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How much do Mandarin lessons cost?
Lesson prices vary based on tutor experience and format. Private Lessons – HK$400 - HK$650 per hour Online Lessons – HK$400 per hour Corporate Training – Custom pricing (contact for details)
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What makes our Mandarin classes stand out compared to larger schools?
Personal attention tailored specifically to individual student needs. Tutors handpicked by lead tutor Aileen Ting for excellence and dedication. Small-scale classes focusing on quality learning over profit. Direct oversight and continuous curriculum refinement by an expert Mandarin tutor.
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How long does it take to learn Mandarin fluently?
It depends on study consistency and learning methods. 📌 Casual learners – 40-50 hours for HSK 1 (lessons 1x/week, often skipping) 📌 Intensive learners – 200 hours to B1 (daily practice + regular lessons) 📌 Full fluency (C1-C2) – 750-2200 hours (with immersion & consistent practice)
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Is it difficult to learn Mandarin?
Not with the right approach! Mandarin has simple grammar compared to many languages Pronunciation and tones take practice but are manageable
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Is Hong Kong a good place to learn Mandarin?
Yes! Hong Kong is a great place for expats and professionals to learn Mandarin. Useful for business & finance careers – Mandarin is essential in the workplace. High-quality private tutors available – Flexible learning options, including 1-on-1 lessons. Exposure to Mandarin – Despite Cantonese dominance, Mandarin is widely used in business. More culturally familiar environment – Easier adaptation for Western learners compared to China.
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What is the easiest way to learn Mandarin?
The fastest way to learn Mandarin is through structured private lessons, consistent review, and immersion. Step-by-step learning – Start with pronunciation & Pinyin Build vocabulary naturally – Learn practical words first Practice speaking daily – Real conversations boost fluency Personalized lessons – Private tutoring helps you progress faster
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Am I too old to learn Mandarin? (For 40+ learners)
No! Brain plasticity allows language learning at any age. 40+ learners often excel in grammar and structured learning.
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Can I learn Mandarin at home?
Yes, with online tutoring and self-study. Some tutors, including me, offer home lessons. Private online lessons Apps & flashcards – Effective vocabulary building Listening to Mandarin TV, podcasts, and real-life practice
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Is Cantonese harder than Mandarin?
For most learners, Mandarin is easier than Cantonese due to its simpler structure and standardized pronunciation. Fewer tones – Mandarin has 4 tones, while Cantonese has 6-9 tones. Simpler & more logical grammar – Mandarin follows clearer sentence structures. More standardized pronunciation – Cantonese has regional variations and colloquialisms. Cantonese has unwritten words & complex tonal shifts – Some Cantonese words can’t be directly written in standard Chinese. Cantonese speakers learn Mandarin faster – Since Mandarin is the standard written form, Cantonese speakers already learn written Chinese in school.
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How much do Cantonese lessons cost?
Cantonese lessons in Hong Kong start from HK$250.
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Who is the Cantonese tutor?
Aileen Ting, a trilingual Cantonese tutor with a degree in Applied Foreign Language. 10+ years of experience teaching adults in Hong Kong. Structured academic approach but adaptable to casual or fun learning styles. View More
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How many students are in each Cantonese class?
Private lessons – One-on-one. Group classes – 2–4 students for better interaction yet effective learning.
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Where are Cantonese classes held?
Lessons are available at: Your home or office My office in Central, Hong Kong Online via video lessons
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Is it better to learn Cantonese or Mandarin in Hong Kong?
It depends on your goals. Cantonese is essential for daily life, work, and socializing in Hong Kong. Mandarin is widely spoken in China and has more structured learning resources. Cantonese is harder to self-study due to limited structured courses & fewer qualified teachers. 📌 If you live in Hong Kong, learning Cantonese is more practical.
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How long does it take to learn Cantonese?
📌 Most students reach B1 in under 80 hours—much faster than the standard 350+ hours. 📌 Revision & homework are key to long-term progress. Without practice, progress follows standard learning time.
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Can I understand Mandarin if I learn Cantonese?
No, Cantonese and Mandarin are separate languages. Cantonese uses Traditional Chinese, while Mandarin mainly uses Simplified Chinese. Cantonese has unique words that can't be written in standard Mandarin. Cantonese speakers may learn Mandarin faster because of shared characters, but English speakers will not automatically understand Mandarin by learning Cantonese.
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What is the fastest way to learn Cantonese?
Take 1-on-1 lessons (2-3x per week) – Structured progress. Speak Cantonese daily – Even if you make mistakes, consistency is key. Immerse yourself – Listen to Cantonese music, TV shows, and use Chinese apps. Use real-world practice – The best learners use Cantonese every chance they get. 👉 The key? Speak, listen, and engage daily—progress comes from practice, not perfection! 🚀
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How long is a Cantonese lesson?
1–2 hours per session. Best results: 2-3 lessons per week. If busy: Homework & revision help maintain progress.
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What do I need to bring to class?
Notebook, iPad, or laptop – Use paper or digital based on your preference. PDF materials provided – Choose your own textbook if preferred.
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What languages do you teach?
We specialize in Mandarin and Cantonese instruction for learners of all ages and levels.
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What types of classes do you offer?
We provide private lessons, group classes, children’s programs, and corporate training tailored to individual or group goals.
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Where are your lessons conducted?
Lessons are available online, at our Wan Chai office, or at your location across Hong Kong.
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Do you offer trial lessons?
Yes, we provide a one-hour trial lesson for HK$200, giving you a chance to experience our teaching style and discuss your goals.
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What are your rates for private lessons?
Private lessons start at HK$600 per hour, with a minimum package of 8 prepaid hours.
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How much do group classes cost?
Group classes start at HK$200 per person per hour for groups of 3–4. For two participants, the cost is HK$300 per person per hour.
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Do you offer discounts for prepaid packages?
Prepayment is required for all lesson packages. While no additional discounts are provided, this ensures commitment and progress.
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What is your cancellation policy?
A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Refunds are not available for missed sessions.
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Do you provide exam preparation?
Yes, we offer targeted preparation for IGCSE, IB, HSK, and HSKK exams. Sessions focus on exam techniques, practice tests, and curriculum-specific content.
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How long does it take to prepare for HSK exams?
Here are estimated study times for HSK levels: HSK 1: ~40–50 hours for basic vocabulary and phrases HSK 2: ~80–100 hours for foundational grammar HSK 3: ~200 hours for conversational proficiency HSK 4: ~400 hours for fluent communication HSK 5: ~1,200 hours for advanced comprehension HSK 6: ~2,200 hours for near-native proficiency
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How long does it take to prepare for HSKK exams?
Preparation times vary: HSKK Primary: ~60 hours to master basic spoken skills HSKK Intermediate: ~195 hours for conversational fluency HSKK Advanced: ~260 hours for complex speech and presentations
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What age groups do you teach in children’s classes?
We teach children aged 7 and above, focusing on exam preparation or homework support. Exceptions can be made for younger children if parents prioritize fun and engagement over strict progress.
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What materials are used in children’s lessons?
Age-appropriate course books, videos, and interactive activities ensure effective learning tailored to each child's needs.
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Do you offer corporate language training?
Yes, we provide Mandarin and Cantonese training programs tailored to corporate needs, from beginner-level teams to industry-specific requirements.
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Can you customize lessons for specific industries?
Absolutely. We offer specialized language solutions for finance, trading, e-commerce, and other industries. These programs include relevant vocabulary, presentations, and communication techniques.
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Do you provide learning materials?
Yes, digital resources are included at no additional cost. Printed or physical materials are invoiced separately based on individual needs.
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How long does it take to achieve conversational fluency?
Many students achieve basic conversational skills within 30–50 hours, depending on consistency and personal goals.
