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Start Speaking on Day 1
4.7
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- Harry1596, Verified iOS User
4.3
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- Alex, Verified Android User
*The ratings are based on actual reviews from Google Play and App Store in the US as of Oct 1, 2024.
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Premium
LANGUAGES INCLUDED
51
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1
SWITCH BETWEEN LANGUAGES
Yes
No
ALL PREMIUM FEATURES
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Yes
Yes
BONUS CONTENT
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Yes
MOBILE AND WEB-BASED APPS
Yes
Yes
COMPATIBLE WITH AMAZON ECHO DEVICES
Yes
Yes
SHARE WITH 3 HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS
Yes
Yes
CARPLAY® AND ANDROID AUTO™ DRIVING MODE
Yes
Yes

Other Subscription Plan options:

This language is also available to purchase in Digital formats

Why Learn Cantonese?

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Chinese Cantonese, spoken by nearly 86 million people as their first language, is regarded as the “correct” branch of the Yue Chinese family of languages. The language has its roots in Guangzhou, a city that’s traditionally known as Canton, hence the name Cantonese Chinese. A formidable subset of the Sino-Tibetan languages, Cantonese is used in Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the United States, Vietnam, Singapore, and dozens of other countries with tens of thousands of speakers. An additional one million people worldwide commonly use Cantonese as their second language. These formidable numbers rank Cantonese in the top 20 of most commonly spoken languages in the world.

Given China’s rapid ascendence as a world power and the increasing influence in economics, banking, and popular culture, Cantonese is one of the most popular choices for learning a new language. If you’re looking to acquire Cantonese as a second or third language, Pimsleur has all the resources you need to learn Cantonese.

Thanks to the Pimsleur Method™, our proven techniques to study new languages, you can learn Cantonese in your spare time, scheduled time, or anytime! The Pimsleur Method is centered around four main concepts: Core Vocabulary, Graduated Interval Recall, Organic Learning, and Principle of Anticipation. All of our Cantonese courses, as well as our other language courses, enable and empower you to learn the Cantonese language quickly.

And once you do, you’ll open up a world of new, enjoyable experiences:

  • Travel to Mainland China and other Cantonese-speaking regions with confidence.
  • Learn more about Chinese culture, from the ancient era to modern times.
  • Converse intelligently with native Cantonese speakers, whether it’s a casual conversation about politics or simply asking for directions.
  • And much more

With a Premium Monthly (Cantonese only) or All-Access Monthly (all 51+ languages in the Pimsleur catalog), you’ll learn Cantonese naturally – and much easier than you might think.

Try Free for 7 Days

The Best Way to Learn the Cantonese Chinese Language

Pimsleur’s innovative “listen-to-learn” method breaks away from traditional language learning techniques like endless vocabulary repetition, reading and grammar practice. Accelerate your pace and learn the Cantonese language the easy, natural way – like a child! Every child or toddler learns their first language by listening and practicing, and that’s how Pimsleur’s 30-minute Core Lessons are designed. Plus, with user-friendly exercises—digital flash cards, Voice Coach AI pronunciation feedback, Speed Round Games, and more—our app will help you learn Cantonese in no time.

Why Choose Pimsleur for Cantonese Chinese Lessons?

When you’re ready to learn to speak Cantonese, no other language program puts you in the driver’s seat quite like Pimsleur. We think anytime is a great time to learn Cantonese, which is why our mobile app is ready to go whenever – and wherever – you are!

Now, everyday tasks like walking the dog, driving to work, or doing chores around the house are ideal times and places to take Chinese Cantonese lessons.

Sign up today with Pimsleur and learn to speak Cantonese!

Speak Chinese (Cantonese) with Confidence. Read like a Native.

Common Questions About Learning Chinese Cantonese

Is Cantonese Chinese a difficult language to learn?

Learning any new language isn’t easy. However, the answer depends on two factors: what type of Cantonese courses are you taking, and what is your level of curiosity and enthusiasm? Pimsleur takes care of the first…the second factor is up to you! Our learning technique, based on the Pimsleur Method, focuses on developing your oral and aural skills, and you’ll speak and listen the right way as you learn Cantonese. Plus, our interactive & immersive tools and resources like Speed Round Games, Digital Flash Cards, and Quick Match ensure you’ll have an enriching, rewarding learning experience.

How long does it take to learn Cantonese?

With traditional new language instruction, it could take you years to learn the Cantonese language. Pimsleur shortens your learning curve considerably. Our Cantonese lessons are designed to help you grasp basic words and phrasing right away. You’ll build your knowledge of the language on multiple levels – grammar, syntax, phonology, and proper pronunciation (more on that in a minute). In just 30 minutes per day, you can start to speak Cantonese conversationally.

What are the main challenges when learning Cantonese?

Unlike English, Cantonese relies heavily on final particles, which are shortened or compressed words that occur at the end of sentences. The ability to learn the Cantonese language depends, in large part, on how well you can adjust to the language’s unique sentence structure, syntax, and phonology. What’s more, Cantonese verb tenses are defined by aspect, not tense. Pimsleur’s Cantonese lessons help you navigate these distinct rules and more as you learn Cantonese.

How important is pronunciation in learning Cantonese?

As you learn to speak Cantonese with Pimsleur, you’ll learn how to pronounce words correctly – and that’s one of the most critical factors in speaking the Cantonese language conversationally. Cantonese is one of the more complex languages in terms of phonology. More than 600 syllables are used in the Cantonese language, and each is defined by an onset (initial) and rhyme (final) element. You’ll use our Cantonese lessons to learn the particular pace and cadence of speaking sentences correctly, sounding out each word as closely as a native speaker would. Cantonese also has a sophisticated combination of 19 initial consonants and 11 unique vowels, each with its own particular pronunciation. Sound complicated? No worries! The Pimsleur Method is well known to help people master speaking skills. Our Voice Coach tool with AI pronunciation feedback will help you learn Cantonese in no time!

Are the Cantonese lessons suitable for complete beginners?

Pimsleur puts a premium on learning how to speak Cantonese, regardless of your skill level. Whether you’ve never spoken a word of Cantonese or have some familiarity with the language, we’ll get you up and running with our Cantonese courses. Many of our learners can speak basic words and sentences after their first lesson, and from there, you’ll learn Cantonese at your preferred pace – in your preferred place, too, as you can take the Pimsleur app anywhere!
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