Question 1

Do I need a card?

Accepted Answer

Not for the first lesson. A card is required only if you choose the 7-day trial afterward. It adds 100 live minutes after checkout and costs $0 today; if you keep it, it continues as Premium at $5.99/month.

Question 2

What happens after my first lesson?

Accepted Answer

Create a free profile to save your starting point. Then you can choose a 7-day trial with 100 live minutes. If you keep the trial, Premium begins on day 7 at $5.99/month and adds 200 live minutes each month.

Question 3

What would I eventually pay for?

Accepted Answer

Private live one-to-one lesson time with Mei Lin. Only live lessons use live minutes; the free practice tools do not.

Question 4

What can I keep using for free?

Accepted Answer

Music and Dialogues stay free. A free profile adds spaced-repetition flashcards, saved progress, eligible lesson recaps, and daily review podcasts.

Question 5

What counts as a live minute?

Accepted Answer

Only live conversation time with Mei Lin uses minutes. Music, Dialogues, Flashcards, lesson recaps, and daily review podcasts do not.

Question 6

Do I need a microphone?

Accepted Answer

A microphone gives you the full speaking experience, but typing works when you are somewhere noisy or cannot use one.

Question 7

Is SayMei only for beginners?

Accepted Answer

No. Complete beginners can start at HSK1, while experienced learners can choose HSK2, HSK3, or a higher path. Mei Lin adjusts the support as she hears what you can do.

Question 8

Do unused minutes roll over?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 200 live minutes Premium adds each month roll over while you stay subscribed.

Chinese Flashcards — Smart Review with FSRS | SayMei