The 9 Best Books to Learn Chinese (Mandarin) Fast

Kelsey Wetherbee Published on January 12, 2023
Best books to learn Chinese

Langoly is supported by our readers. We review products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions if you buy through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, Langoly earns from qualifying purchases. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

One of the most popular ways to learn Mandarin is with a textbook. Books are a traditional way to learn if you want to have clear explanations and practice exercises at hand, and they come in a wide variety to fit all kinds of language needs and budgets. To adapt to modern times, most books offer online audio components that can help you practice listening and understanding. We took a look at the best books available to learn Mandarin Chinese to help you learn this tricky language.

China has a booming economy and speaking the language can help you land a job with an international company. Even if you don’t plan on living or working in China, there are millions of Mandarin speakers around the world, and knowing some of the language can help you communicate with them. Over 1.6 BILLION people speak Mandarin, making it the most spoken language in Asia. It’s the language with the most native speakers and is the second most spoken language in the world, second only to English when non-native speakers are included in the count.

How Long Will It Take You To Learn Chinese (Mandarin)?​
What is your current level?
A1
Beginner
A2
Elementary
B1
Intermediate
B2
Upper Intermediate
What level do you want to reach?
A1
Beginner
A2
Elementary
B1
Intermediate
B2
Upper Intermediate
C1
Advanced
GO BACK
How many hours will you study each day?
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
GO BACK Next
Try calculator again See result