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Mandarin, Cantonese & English — from people who walked this path themselves

We're Denis and Albina, a family team. We lived and worked in China for 7 years, so we know what feels hard — tones, characters, word order — and how to get past it.

Find your teacher

1 · Language
2 · Goal

Pick a language and a goal — we'll suggest a teacher.

Seal 粤
DenisMandarin · Cantonese · English
Book
Seal 言
AlbinaMandarin Chinese
Book
  • 2teachers, a family team
  • 3languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English
  • 7years together in China
  • 10+years of teaching each
01Who it's for

Mandarin, Cantonese and English — for your goal

Adult beginners

From your first words to confident conversation, with a clear plan.

Work & business with China

Business Chinese, meetings, partners and travel.

Reading & writing

Characters with a system — for those who need written Chinese.

Kids from age 5

25–30-minute playful lessons that keep them engaged. Taught by Denis.

Cantonese

For travel, work or life in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, or to talk with family and friends.

English

Spoken and work English for adults, playful lessons for kids. Taught by Denis.

02Lessons

You'll speak from the very first lesson

One-to-one on Zoom, 60 minutes (kids: 25–30 minutes). Denis explains in English or Russian; Albina teaches in Russian. English lessons are conversation-first too — work, travel and daily life.

  1. Tones & pronunciation

    From day one, so there's nothing to unlearn later.

  2. A system for characters

    Understand how they're built instead of memorizing by rote.

  3. Practice on your own

    We'll show you how to study between lessons with apps and AI tools.

  4. First sentences, first lesson

    Real conversation for travel, work and daily life.

Characters, stroke by strokeWe teach the right stroke order, like on this practice sheet — it makes characters easier to remember and recognise. Click to replay.

Tones: how it sounds

In Chinese, the pitch of your voice changes the meaning of a word. Each line shows how the voice moves on a 1–5 scale.

妈
mā — mother

Tone 1 · 55

麻
má — hemp

Tone 2 · 35

马
mǎ — horse

Tone 3 · 214

骂
mà — to scold

Tone 4 · 51

鸡
gai1 — chicken

Tone 1 · 55

好
hou2 — very

Tone 2 · 35

贵
gwai3 — expensive

Tone 3 · 33

唔
m4 — not

Tone 4 · 21

买
maai5 — to buy

Tone 5 · 23

住
zyu6 — for now

Tone 6 · 22

鸡好贵,唔买住 — “Chicken is too expensive, I won't buy it for now.” All six Cantonese tones in one sentence, in order.

03Teachers

Denis and Albina

DA stands for Denis and Albina. Chinese isn't our native language: Albina studied it at university, Denis learned it on his own as an adult. In China a personal seal replaces a signature — each of us has our own.

Seal 粤

Denis

Mandarin · Cantonese · English

Explains in English or Russian

Seal 粤 (yuè) — Cantonese and southern China: Denis teaches Cantonese.

“I learned these languages as an adult — I know what feels hard”

  • Cantonese
  • Tones & pronunciation
  • English
  • Kids

His native language is Russian. He learned Chinese, English and Cantonese as an adult, so he knows exactly what feels hard — tones, characters, word order — and how to get past it.

  • 20+ years of teachingAdults and kids: a clear plan for adults, playful lessons for kids.
  • 7 years in China, 3 years in VietnamSchools, kindergartens, language centers; work as a translator.
  • 5+ years at international online schoolsStudents from the USA, China and Japan — kids and adults.
  • EducationBachelor of Education (English), Advanced TESOL.
Seal 言

Albina

Mandarin Chinese

Explains in Russian

Seal 言 (yán) — “word, speech”: Albina gets you speaking from the first lesson.

“Your first sentences — in the very first lesson”

  • Business Chinese
  • Characters
  • Pronunciation
  • Conversation

An orientalist by training. She uses a communicative method: from the first lesson students build simple sentences and speak. She uses AI tools to help you practise between lessons.

  • 10+ years teaching ChineseConversation, business Chinese, characters and pronunciation.
  • 7 years in China, 3 years in VietnamLived and worked in China and Vietnam.
  • EducationOrientalist (Chelyabinsk State University, regional studies), TESOL.
04Prices

Lessons & packages

We start with a free consultation: we'll check your level, set a goal and make a learning plan together.

  • Consultationlevel check and learning planFree
  • Kids from age 5 · 25–30 minhalf the lesson price: Mandarin and English $12, Cantonese $18. Taught by Denisfrom $12

1 lesson

$24
60 minutes

8 lessons

$180
$22.50 per lesson
save $12

16 lessonsBest value

$344
$21.50 per lesson
save $40

Taught by Denis and Albina

1 lesson

$24
60 minutes

8 lessons

$180
$22.50 per lesson
save $12

16 lessonsBest value

$344
$21.50 per lesson
save $40

Taught by Denis

1 lesson

$36
60 minutes

8 lessons

$268
$33.50 per lesson
save $20

16 lessonsBest value

$512
$32 per lesson
save $64

Taught by Denis

Payment via Wise, PayPal or Payoneer. Your teacher will send payment details personally after the consultation.

05Reviews

What students say

  • 4.9average rating from parents in Japan at an online school — 17 ratings

We’d had problems with English since school. Teachers said my son had no aptitude for languages and would never learn them. But! I decided to find tutors. And yet the tutors — we had three! — couldn’t do anything either. Even though Eastern languages went brilliantly for us!

And then I found him — Denis! And a miracle happened! My son started learning the language with pleasure; he literally runs to his lessons. For the first time he said it had become easy and interesting to learn.

Denis, thank you so much!

Our child’s favourite is usually the regular Monday and Wednesday teacher, but after this lesson they told us: “This teacher doesn’t speak any Japanese at all, but I understood everything he said and it was so much fun.” Thank you!
Simon · December 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online schoolTranslated from Japanese
The best teacher we’ve ever had. My son says every time that he wants this teacher. We’d be very glad to keep studying with him. My son got interested in Georgia and went looking for it on the globe. Thank you!
Yuto · December 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online schoolTranslated from Japanese
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to my son’s English tutor for his guidance and support. We appreciate his patience and commitment to helping my son improve — he is gradually able to speak in complete sentences in English.
Kota · October 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online school
He always makes sure our child answers in full sentences, not single words. Today he also carefully explained the parts that weren’t clear.
Yuma · November 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online schoolTranslated from Japanese
He said it was fun and the lesson flew by. The teacher was kind and easy to talk to. There was also an alphabet game in the middle, so he really enjoyed it.
Souta · October 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online schoolTranslated from Japanese
The teacher is very kind. He always goes over mistakes with the child and explains in different ways — by ear, in writing — so it really sinks in.
Shunsei · October 2023
Denis · English · parent’s review · Japan, online schoolTranslated from Japanese
Denis has a very standard English accent and explains things clearly — a great teacher.
A student · January 2026
Denis · English · parent’s review · China, online schoolTranslated from Chinese
The teacher is excellent at teaching in both English and Chinese — a great fit for kids.
Henry · December 2025
Denis · English · parent’s review · China, online schoolTranslated from Chinese

What parents in China mention most at an online school (10 reviews):

  • Engaging and interactive 5
  • Gets students talking 4
  • Encouraging 4
  • Patient explanations 3
  • Professional classroom 3
  • 5.0average rating from students

I chose to study with Albina because I liked her teaching method. I came with one request — “start speaking, actually use the language” — and right now we’re successfully breaking through my language barrier together. I like that she uses a variety of exercises to train different sides of the language and, importantly, adapts to your level, keeping that edge between “still understandable” and “now you have to make an effort”.

Albina and I clicked from the very first lesson. First, I started believing I can actually succeed :) Second, the lessons fly by — and that matters a lot to me. I’m never bored, I really want to speak Chinese, build even complex sentences and not be afraid of getting it wrong.

Albina also often shares useful tips and interesting facts about China and Chinese people, which makes the goal of learning feel even closer. In short, I recommend Albina to everyone ;)

Albina is an excellent teacher: she explains everything in detail and is truly professional. Punctual and attentive, she gives lots of material and explains it beautifully. My daughter got into the lessons from day one, studies with joy and does her homework willingly. I feel we’ve found our teacher. I definitely recommend her — she creates exactly the space where you get the knowledge you need.

Albina is a wonderful teacher; our lessons are interesting and engaging. A pleasant, tactful person — everything is clear and to the point. I’m very happy!!!
Irina · 22 July 2026
Albina · MandarinTranslated from Russian
An excellent teacher. Everything is clear and easy to follow. Lessons are relaxed, yet well structured and informative. I’ll keep studying.
Viktoriya · 27 February 2026
Albina · MandarinTranslated from Russian
I really enjoy studying with Albina. A very kind and attentive teacher. Lessons are interesting and productive. We keep going :)
Natalya · 2 February 2026
Albina · MandarinTranslated from Russian
I really like this tutor! She’s pleasant to work with and the lessons are well structured.
Regina · 18 March 2025
Albina · MandarinTranslated from Russian

Reviews from our students and their parents, including from international online schools where we teach. First names only.

06FAQ

Common questions

How do I choose a teacher?

Cantonese and English are taught by Denis. Mandarin is taught by both: Denis explains in English or Russian, Albina teaches in Russian and specialises in business Chinese.

I've never studied Chinese. Is it too hard?

Not at all. We start with tones and pronunciation and learn characters with a system. You'll build your first sentences in the very first lesson.

Mandarin or Cantonese — which should I learn?

Mandarin is spoken across mainland China and Taiwan; Cantonese is the language of Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou. Tell us your goal and we'll help you choose.

How do lessons work?

One-to-one on Zoom, 60 minutes; kids 25–30 minutes. You'll need a computer or tablet with a camera and headphones.

From what age do you teach kids?

From age 5. Kids are taught by Denis: 25–30-minute playful lessons at half the price of a 60-minute lesson.

What times are available?

We have daytime and evening slots for Europe and the US — tell us where you are and when suits you.

How do I pay?

Wise, PayPal or Payoneer. Your teacher will send the details personally.

Why are there two of you?

We're a family team and we do everything together: we lived and worked in China and Vietnam together, and now we teach and run this project together. Hence the name: DA — Denis and Albina. We both teach Mandarin; Cantonese and English are taught by Denis.

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