SayMei's first lesson is a free speaking lesson of up to 10 minutes with Mei Lin, an AI Mandarin tutor. You speak out loud, she answers in real time and corrects your tones and grammar as you go. No account, no credit card and no app download are needed — the lesson runs in your browser.
What happens in the lesson
Before it starts, you pick your goals and level; if you know some Mandarin, a five-question check suggests where to start. Mei Lin speaks first and has you saying Chinese out loud in the opening minute. From there she teaches one sentence pattern matched to that level, building it up piece by piece, checking you understood it, and having you use it in a new situation and in a short roleplay. She then adds the Mandarin follow-up for "and you?" so you can put the question back to her and hold a two-way exchange. The pace follows the conversation rather than a clock, and you can read the running transcript in pinyin, characters, or both.
What you need
A phone or computer with a microphone, plus Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge. Nothing to install. Afterwards, a free account saves your progress, opens spaced-repetition flashcards and comes with one more free curriculum lesson. With or without an account you can browse 1,800+ lessons, use listening practice and play HSK 1 lesson songs. More speaking time with Mei Lin, and unlimited flashcards, games and stories, come with Premium — see SayMei pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first SayMei lesson really free?
Yes. Your first lesson with Mei Lin is free and no credit card is required to start it. Dialogues and listening practice stay free after that too, and flashcards, games and stories have a free daily allowance.
Do I need an account to talk to the AI Chinese tutor?
No. Pick your level, then start talking. Signing up is free and only matters if you want your progress, vocabulary and lesson history saved.
How long is a SayMei lesson?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes: one lesson, one grammar pattern, and as much speaking as possible. Consistency matters more than long lessons.
What happens after the free first lesson?
To keep talking you start a 7-day trial that includes 100 minutes with Mei Lin and unlimited access to everything else. It does require a card, though nothing is charged when it begins. It then converts to SayMei Premium at $5.99 per month for 200 minutes plus unlimited practice, and you can cancel before renewal.