Mandarin & Cantonese Tutor HK
About Our IB Chinese Tutoring
We offer private and small-group IB Chinese B lessons (Ab Initio, SL, HL) online or face-to-face in Hong Kong. Perfect for international students preparing to enter or advance in IB programs.
Our tutors use:
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iChinese textbooks (Books 1–4)
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Genuine IB-style writing, reading, and listening exercises
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Structured feedback and progress tracking
Flexible class formats:
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Private 1-on-1 or small group (2–4 students)
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Convenient time zones for North America, Europe & Asia-Pacific
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Online via Zoom, or onsite at our Central Hong Kong location
Beginners welcome—Beginners welcome—start with easier resources Chinese Made Easy.
IB Mandarin B Ab Initio Lessons Overview
IB Chinese B SL & HL Lessons Overview
IB Chinese HL Extension Lessons Overview
View our IB Chinese Tutoring Materials
View IB Chinese B SL Exam Papers (Nov 2023)
Book Your IB Mandarin Lesson
- 250 Hong Kong dollars
Starts Jun 3
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Small Group Class in Central Hong Kong for IGCSE Grads & IB Beginners – July to August 2025
Starts Jul 3
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Your IB Chinese Tutor
What IB Parents Say
Quoted from real Google reviews. See All Reviews →
CIS Mum
“My daughter moved from Band 4 to Band 3 within a year. Ms. Ting’s dedication made all the difference."
DBIS Dad
"She keeps me updated every week. Both kids are learning fast and love her lessons."
GIS Mum
“Over 2+ years, my daughter’s Mandarin has improved tremendously. We’re very thankful.”
Common Questions about IB Chinese Tutoring
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How much do Mandarin lessons cost?Mandarin lessons at Mandarin Tutor Hong Kong start from HK$250. Travel Fee (if at your location): • Walkable from Central: HK$50 • MTR accessible: HK$100 • No MTR access: HK$150 Booking & Cancellation Policy: Please book and cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
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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 group classes cost?Other language institutes in Hong Kong: Charge HK$220–280 per 45–60 minutes. Sessions typically last 1.5–3 hours or full-day intensives. Group sizes usually range from 3 to 8 students. At Cantonese Tutor HK: Small-group classes (2–4 students) at HK$250 per hour. Course lengths: A1 Beginner: ~30 hours A2 Elementary: ~60 hours B1 Intermediate: ~90 hours One free 30-minute private makeup lesson after every 4 completed group lessons. Please contact us for detailed package information and upcoming class schedules.
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How much do Cantonese private lessons cost?Private Cantonese lessons at Cantonese Tutor Hong Kong start from HK$250. Travel Fee (if at your location): • Walkable from Central: HK$50 • MTR accessible: HK$100 • No MTR access: HK$150 Booking & Cancellation Policy: Please book and cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
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How many students are in each Cantonese class?Other language institutions: Minimum 3 students, often up to 8 or more in a group. At Cantonese Tutor HK: We keep group sizes small: just 2–4 students, so you get more personal attention.
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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 Successfully taught over 100 students 27 five-star reviews on Google Structured academic approach, adaptable to casual or fun learning styles View More
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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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What is the fastest way to learn Cantonese?General (self-study): Use apps, TV, songs, reels, and daily speaking for regular exposure and practice. With Cantonese Tutor HK: Small-group classes plus general practice are enough for steady progress. ✔ For highly motivated learners, occasional or extra private lessons help tailor content and address individual challenges. The key? Stay consistent — the more practice and exposure, the better. Be patient; progress takes time.
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How long does it take to learn Cantonese?If you’re joining a Cantonese class in Hong Kong, progress depends on the class type and your practice. At Cantonese Tutor HK (group classes): A1 Beginner → ~30 hours A2 Elementary → ~60 hours B1 Intermediate → ~90 hours ✔ This is faster than self-study (200–400+ hours) or larger group schools, thanks to our small-group focus and structured support. ✔ For extra support, group students can add occasional private lessons at HK$400/hour (no need to buy a full package), though some students may progress well without them.
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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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Can I learn Cantonese online?Yes, many learners successfully study Cantonese online using live video classes. At Cantonese Tutor HK, we offer: Flexible online lessons following the same structured curriculum as in-person classes Tech-savvy teaching with tools like Quizlet, Kahoot, and Anki for practice ✔ A wide range of PDF resources, plus tailor-made materials on request The ability to teach via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, depending on your preference You get the same progress and personal support as in a physical classroom — all from the comfort of home
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Where are the Cantonese classes held?At Cantonese Tutor HK, our group classes are held in three formats: Online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet In person at our Central office At your location if you form your own group (friends, family, or colleagues) Transportation fees for classes held at your location: Walkable from Central: HK$50 MTR-accessible areas: HK$100 Locations without MTR access: HK$150 We offer flexible group class arrangements based on your needs and group size. To discuss your preferred setup, please email us at aileen@mandarintutorhk.com
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Do I need Cantonese or Mandarin for daily life in Hong Kong?You can live in Hong Kong speaking only English, especially in expat or tourist areas. But you may face higher prices or limited access outside these zones. In local neighborhoods, Cantonese is preferred and helps you connect with shopkeepers, restaurants, and markets. Mandarin can be useful too, especially in Kowloon or places hiring mainland Chinese staff. Many taxi drivers, market sellers, and canteen workers appreciate when you use even a few Cantonese or Mandarin phrases — it can lead to better service, smiles, or even friendlier prices. ✔ Learning Cantonese is not required, but it opens doors and helps you experience local life more fully.
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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.