普通話, or Mandarin, is the official language of China and is based on the Beijing dialect. It serves as a common means of communication among the diverse linguistic groups in the country. 普通話 is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. As a standardized form of Chinese, 普通話 is used in education, media, and government. It is characterized by its four tones, which can change the meaning of words. Learning 普通話 is essential for understanding Chinese culture and engaging with its people.