How to Learn and Write Mandarin Fast!? So I am canto, but can't speak or understand mandarin very well. I have been enrolled in Chinese school for 10 years (I am going to grade 10) in 2 weeks. Over the summer, I HAVE FORGOTTEN literally everything! I was lucky I passed grade 9 when I could barley understand anything. I heard the teachers were much strict in higher grades. Skills I need to master/ or improve in 2 weeks: Speak/ Understand Mandarin. I am canto, so I have some advantages. Write/ Read Chinese character, I want to first learn the basics, characters that are universal. I can use it in many cases and is useful. What are tricks for memorizing?