English for Chinese Speakers · Foundations
Start building your English from the basics
Mike lays out a beginner-friendly way to start learning English: build a useful foundation, form simple sentences, and practise consistently. Follow the key expressions in his explanation, then try using them in context.
麦克老师用常用词和基础句型说明如何开始学英语。跟着视频留意实用表达，再试着把它们用在自己的学习计划里。
麥克老師用常用詞和基礎句型說明如何開始學英語。跟著影片留意實用表達，再試著把它們用在自己的學習計畫裡。
Read the full lesson summary
Start building your English from the basics is a guided english for chinese speakers · foundations lesson for English learners who want to understand and use language in this real-life situation. The short description introduces the lesson; this expanded guide draws its details from the transcript and its phrase notes, so it focuses on what this particular video actually covers rather than a generic channel overview.
What the lesson covers
The lesson moves through Opening; Starting from zero; Setting a realistic learning goal; Returning to the basics; Imagining language learning in a new place; Introducing the most common English words; Common nouns; and further related moments. Following that sequence helps learners connect each expression to what the speakers are doing, asking, or responding to, instead of memorizing vocabulary as a disconnected list. Listen for how the meaning changes with the situation and how the speaker's wording keeps the exchange moving.
Language to take away
- from zero — Starting with no prior knowledge or skill. Understandable learner-focused wording; in everyday American English, from scratch is usually more idiomatic.Use it when: Recognize Mike's wording for a complete beginner; when speaking naturally, prefer from scratch.Example: “I had no experience, so I learned to cook from scratch.”
- where to start — The first step or place to begin. Common, neutral conversational wording; often follows know or not know.Use it when: Use it when you feel unsure about the first step in a task.Example: “I have all the ingredients, but I don't know where to start.”
- divide it into two parts — Separate one topic or task into two sections. Neutral and useful for explaining an organized plan.Use it when: Describe how a large lesson, project, or explanation is structured.Example: “Let's divide the presentation into two parts: the problem and the solution.”
A way to use this lesson
Notice how the lesson opens before Mike begins the main explanation. Replay the relevant moment, then adapt the language to a real conversation you expect to have. Keep the original situation in mind: the goal is not simply to repeat a sentence, but to choose wording that suits the people, purpose, and tone of the exchange.
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Transcript
Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Opening
Hi, guys. [unclear]
Try it: Notice how the lesson opens before Mike begins the main explanation.
Phrase cheat sheet
All phrases at a glance
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
from zero
Starting from zero · expression
Starting with no prior knowledge or skill.
Tone and use: Understandable learner-focused wording; in everyday American English, from scratch is usually more idiomatic. Recognize Mike's wording for a complete beginner; when speaking naturally, prefer from scratch.
Example“I had no experience, so I learned to cook from scratch.”
where to start
Starting from zero · expression
The first step or place to begin.
Tone and use: Common, neutral conversational wording; often follows know or not know. Use it when you feel unsure about the first step in a task.
Example“I have all the ingredients, but I don't know where to start.”
divide it into two parts
Setting a realistic learning goal · expression
Separate one topic or task into two sections.
Tone and use: Neutral and useful for explaining an organized plan. Describe how a large lesson, project, or explanation is structured.
Example“Let's divide the presentation into two parts: the problem and the solution.”
get to a conversational level
Setting a realistic learning goal · expression
Reach a level where you can take part in everyday conversations.
Tone and use: Neutral; get to emphasizes reaching a later stage or result. Talk about a practical language-learning goal.
Example“After a year of practice, she could get to a conversational level in Spanish.”
go back to basics
Returning to the basics · expression
Return to the simple, essential parts of a subject.
Tone and use: Neutral; often used when reviewing fundamentals can help. Talk about strengthening foundational skills.
Example“I keep making mistakes with verb forms, so I'm going back to basics.”
put in the work
Returning to the basics · expression
Make the sustained effort needed to improve or finish something.
Tone and use: Conversational and encouraging; it emphasizes effort over shortcuts. Talk about the practice and effort needed for progress.
May not fit: Do not translate work literally as a job here; the phrase is about effort.
Example“If you want to improve your listening, you have to put in the work every week.”
it's up to you
Returning to the basics · expression
You are the person who can decide or take responsibility for what happens next.
Tone and use: Direct everyday expression; it can sound supportive or firm depending on context. Give someone a choice or responsibility for the next step.
Example“We can meet today or tomorrow; it's up to you.”
build from there
Imagining language learning in a new place · expression
Use what you already have as a foundation for the next step.
Tone and use: Neutral; there points back to the foundation or starting point just mentioned. Describe gradual learning or growth.
Example“Learn a few useful phrases first, then build from there.”
get started on
Prepositions and beginning a study plan · phrasal verb
Begin doing or working on something.
Tone and use: Common conversational English; on is followed by a noun or an -ing form. Say that you are beginning a task, plan, or course of study.
Example“I want to get started on my speaking practice tonight.”
Knowledge check
Practice the phrases you heard
What it means · “from zero”