Podcast Episodes

266 - What important words are missing from HSK?

Season 1 Episode 266

HSK is the most widely used proficiency test for Chinese, and many learners aim to master the vocabulary at each level. Yet some of the most important words are missing from the HSK.

#learnchinese #hs…

Published on 4 days, 14 hours ago

265 - 5 common challenges in Mandarin listening comprehension and how to overcome them

Season 1 Episode 265

Can you ask questions in Mandarin but struggle to understand the answers? Do you feel that you know the words, but people just speak too fast? And why do words in Chinese sound so similar?

#learnchine…

Published on 1 week, 4 days ago

264 - Learning Chinese through comprehensible input

Season 1 Episode 264

Can you really learn Mandarin through listening and reading alone? What is comprehensible input, and how do you get enough of it?And how do speaking, writing, grammar, and flashcards fit in?

#learnchi…

Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago

263 - Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese

Season 1 Episode 263

The fastest way to learn to communicate in Chinese is to learn classroom expressions first. Master essential phrases that help you learn Mandarin without relying on English!

#learnchinese #classroom #…

Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago

262 - Getting the most from Hacking Chinese in 2025: Back-to-school course discount, 2025

Season 1 Episode 262

There are over 500 articles and more than 1 million words on Hacking Chinese. How are you supposed to absorb all that information and inspiration as a student? Let’s discuss how to get the most out o…

Published on 1 month ago

261 - Should you learn to speak Chinese before you learn Chinese characters?

Should you learn Chinese characters from the start, or focus on speaking first? There are good arguments for both approaches, but one makes more sense for most students.

Please note: This is a rerecor…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

260 - 16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand

Season 1 Episode 260

Does handwriting still have a place in modern Chinese learning? Let's explore 8 more popular arguments in favour of writing characters by hand to see if they hold up to scrutiny.

#learnchinese #handwr…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

259 - Using AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice

Season 1 Episode 259

You don’t need to be fluent to speak Mandarin with AI. These beginner-friendly chatbot activities offer low-pressure practice that builds confidence, comprehension, and conversation skills.

#learnchin…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

258 - How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide

Season 1 Episode 258

A great tutor can accelerate your learning, but finding the right one isn’t easy. To get the best results, you need to be patient and try many options. Here is how!

#learnchinese #tutor #teacher #onli…

Published on 1 month, 4 weeks ago

257 - Student Q&A: July, 2025: AI feedback, input methods and topics for writing

Season 1 Episode 257

How do you get good feedback on your Chinese writing using AI? What’s the best input method for students? And how do you find interesting topics to write about?

#learnchinese #writing #ai #typing #top…

Published on 2 months ago