MASTER MANDARIN.
ONE CHARACTER AT A TIME.
Learn Hanzi with clarity, culture, and confidence.
LEARNING MANDARIN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE OVERWHELMING!
At Hanzi Helper, we break Mandarin down into simple, manageable steps. By focusing on one character at a time, you’ll not only remember stroke order and meaning more easily, but also build the confidence to read, write, and speak Mandarin with clarity. Whether you’re a complete beginner or brushing up on your skills, our approach makes learning engaging, practical, and stress-free.
Our teaching is rooted in both tradition and modern methods. From stroke order animations to conversational practice, we bring Mandarin to life in a way that’s practical and engaging.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, we provide the guidance and structure you need to grow with confidence. With Hanzi Helper, every character you learn builds toward fluency and cultural connection.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Originally from Kansas City, Spencer Robertson is a dedicated Mandarin tutor with a strong academic and professional background in Chinese language and international studies.
He earned his B.A. in Chinese Studies with a minor in International Studies from Morehouse College, followed by a Master’s in International Affairs Policy and Analysis from American University’s School of International Service.
Today, Spencer teaches at Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, one of the nation’s leading Chinese immersion schools in Washington, D.C. His teaching blends language mastery with cultural understanding, helping students connect meaning with context.
With a passion for language learning and cultural exchange, Spencer has guided students of all ages to build confidence, fluency, and appreciation for Mandarin through engaging and personalized instruction.
THE HANZI HELPER APPROACH
Mandarin, made simple — with structure, context, and confidence. Our approach, inspired by the IB philosophy, focuses on the whole learner.
Whole-Child Focus
Inspired by the IB philosophy, lessons nurture curiosity, confidence, and cultural awareness.
Each character is broken down stroke by stroke, building a strong foundation for memory and fluency.
Step-by-Step Structure
Go beyond memorization with speaking, listening, and conversation practice tied to real-world use.
Real Communication
Cultural Connection
Language comes alive through history, stories, and cultural insights that give Mandarin meaning.
SCHEDULE A CALL
In your free introductory call, we’ll talk about your goals, learning style, and what excites you about Mandarin. Whether you’re preparing for travel, pursuing personal growth, or deepening your cultural connection, we’ll map out a plan that fits your pace and schedule.
Every language tells a story — and during our conversation, you’ll discover how Hanzi Helper can help you write yours, one stroke, one word, and one conversation at a time.
Ready to start your Mandarin journey?
HAVE A QUESTION? LET’S TALK.
Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is Hanzi Helper?
Hanzi Helper is an online Mandarin learning platform that helps students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Chinese. We use interactive lessons, clear explanations, and visual tools to make learning Mandarin simple and enjoyable.
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Do you only teach writing Chinese characters?
Not at all! While we specialize in helping you understand and write Hanzi (Chinese characters), we also teach speaking and pronunciation, tone practice, sentence building, and conversation skills — so you can actually use what you learn in real life.
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Who are the lessons for?
Our lessons are perfect for: Beginners who want a fun, approachable way to start learning Mandarin, Students preparing for HSK exams, Professionals and travelers who want practical speaking skills, and Anyone who loves language and culture.
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Do I need any experience with Mandarin?
No experience needed! We start from your current level — even if you’ve never seen a Chinese character before — and guide you step by step in pronunciation, tones, vocabulary, and writing.
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How are lessons taught?
Lessons are mainly online via Google Meet. You’ll see the instructor demonstrate writing, stroke order, and tone pronunciation. You’ll also have interactive speaking practice and on-screen character visuals to follow along.
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How long are the lessons?
Lessons typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on your plan. Shorter review sessions are also available for quick practice or pronunciation refreshers.