Saying Hello Without “你好” in Chinese
https://player.vimeo.com/video/563519483 Download PDF Notes 1. When meeting someone for the first time 你好 / 您好(nǐ hǎo/ nín hǎo) Chinese people don’t really say 你好 in real life. It can come…
Top Ten YouTube Channels for Learning Mandarin Chinese
YouTube is packed full of great content for learning Mandarin Chinese. You can find video lessons that cover a wide range of subjects, and they are totally free. #1: YangYang…
Business Chinese: Essential Mandarin Expressions for Online Meetings
Necessity is the mother of invention, particularly in a time when everyone is working from home. Online meeting platforms, such as Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom, have revolutionized the world…
Chinese Color Theory: The Cultural Significance and Meaning Behind Colors
Have you ever wondered why the color red is so significant in Chinese culture? It's not just because it's a bold and vibrant hue. In fact, you’ll see it on…
“Almost” The Same – A Comparison of 差点儿, 几乎, and 差不多
When delving into the world of Chinese language and texts, you'll often come across different expressions that seemingly translate to the same word in English. But here's the thing: every…
Everyday Animal Related Slangs and Buzzwords in Chinese
In everyday Chinese conversations, animal-related slang expressions are indispensable. They show up frequently and are widely known among Chinese people nowadays. These words and phrases not only enrich the language…
Why You Should Learn to Write Chinese Characters by Hand and How to Start
“Should I learn to handwrite Chinese characters?” This is a question most Mandarin students ask themselves at the beginning of their learning journey because it is perhaps the biggest challenge…
Some Unique and Confusing Chinese Expressions That You Will Definitely Meet in Daily Life
Beyond the most commonly taught greeting, 你好/您好(nǐ hǎo / nín hǎo), there are some other commonly used greetings and expressions, that may not be included in textbooks, but will often…
Cultural Contrast: Northern vs. Southern Chinese Cuisine and Vocabulary
Exploring the rich tapestry of China's multi-ethnic heritage will bring you into a world where regional cultural differences make it seem like you’re in completely different places. China is a…
Awkward Personal Questions Chinese People Ask
https://youtu.be/iF10GYOPP2Y Imagine you are having some chit-chat with a Chinese lady you met some five minutes ago at a bus station, and she is asking you normal questions like “Where…