Beginner Stories (A1) in Mandarin
Start reading Mandarin with our beginner stories. At the A1 level every character comes with pinyin, tone marks included, built from the couple hundred words you'll actually use first, greeting someone, asking directions, ordering food. Tap any character for its pinyin, tone, and meaning, then send it straight to your review. Read it again and the characters start to look less like puzzles.
Kong Rong Gives Away the Pears
Young Kong Rong chooses a small pear so his brothers can share the larger fruit.
The Crow and the Pitcher
Mandarin version of The Crow and the Pitcher: a thirsty crow uses small stones to bring water within reach.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Mandarin version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: a curious girl tries three breakfasts, chairs, and beds.
The Lion and the Mouse
Mandarin version of The Lion and the Mouse: a small friend repays a lion by biting through a hunter’s net.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Mandarin version of The Tortoise and the Hare: steady steps beat speed when a proud hare stops to sleep.