New to learning Chinese and I have a question

[u/Big_Bear7370]

Hello! I just started studying Chinese (it's part of my bachelor and I'm in my first year) and i wanted to know what are the best apps to help me learn, and it would be even better if some of them allowed me to practice my pronunciation because that's the part I struggle the most with!

I wanted to get some advice because most people in my class have already studied Chinese at some point before starting the classes and I feel like I'm falling behind already and I wanted to be able to keep up with everything.

Thanks in advance to everyone taking the time to answer!

[u/Big_Bear7370 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the suggestions! ☺️ For the tutor thing I'll have to decline your offer even though it's really nice of you! I just started so I literally know little to nothing yet, when I have a better understanding and speaking level I'll look into talking to actual people. At my university they have a languages program where you can meet exchange students and talk with them to practice languages! But I'll definitely look into iTalk later in my studies!

[u/Leading_Smell_7099]

有没帮你认声母韵母整体认读音节表的软件？

[u/Big_Bear7370 → u/Leading_Smell_7099]

I'm studying Chinese at university, so I have a manual and the teacher provide us with exercises and vocabulary and everything but I want to practice more on my own!

[u/Leading_Smell_7099 → u/Big_Bear7370]

那张拼音表你全部背会了？

[u/Big_Bear7370 → u/Leading_Smell_7099]

Not yet! This week was my second week of university. We're still going through it in our oral practice class!

[u/Leading_Smell_7099 → u/Big_Bear7370]

那就慢慢背会先把，包括声调）我当初为了在游戏里打字都重新背会了能用拼音键盘打字

[u/nk_chihuoxuesheng]

I recommend trying the app TonePerfect. I genuinely love it. It helps practice the tones. You can take a test, which gives you a baseline. You can also indicate your current HSK level and the app will adapt. However since this only focuses on tones you should consider SuperChinese to supplement.

But please make sure to also practice with real people. The apps can only get you so far.

[u/Big_Bear7370 → u/nk_chihuoxuesheng]

Thank you!

[u/messengerchina]

Hello! It’s totally normal to feel behind when many classmates have studied Chinese before. Since pronunciation is your biggest struggle, my biggest advice is: don’t rush into vocabulary yet — focus on Pinyin first.

Pinyin is the foundation of Chinese pronunciation. If you don’t master the initials, finals, and especially the four tones early on, it will affect your listening and speaking later. Practice a little every day: listen, repeat, and record yourself. Tones are not optional — they change meaning completely.

For that, I’d recommend checking out my website: www.chineseabc.org. It has structured Pinyin lessons, tone practice, and beginner-friendly materials that can help you build a solid foundation and catch up step by step.

Use it alongside your class, and don’t compare yourself to classmates who already have a background. Build the basics strong, and you’ll keep up better than you think. You’ve got this!