Chinese Bites — with Jianying | HSK 1️⃣

In this episode, we learn how to say yes, no, and “maybe next time” in Chinese — politely and naturally. You’ll practice common expressions like 可以 , 好啊 , 不行 , and 下次吧 , and learn how Chinese softens refusals to keep conversations friendly. 可以 好 / 好啊 不行 不可以 下次吧

In this episode, we learn how to make choices in Chinese using two essential words that both mean “or”: 或者 and 还是 . You’ll discover when to use 或者 in statements and 还是 in questions, and how Chinese clearly separates talking about options from asking someone to choose. 或者 → or (in statements) 还是 → or (in questions)

In this episode, you’ll learn how to connect ideas naturally in Chinese using three essential words: 因为 (because), 所以 (so), and 但是 (but). 因为 → because 所以 → so 但是 → but

In this episode, you’ll learn how to ask “why” and “how is it” in Chinese using two essential question words: 为什么 and 怎么样 . We’ll then practice giving simple, natural reasons with 因为 + adjective , without long sentences or complicated grammar. Everything stays short, clear, and beginner-friendly. 为什么 → why 怎么样 → how is it 因为 + adjective

In this episode, we continue building on degree expressions in Chinese and learn how to fine-tune your tone without changing sentence structure. You’ll discover how to use 还 , 真 , and 非常 to sound more natural when describing people, situations, and feelings — from calm and realistic to emotional or polite and formal. 还 → quite / not bad 真 → really (emotional) 非常 → very (neutral, strong)

In this episode, we take a deeper look at how Chinese expresses degree and feeling . You’ll learn how to choose between 很 , 太…了 , and 有点儿 — words you may have seen before, but now organized clearly so you know when to use each one naturally . ✔ Degree words 很 → neutral / default 太…了 → strong emotion 有点儿 → mild, often negative Subject + 很 + adjective 太 + adjective + 了 有点儿 + adject...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to compare things in Chinese using just two simple but powerful words: 更 (more) and 最 (most) . We’ll practice making comparisons, expressing preferences, and talking about what you like more or like the most — all in clear, beginner-friendly Chinese. No complicated grammar, just natural phrases you can use right away. ✔ New words 更 = more / -er 最 = most / the...

"Learn how to use 有 (yǒu) to express 'there is / there are' in Chinese — one of the most essential patterns for describing rooms, desks, bags, and daily surroundings." ✔ Structure Place + 有 + noun Place + 有 + noun + 吗？ Place + 有什么？ 上、下、里、外、前面、后面 一本书、一个手机、一个人、一座山、一杯咖啡… ✔ Questions✔ Location Words✔ Useful Words

"Learn how to combine time words and frequency words to describe your daily habits in natural Chinese. Perfect for talking about morning routines, weekend hobbies, and everyday activities!" ✔ Time Words 早上、晚上、周末、每天、中午、下午 常常、有时候、偶尔、不常、从不 Subject + Time + Frequency + Verb 你……吗？ 你……多不多？ 跑步、唱歌、画画、游泳、跳舞、弹钢琴、踢足球、打网球 ✔ Frequency...

"Learn how to talk about how often you do something using everyday frequency words like 常常, 有时候, 偶尔, 不常, and 从不 — perfect for describing hobbies and routines." 常常 chángcháng often 有时候 yǒu shíhòu sometimes 偶尔 ǒu'ěr occasionally 不常 bùcháng not often 从不 cóngbù never 跑步 pǎobù to run 唱歌 chànggē to sing 画画 huàhuà to draw / paint 游泳 yóuyǒng to swim 爬山 páshān...

"Learn to describe how well you do sports and hobbies using the essential structure Verb + 得 + adjective . Perfect for talking about dancing, swimming, singing, painting, basketball, and more!" 打篮球 dǎ lánqiú — play basketball 踢足球 tī zúqiú — play soccer 打网球 dǎ wǎngqiú — play tennis 打排球 dǎ páiqiú — play volleyball 打乒乓球 dǎ pīngpāngqiú — play ping pong 游泳 yóuyǒng — swimmin...

In this episode, we learn how to talk about life experiences in Chinese using the essential structure Verb + 过 , such as 我去过中国 (I’ve been to China) and 我吃过火锅 (I’ve eaten hotpot).Perfect for sharing things you've tried, done, or experienced!" Verb + 过 → I have done 没 + Verb + 过 → I haven’t done 你 Verb + 过 + Object + 吗？ 我去过日本。 wǒ qù guò Rìběn I’ve been to Japan. 你去...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to talk about your past in Chinese — using simple time words like 昨天 (yesterday) and 上个周末 (last weekend), plus the essential marker 了 for completed actions. Perfect for describing what you did yesterday, last night, or last weekend! Grammar Focus: 了 → completed action Structure: Time + Subject + Verb + 了 Time Words: 昨天, 前天, 昨天晚上, 上个周末 Example...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to talk about future plans in Chinese! We’ll use the essential structure 要 (yào) + Verb to express future or intention, and time words like 明天 (tomorrow), 周末 (weekend), and 下星期 (next week). Time Words: 明天, 后天, 这个周末, 下个周末, 下星期 👉 Structure: Time + Subject + 要 + Verb (+ Object) "I'm going to…" 🗣️ Examples: 明天我 要去学校。 míng...

In this episode, learn how to invite someone to do something with you in Chinese! We review hobby vocabulary from last episode and build new patterns like 我们一起…吧 and 你想不想…？ Perfect for making your Chinese more social and natural! Patterns: 我们一起…吧 → Let’s … together 你想不想…？ → Do you want to…? Eg. 我们一起去游泳吧！ wǒmen yìqǐ qù yóuyǒng ba! Let’s go swimming together! 我们一起打...

In this episode, we’ll talk about hobbies and sports — how to say what you like to do in Chinese! You'll learn sentences like 我喜欢打篮球 (I like playing basketball) , 她喜欢听音乐 (She likes listening to music) , and the essential question 你喜欢做什么？ A fun and practical lesson to help you talk about your daily life!" Words basketball打篮球dǎ lánqiúplay soccer踢足球tī zúqiúplay tennis打网球dǎ...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to talk about how you get somewhere — by bus, by bike, or on foot. We’ll use the structure 怎么去 (zěnme qù) and learn useful words like 坐车 (take a bus), 骑车 (ride a bike), and 走路 (walk). Let’s hit the road — in Chinese! 🚌🚲🚶‍♀️ ✅ Grammar Focus: Structure: Subject + 怎么 + 去 + Place Verbs: 坐 (take), 骑 (ride), 走 (walk) ✅ Examples: 我坐车去学校。 他骑车...

In this episode, you’ll learn how to talk about going places and doing things in Chinese — like I’m going to school , He’s going to the store , or We’re going to eat with friends. We’ll use the super useful pattern 去 + 地点 + 动作 (to go + place + activity). ✅ Grammar Focus: 去 (qù) → to go Structure: Subject + 去 + Place (+ Verb + Object) Question: 你去哪儿？ ✅ Useful Words: 学校 (xuéxiào) sch...

In this episode, we’ll learn how to say where things are — like The book is on the table or The cat is under the chair! You’ll discover how to use 在 (zài) with simple position words, so you can describe your surroundings in Chinese naturally. 🐱📚🪑 ✅ Grammar Focus: 在 (zài) = to be at/in/on Structure: Noun + 在 + Place Question: Noun + 在 + 哪儿？ ✅ Position Words: 上 (on) / 下 (under) / 里 (i...

In this episode, we’ll learn how to ask and answer everyday questions like What’s this? , What’s that? , and Whose is it? using 这 (this), 那 (that), and 的 (possessive ‘s’). It’s one of the most useful and fun patterns in Chinese — simple, but powerful! 👜📱📚 这 / 那 → this / that 是 → to be 什么 → what 谁的 → whose 的 → ’s / possessive marker 我的 / 你的 / 他的 / 她的 / 它的 → my / your / his /...

In this episode, we’ll learn how to describe taste, temperature, and feelings in Chinese — using simple structures like 很 (very) , 太…了 (too…) , and 有点儿 (a bit…) . Perfect for talking about food, weather, and even your mood! 🍜☕🍰 热 (rè) hot, 冷 (lěng) cold, 甜 (tián) sweet, 苦 (kǔ) bitter, 辣 (là) spicy, 咸 (xián) salty, 好吃 (hǎochī) delicious 很 (hěn) → very / quite 太…了 (tài…le) → too…...

In this episode, we’ll review food vocabulary and then learn how to connect your ideas naturally in Chinese — using and , but , also , and both…and… . Get ready to talk about your favorite foods in smooth, natural Mandarin! 🥟🍜☕ Vocabulary (food): 饺子 dumplings, 包子 steamed buns, 面条 noodles, 米饭 rice, 茶 tea, 咖啡 coffee, 果汁 juice, 水果 fruit, 蛋糕 cake, 面包 bread, 早餐 breakfast, 午餐 l...

In this episode, we’ll bring everything together — time, place, and frequency — to describe your daily life naturally in Chinese. You’ll learn how to say things like I eat breakfast at home every morning and She often studies at the library at night , and how to ask questions like Where do you eat? or Do you study every day? ☕📅 Time words: 早上 (morning), 中午 (noon), 下午 (afternoon), 晚上 (eve...

In this episode, we’ll learn how to talk about how often you do things in Chinese — how to say ‘I study every day,’ ‘I sometimes read,’ or ‘I never wake up early.’ These tiny words can change your whole sentence, and make you sound like a real local. ☕📆 Grammar: 👉 Subject + (Time) + Frequency + Verb + Object Frequency Words: 每天 (every day), 有时候 (sometimes), 常常 (often), 从不 (never), 总是...

In this episode, we’ll learn how to talk about your daily routine — how to say I get up at 7 , I eat at noon , or I sleep at 10. You’ll also learn how to ask What time is it? and What time do you...? in Chinese. It’s simple, logical, and super useful for daily life! ☕🕖 Grammar: 👉 Subject + Time + Verb + Object Time words: 早上, 中午, 下午, 晚上, 七点, 八点半, 十点 Verbs: 起床, 吃饭, 上班, 下班,...