01 / STUDY GUIDERead the story
Start with Tea or coffee?. Two friends want different drinks. Read the four sentences once. Use pinyin when you need it, and reveal a translation only for a sentence you cannot follow.
Find out who wants tea and who wants coffee. Check unfamiliar words when they stop you following the story.
今天早上，我想喝茶。
This morning, I would like some tea.
02 / STUDY GUIDEChoose words to practise
For this passage, try 喝 (to drink), 茶 (tea) and 喜欢 (to like). If those are already familiar, choose different words from the reading. Start with three words and adjust the number as needed.
| Word | Pronunciation | Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| 喝 | hē | 喝茶 · drink tea |
| 茶 | chá | 想喝茶 · would like tea |
| 喜欢 | xǐhuan | 喜欢咖啡 · like coffee |
Check the full dictionary entry before saving a word. Note the meaning used in the passage. Add other meanings as you encounter them.
03 / STUDY GUIDESave the vocabulary
In Laowai, save words from dictionary entries to a personal list, or import the reading’s vocabulary download:
- Download the morning-reading vocabulary (TSV) and save it to Files.
- Open Learn in Laowai, tap + (New list), then choose Import from file.
- Select the TSV, review the recognised words and tap Import.
- Open the list when you are ready to practise.
The download contains all six vocabulary words from the reading. You can choose a smaller set for your own notes. Dictionary search stays free; unlimited practice is part of optional Laowai Pro.
Prefer paper? Use the printable reading and vocabulary sheet. It includes room to recall meanings and write your own sentence.
04 / STUDY GUIDEPractise recalling the words
- Look at the Chinese word with its meaning covered. Say its meaning in this passage.
- Say the pronunciation, then check the pinyin and tone marks.
- Read the original phrase aloud, or write it down.
- Change one detail to make a sentence about yourself.
我喜欢喝茶。
I like drinking tea.
我的朋友喜欢喝咖啡。
My friend likes drinking coffee.
If you cannot recall a word, check its meaning and try again later with the meaning covered.
05 / STUDY GUIDEReread the story
Read the story again with English translations hidden. Can you follow the change from coffee to tea? Can you recognise your selected words without stopping?
At your next study session, revisit the same words before adding more. Keep a short note of the ones that still interrupt your reading. Choose a number of new words you can review regularly.
When the passage feels comfortable, move to The book by the window and repeat the routine with a different scene. Use the words from your list to help you follow the story.
Examples written for this guide.
