Expert: Shannon G. - 7/5/2007

Question
I want to learn how to speak simple phrases like "I live in a fairytale." or "Which way to McDonalds?" But everything I look up online is in the Characters. And Since I don't understand the Characters, and I can't find a guide, What can you suggest for people like me to figure this out with out spending to get a translator?

Answer
Hey Caitlin,

I think you first should learn "pinyin". That's the pronunciation of each character. "pinyin" is also made up of alphabets. Like "ni hao" sounds like "knee how" which means Hello or How do you do in Chinese. There should be books,video or audio materials online or in big libraries.

Good luck to you!
Shannon