Learn the words first
中国
Zhōngguó
China
北京
Běijīng
Beijing
东亚
Dōngyà
East Asia
在
zài
to be located at / in
首都
shǒudū
capital city
的
de
linking particle (here: of)
普通话
Pǔtōnghuà
standard Mandarin (Putonghua)
汉字
Hànzì
Chinese characters
Teach the words before the text
中国在东亚。uses place + 在 + location: China is in East Asia. 北京是中国的首都。uses the 是 pattern you learned. 中国的首都 means China’s capital: 的 links China with its capital. Read the vocabulary first, then cover the translation and try each sentence.
One course, many communities
This section teaches standard Mandarin and simplified characters. China has many regional varieties, minority languages and cultural traditions. Putonghua is the standard spoken language in mainland China, not the only language people speak. Culture is not one rulebook: habits vary across regions, families and situations.
Examples to read and repeat
中国在东亚。
Zhōngguó zài Dōngyà.
China is in East Asia.
北京是中国的首都。
Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū.
Beijing is China’s capital.
我叫安娜。我是学生。
Wǒ jiào Ānnà. Wǒ shì xuésheng.
My name is Anna. I am a student.