What you'll learn
Learn to speak Cantonese and explore a vibrant spoken language with our Cantonese language short courses online!
Have you always wanted to learn Cantonese but weren’t sure where to begin? This beginner-friendly course offers a supportive introduction to the Cantonese language and is designed for complete beginners — no prior experience required.
Cantonese is widely spoken in Hong Kong and southern mainland China and is known for its rich tones and expressive spoken style. From the very first classes, you’ll start learning practical, everyday Cantonese, focusing on clear pronunciation, simple sentence structures, and communication for real-life situations.
As a tonal language, Cantonese places strong emphasis on listening and speaking. With guidance from an experienced tutor, you’ll learn to recognise and use tones accurately, helping you be understood in everyday interactions. You’ll also be introduced to commonly used written characters and gain insight into Cantonese culture, customs, and communication styles.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Cantonese: Beginners Level 1 course, you should be able to:
- Recognise and use different Cantonese tones and understand how they affect meaning
- Communicate in a limited but practical way in everyday situations
- Use basic sentence structures and foundational grammar
- Read and write simple Chinese characters related to course topics
- Demonstrate introductory understanding of Cantonese culture and social practices
Course content
What will be covered in this Cantonese: Beginners Level 1 course?
Topics
- Greetings and introductions
- Asking and responding to simple questions
- Shopping
- Hobbies and daily routines
- Seasons, time, and days of the week
- Family members and relationships
- Cultural practices and taboos
- Basic language principles
Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Recognising and using tones
- Sentence structure
- Gender
- Formal and familiar speech
Intended audience
Who is this Cantonese: Beginners Level 1 course for?
- Complete beginners with no prior experience learning Cantonese
- Learners interested in spoken Cantonese for travel, culture, or personal connection
- Heritage learners wanting to strengthen spoken language foundations
- Anyone curious about learning a tonal language in a supportive environment
Course venue
Online via Zoom
- Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation
- A device with a stable internet connection is required
- We recommend using a computer rather than a mobile phone or tablet
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Notebook and pen
- Course textbook (see below)
Textbook
Please purchase the course textbook – which is used for our Learn Cantonese: Beginners Course and Learn Cantonese: Level 2 Course.
Colloquial Cantonese: The Complete Course for Beginners (2010 version and later)
ISBN: 978-113-895-822-7
We recommend purchasing your textbook after your Cantonese course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start). The textbook is not included in the enrolment fee.
Certificate of attendance
Achievement Recognition
Upon successful completion of the course with at least 80% attendance, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance, recognising your participation and commitment to learning Cantonese.
Additional information
- Course delivery: Fully online through interactive virtual classrooms
- Certificate: A Certificate of Attendance is provided to students who successfully complete the course
- Bundle discount: Enrol in two Cantonese language courses and receive an automatic 15% discount
What's next?
What other Cantonese language courses do we offer?
After completing this course, you may wish to continue with Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 2, where you’ll build on your spoken skills and expand your vocabulary and sentence structures.
Enrol in both Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 1 and Beginners Level 2 and save 10% using the promo code GROUP10 at checkout. Please visit our discounts page for full details.
Course testimonials
-
Michael said: A most excellent tutor. Room had no A/C so extremely uncomfortable.
-
Debbie said: Enjoyable and well paced class with Kari, a kind teacher, who makes the class very interesting, giving examples and explanations that are very helpful in furthering vocabulary.
-
Glen said: Great class and tutor. Thanks.
-
Rachel said: I loved the interactions with fellow students and the noticeable progression we all made over the 8 weeks. 5 Stars!
-
Jennifer said: Kari was a great teacher. Interesting, informative, patient and fun. I really enjoyed this class.
Course tutors
Kari Yu
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
4.7 starsaverage rating on Google
1,400+courses to choose from
99%customer support rating
Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn to speak Cantonese and explore a vibrant spoken language with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/cantonese">Cantonese language short courses</a>
...<p>Learn to speak Cantonese and explore a vibrant spoken language with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/cantonese">Cantonese language short courses</a>
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 1
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 1
Related courses
-
Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 2
Learn to speak Cantonese with our Cantonese language short courses online & in Sydney. This online Level 2 Cantonese course follows our Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 1 and will give you confidence in speaking and understanding the Cantonese language. Each class will look at different situational topics that are designed to boost your conversation skills by expanding your vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of the language and culture. Upon completion of this level 2...
Learn more about Cantonese Course: Beginners Level 2 -
Cantonese Course: Intermediate
Continue learning and practising your Cantonese language skills with our Cantonese Course: Intermediate online. Expand your language skills by immersing yourself in the Cantonese culture and practicing speaking, reading and writing skills. This course helps you to deepen your existing language skills whilst building and extending them. We will focus on grammar knowledge, fluency and conversation skills in a range of contexts. We will build on your vocabulary and pronunciation...
Learn more about Cantonese Course: Intermediate -
Indonesian Course: Beginners Level 1
Improve your work skills and improve your linguistic abilities and learn to speak Bahasa Indonesian with our Indonesian language short courses online and in Sydney! Join our Indonesian Course: Beginners Level 1 and embark on a journey to master the basics of Bahasa Indonesian. Taught by qualified and experienced tutors, this course offers a friendly and relaxed learning environment that allows you to explore Indonesian culture while developing your language skills. Whether you...
Learn more about Indonesian Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Japanese Course: Beginners Level 1
Begin your journey into the dynamic world of Japanese language and culture with our with our Japanese language courses online! Whether your interest comes from Japanese film, anime, food, travel, or simple curiosity about the language itself, this beginner-friendly course offers a clear and supportive introduction to Japanese for complete beginners. This beginner-friendly course is designed for complete beginners and offers a clear, supportive introduction to Japanese — no prior...
Learn more about Japanese Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Korean Course: Beginners Level 1
Curious about the Korean language? Learn the basics with our Korean language short courses. Whether you’ve been inspired by Korean music and pop culture, are planning to travel, or simply enjoy learning new languages, this beginner-friendly course provides a welcoming introduction to Korean for complete beginners — no prior experience required. Korean is a unique and logical language with its own writing system, and this course places strong emphasis on learning Hangeul, the Korean...
Learn more about Korean Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 1
Begin your journey into the Mandarin Chinese language and culture with our Mandarin Chinese courses online! This beginner-friendly course is designed for complete beginners and offers a clear, supportive introduction to Mandarin Chinese — no prior experience required. You’ll start learning practical, everyday Mandarin from the very first classes, building confidence step by step. Mandarin Chinese is often more logical than people expect. The language has no verb conjugations, no...
Learn more about Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 2
Improve your work skills and expand your global opportunities by learning Mandarin Chinese language short courses online & in Sydney! You had a taste of Mandarin Chinese in our Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 1 and would like to build on your language skills? Our Chinese Mandarin Course: Beginners Level 2 will give you the platform to practice and improve your basic language skills by looking at new situational topics such as going to the market, asking for directions,...
Learn more about Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 2 -
Mandarin Chinese Course: Intermediate Level 1
Improve your work skills and expand your global opportunities by learning to speak Chinese Mandarin with our Mandarin Chinese language short courses online & in Sydney! Have you started learning Mandarin Chinese in our Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 1 and Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 2 and would like to build on your language skills? This Chinese Mandarin intermediate course will give you the platform to practice your language skills and add some new ones by...
Learn more about Mandarin Chinese Course: Intermediate Level 1 -
Mandarin Chinese Course: Intermediate Level 2
Improve your work skills and expand your global opportunities by learning to speak Chinese Mandarin with our Mandarin Chinese language short courses online & in Sydney! Have you started learning Mandarin Chinese in our Mandarin Chinese Course: Beginners Level 1 & Level 2 and Mandarin Chinese Course: Intermediate and would like to build on your language skills? This Chinese Mandarin Intermediate Level 2 course will give you the platform to practice your language skills and add some...
Learn more about Mandarin Chinese Course: Intermediate Level 2 -
Thai Course: Beginners Level 1
Broaden your cultural horizons and discover the Thai language with our Thai language short courses online! Have you always wanted to learn Thai but weren’t sure where to begin? This beginner-friendly course offers a practical and supportive introduction to the Thai language and is designed for complete beginners — no prior experience required. Thai is a tonal language, and this course places clear emphasis on pronunciation from the very beginning. With guidance from an experienced...
Learn more about Thai Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Vietnamese Course: Beginners Level 1
Start your Vietnamese language learning with our Vietnamese language short courses online & in Sydney! This online Vietnamese beginner's course is the perfect course to start your journey and build a solid foundation. Here you'll learn how to communicate in Vietnamese in a relaxed, practical, and interactive class. Explore how to have conversations with simple vocabulary and basic sentences while being introduced to the beautiful Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese is a tonal language,...
Learn more about Vietnamese Course: Beginners Level 1
