Learning Mandarin is no easy task

Mandarin is no easy language to learn.

First, you have to master the correct pronunciation of each word. There are four tones to Chinese words. If you pronounce wrongly, the meaning is out totally and people may misunderstand you. For example, 'yi' can be shirt in the first tone, aunt in the second tone, already in the third tone and easy in the fourth tone.

Secondly, yo need to memorise how to write the strokes of each word. Although I studied the language when I was in the Primary School, lack of use of the written language makes me unable to write out the words correctly at times.

If you can master about 3000 words in Chinese, you will be able to read books and newspapers without much difficulty.