Mandarin Conversation Guides

Turn the Mandarin you know into real conversation.

Explore free guides for intermediate Mandarin learners—with practical speaking strategies, natural expressions and meaningful topics worth discussing.

Free to read · Made for intermediate learners · Most guides take 5–10 minutes

A learner reading a Languagegogo Mandarin guide at a tea table
Conversation skills 6 min read

How to Ask Natural Follow-Up Questions in Mandarin

追问别人时,怎样听起来更自然?

后来呢? hòulái ne? What happened next?
为什么这么说? wèishénme zhème shuō? Why do you say that?
Read Guide →

What would you like help with?

Choose the kind of support that matches where you are right now.

Speak Mandarin More Confidently

Build the habits that help you turn recognised vocabulary into real-time speech.

Explore Speaking Practice

Handle Real Conversations

Learn how to follow up, clarify, respond and express opinions more naturally.

Explore Conversation Skills

Prepare for Meaningful Discussions

Explore useful language and ideas for conversations about everyday life, culture, work and society.

Explore Topic Guides

Explore a topic before you discuss it

Read a topic guide on your own, or use it as a starting point for a real Mandarin conversation.

More topic guides are on the way. Browse all upcoming conversations →

Free guides and conversation previews serve different purposes

What you read here is not the same as what you receive after booking.

Free Guides

For anyone learning Mandarin

  • Free to read anytime
  • Explore a topic or speaking skill in depth
  • May include examples and broader perspectives
  • Not tied to one specific session
Browse Free Guides

Conversation Preview

For members booked into a specific conversation

  • Topic overview and core questions
  • Explanations of potentially unclear expressions
  • Optional vocabulary and speaking support
  • Does not include every follow-up question or a model answer

It helps you feel ready. It does not give everyone the same script.

Prepare in the way that helps you

Some learners prefer to speak spontaneously. Others feel more confident with a little preparation. Both are welcome.

Quick look

Scan the overview, questions and any unfamiliar expressions.

Prepare a little more

Choose one or two questions and bring a few keywords or short notes.

Both approaches are welcome. There is no homework and no need to memorise a script.

What a Conversation Preview may include

The exact contents depend on the topic—what stays the same is the purpose: helping you understand and take part.

Topic overview

What the conversation is really about.

Core questions

A few questions that may open the discussion.

Language notes

Explanations of expressions that may be unclear.

Optional support

A few useful words or sentence starters when helpful.

Deeper follow-up questions are usually introduced during the conversation, based on what members actually say.

A good conversation starts with a question worth answering

Too broad

Travel

Where have you travelled?
What country do you like?

Worth discussing

Does planning make travel better—or less exciting?

Personal experience Different opinions Natural follow-ups

Broad topics often lead to short, predictable answers. A more specific question gives people something real to respond to.

A good guide does not give you a script. It gives you something worth saying.

Ready to use these ideas with real people?

Choose a topic that interests you and join a 60-minute hosted Mandarin conversation.

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Your first conversation is free · 2–4 learners · No subscription required