counts. You’re not alone—Masons Au Pair and your fellow learners are always here to help you grow with confidence 🤝
5. Practical Learning Tips
Looking to make faster progress and retain what you’ve learned? Try these simple but powerful language learning strategies — ideal for au pairs, international students, or anyone starting to learn Mandarin:
🕐 Spend 10 minutes a day reviewing new Chinese words, phrases, and expressions — short, daily review beats long cramming sessions
📺 Watch easy Chinese cartoons like Boonie Bears or Peppa Pig in Chinese — perfect for improving listening comprehension and picking up natural sentence structures
📱 Use learning apps like HelloChinese, Duolingo, or Pleco — each offers a fun, gamified way to build vocabulary, work on Chinese pronunciation, and reinforce grammar rules
📝 Keep a personal “Chinese Notes” journal to write down useful phrases, Mandarin characters, and everyday words you hear or see
👧 Turn learning into a game: ask the kids you care for to be your teachers — they’ll love helping you learn and practicing spoken Chinese with you!
Whether you’re preparing for a formal language program or just want to study Chinese casually during your homestay, these learning tools make it easy to stay engaged and consistent. The key is to make the process fun, flexible, and part of your daily life!
6. Handy Chinese Phrases You Can Use Right Away
| Chinese | Pinyin | English Meaning |
| 你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Hello |
| 谢谢 | Xièxiè | Thank you |
| 请问，洗手间在哪？ | Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎ? | Excuse me, where’s the restroom? |
| 我不会说中文 | Wǒ bú huì shuō zhōngwén | I don’t speak Chinese |
| 可以帮我吗？ | Kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma? | Can you help me? |
| 我想这个 | Wǒ xiǎng zhège | I want this one |
| 不要辣，谢谢 | Bù yào là, xièxiè | No spicy, thank you |
7. In Closing: Chinese is One of Your Most Valuable Gains in China
Your au pair journey in China will be full of exciting discoveries, new relationships, and unforgettable cultural moments — and the Chinese language is the key that opens the door to this entire adventure.
📘 Every new Mandarin word you learn boosts your language skills and confidence.
🎉 Every time you speak Chinese, no matter how simple the sentence, you’re marking an important milestone in your language learning journey.
💬 And even after you leave China, your learning mandarin experience will stay with you — whether through future travels, studies, or global opportunities.
Whether you’ve already decided to learn Chinese abroad or are still considering it, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’d love to tell you more about our Mandarin classes, our language program for au pairs, or simply discuss your goals and plans.
🌟 Who knows — the next time we meet, it might be in a Chinese classroom, surrounded by new friends, learning a new script, and building memories you’ll carry for a lifetime.