1^st lesson free

Todd

5 (2 reviews)

Rate R631
Response 1h

5 (2 reviews)

R631/h

1^st lesson free

Chinese
Mandarin
Chinese Speech
Chinese Listening Comprehension
Chinese Articulation

40+ Years Speaking Mandarin | 20+ Years in China — A Clear Approach to Learning Mandarin. Free 45-Minute Intro Lesson.

Chinese
Mandarin
Chinese Speech
Chinese Listening Comprehension
Chinese Articulation

Lesson location

- online

About Todd

I’m a lifelong language learner and Mandarin specialist with over 20 years of experience living and working in China and Taiwan. I hold a BA in Mongolian Language and Literature from Inner Mongolia University and spent more than a decade in China working in international business and cross-cultural negotiation.

Chinese language and culture have long fascinated me. My studies have included classical texts such as the Yi Jing and Dao De Jing, deepening my understanding of how the Chinese language reflects its culture and philosophy — almost forming its own universe of thought.

Beyond teaching, I write and create Mandarin learning materials, designing systems that help students embody Chinese — not simply translate it. My approach moves learners beyond vocabulary and grammar through careful pronunciation refinement and clear explanations, leading to deeper cultural understanding and the ability to think and communicate naturally in Mandarin. (Read student reviews below)

I’ve taught 900+ lessons and received over 320 five-star reviews, helping students grow from hesitant speakers into confident communicators. Whether you’re just beginning or working toward professional-level fluency, I’ll help you build clarity, confidence, and cultural insight.

Feedback from former students:

Student feedback:

“If you’re looking for a best-in-class Mandarin teacher with a deep understanding of the language, look no further.”
— Alexander, 103 lessons

Student feedback:

“Todd has exceptionally high standards for pronunciation. Unlike many teachers who accept ‘good enough,’ he carefully identifies pronunciation issues and provides clear, practical ways to fix them.”

Student feedback:

“After just a month of lessons with Todd, I was already seeing noticeable improvements in my Mandarin pronunciation.”

Student feedback:

“Because Todd lived in China for many years, he brings deep cultural understanding to his lessons along with strong language instruction.”

Student feedback:

“I went from zero knowledge of Mandarin to reading elementary stories and holding basic conversations in less than six months.”

Student feedback:

“As a native English speaker, it helped that Todd had gone through the same learning journey himself and understands the challenges learners face.”
— Brent, 40 lessons with Todd

Student feedback:

“Todd begins with careful pronunciation training and clear feedback, helping students build strong vocal muscle memory from the start.”

Student feedback:

“His explanations are clear and constructive, which helped me progress much faster than I expected.”

Student feedback:

“Todd was the exact teacher I needed to push my Mandarin to the next level. He speaks clearly and at the right pace for learners, which helped me build a strong foundation…”
— Dan, 21 lessons with Todd

Student feedback:

“Lessons with Todd are engaging, enjoyable, and intellectually stimulating.”

About the lesson

My lessons focus on spoken fluency, tone precision, and learning to think naturally in Mandarin.

I use authentic materials, guided Q&A, and structured conversational practice to help students build real-world communication skills. Rather than relying heavily on generic textbooks, I design each lesson around your interests, goals, and professional needs. I bring in targeted materials and texts that directly support what you want to achieve.

Pronunciation and tone accuracy are a core part of my teaching. I provide clear, constructive feedback so your Mandarin becomes both natural and precise.

Whether you are strengthening fundamentals or working toward advanced fluency, my aim is to help you speak with clarity, confidence, and cultural understanding.

Recommendations

Recommendations are written by the tutor's friends, family, and acquaintances.

J

Jordan

Todd's a great teacher. His lessons are all informed by his experiences traveling and living in China and Taiwan for many years. He's an attentive conversation partner, always aware of what I'm trying to say and helping me reinforce words and their meanings within the rich cultural context of how they're actually used, and he's always ready to dive into the nuances of how ideas are expressed differently from what I'm used to.
Read more

J
Jordan
Todd's a great teacher. His lessons are all informed by his experiences traveling and living in China and Taiwan for many years. He's an attentive conversation partner, always aware of what I'm trying to say and helping me reinforce words and their meanings within the rich cultural context of how they're actually used, and he's always ready to dive into the nuances of how ideas are expressed differently from what I'm used to.
A

Alessia

Todd has been my Mandarin tutor for about a year now and I have been incredibly happy with my progress. He has incredible insight into the language and culture! I’ve been to China twice - one time pre- and another post- beginning lessons with him, and I noticed a significant difference in my ability to communicate clearly. Just recently, we had a lesson on Lunar New Year phrases and the culture surrounding the holidays. He and I focus a lot on tones, which tend to be buried in traditional education, but is crucial for non-native speakers to learn and focus on. I would really recommend Todd to anyone wanting to learn or refine their Mandarin skills. I’ve had many mandarin professors and Todd is by far the best. Makes me excited to keep progressing
Read more

A
Alessia
Todd has been my Mandarin tutor for about a year now and I have been incredibly happy with my progress. He has incredible insight into the language and culture! I’ve been to China twice - one time pre- and another post- beginning lessons with him, and I noticed a significant difference in my ability to communicate clearly. Just recently, we had a lesson on Lunar New Year phrases and the culture surrounding the holidays. He and I focus a lot on tones, which tend to be buried in traditional education, but is crucial for non-native speakers to learn and focus on. I would really recommend Todd to anyone wanting to learn or refine their Mandarin skills. I’ve had many mandarin professors and Todd is by far the best. Makes me excited to keep progressing
See more recommendations

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5h: R2905
10h: R5477

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The free first lesson with Todd allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.

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R631/h

Details

Numbers in Chinese carry cultural meaning beyond simple mathematics. The number eight (八) is especially beloved. You may have seen combinations like 888, 668, or 168 — each has its own tone and resonance within the Chinese mindset.

Eight is considered lucky because its pronunciation (bā) resembles the sound of 发 / 發 (fā), meaning “to prosper” or “to get rich.”

In Chinese, numbers are more than numbers — they are culture expressed through sound and symbolism.

40+ Years Speaking Mandarin | 20+ Years in China — A Clear Approach to Learning Mandarin. Free 45-Minute Intro Lesson.

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