Where to find Chinese speaking partners

When learning a language, the biggest progress comes when you actually start talking to people. Today I’ll show you some good options for finding Chinese speakers, native or non-native, even if you don’t live in China, for free. And if you do live in China but still struggle to find someone to practice with, these apps can help too, since many users share the same goal: learning a language.

A quick note before you dive in: it may take time to find a reliable language partner. Some people use these platforms for other purposes (for example, dating), and you will not always click, or you might not share the same level of commitment. Do not give up if the first few attempts do not work. Try talking to multiple people and experimenting with different apps and communities.

The 3 Most Popular Apps for Language Exchange

There seem to be three popular apps for finding language partners: HelloTalk, Tandem, and Speaky. All three work similarly; they differ mainly in how you can filter partners and what each free tier includes. If you download only one app, I suggest HelloTalk, which likely offers the best value for free. You can send text and voice messages to your partner, and you can also make voice and video calls without upgrading. It also has a community wall or feed for posts and public interaction, similar to a social media platform.

Tandem and Speaky focus more on direct chats and one-on-one interaction, without a community wall or feed. They include built-in text, voice, and video calling, so you have the essentials for language exchange; however, video calls may require a paid upgrade, depending on the app and your region.

If You Prefer Language Exchange in Person

If you do not want to spend hours each week on your phone, there is another option: join a local language exchange group or meetup. Depending on where you live, you may find Facebook groups that organize regular events. Try searches like “your city + language exchange” or “your city + Chinese.” You can also check Meetup, which often lists language exchange events in many cities. On the homepage, type “language exchange,” “Chinese,” or “Chinese language” in the search bar to see what is nearby. If you cannot find anything, consider creating your own event. At first, the group may be small, which can be a good thing. Even one partner is enough to get meaningful Chinese practice.

Some Other Options

You can also find people to practice with on Reddit or Discord. Some learners prefer these communities over some of the other apps that I mentioned because they can feel less like using dating apps. Join a few groups, introduce yourself, and let people know your level, your goals, and when you are available.

Reddit: Language Exchange / Chinese Language

Discord: Chinese-English Language Exchange

I hope today’s newsletter helps you find people to practice Chinese with. Remember these are just a few options. If you prefer learning on your own, or you would rather build friendships with Chinese speakers more naturally instead of seeking someone online or at a language meetup, do it your way. Personally, I have never joined a language meetup and I rarely talked online with the goal of learning a language, unless it was with an actual tutor. So do what feels natural to you, and practice Chinese in the way that fits you best.

Happy learning,
Sandy