Little Mandarin: Learn Chinese through culture and real life

A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me Welcome to the first episode of this festive Mandarin journey! 🎄 Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Christmas Flavors . From dumplings to turkey, Yule logs to mince pies, I’ll guide you through a global holiday feast while sprinkling in Mandarin grammar and vocabulary. 🍽️ Ever wondered why Chinese families might leave an entire fish...

“Can you feel it? Expressing emotions in Mandarin like a pro!” Ever feel conflicted , relieved , or even a little nostalgic , but don’t know how to say it in Mandarin? In this episode, we break down advanced emotional expressions like 矛盾 (máodùn) , 释然 (shìrán) , and 心酸 (xīnsuān) . You’ll also discover the unique Chinese way of expressing feelings—subtle, poetic, and rich in culture. 🎄 Speci...

In today’s episode, “ When Words Fail: Mandarin for Expressing Feelings, ” we explore essential Mandarin phrases to express common emotions like tired , happy , or annoyed . Learn how to naturally use words like 累 (lèi) , 开心 (kāixīn) , and 烦 (fán) , while discovering cultural insights about how emotions are expressed subtly in Chinese. 🎄 SpecialAnnouncement : Starting December 20 , join me fo...

What is love? In this episode, we dive deep into its mysteries and surprises, blending the delicate beauty of Chinese cultural expressions with timeless philosophical musings like “Is true love real?” Discover the charm of Mandarin words like 表白 (confession) and 一见钟情 (love at first sight), and learn how they reflect China’s unique take on romance. With a mix of humor, insight, and heart, we’...

Love is universal, but the way we talk about it can be so different and fascinating! In Mandarin, love isn’t something you “fall” into – it’s something you 谈 (tán) , or talk about. In this episode, we explore how Mandarin captures the beauty of romance with words that reflect subtlety, connection, and intentionality. From the magic of 一见钟情 (love at first sight) to the sweetness of 牵手 (holdi...

What happens when Pu’er tea meets an Americano? In this episode, we explore how tea and coffee—two drinks with completely different vibes—bridge the cultural gap between East and West. From the refined elegance of Chinese tea culture taking Paris by storm to the vibrant coffee scene making Shanghai the coffee capital of the world, we uncover the stories, surprises, and shared passions behind these...

What’s your morning routine – a strong cup of 咖啡 (coffee) or a soothing 茶 (tea) ? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the eternal battle: Tea vs. Coffee ! Whether you’re a self-proclaimed coffee addict or a die-hard tea lover, we’ve got the perfect blend of fun and Mandarin for you. We’ll explore everything from 拿铁 (lattes) to 美式咖啡 (American coffee) , and even dive into what makes each...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Chinese table culture! From the do's and don’ts at a dinner table to the funny and quirky taboos, we cover everything you need to know about dining in China. Learn why certain behaviors might raise eyebrows, how to behave at different types of gatherings (business dinners, family meals, and casual hangouts), and discover some of th...

Ready to dive into the world of Chinese food? In this episode, we’ll take you through the exciting journey of ordering at a Chinese restaurant. From the basics of Chinese food culture (中国饮食文化 zhōng guó yǐn shí wén huà) to the popular family-style dining (合菜 hé cài), we’ll help you navigate the menu (菜单 cài dān) like a pro. We’ll cover everything from savory dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi) and cr...

"Winter mornings are tough. Getting out of bed feels like a battle with your warm, cozy blanket, and your alarm clock becomes your worst enemy. In this episode, we dive into the age-old debate: Is it better to stay in bed a little longer or wake up early and seize the day? We'll break down the science behind winter routines, explore the pros and cons of sleeping in versus early rising, and share p...

In this episode, we’re diving into the rhythms of our daily routines— 日常作息 (rìcháng zuòxí)—as winter settles in. From early mornings to cozy evenings, we explore how our routines change with the seasons and how to talk about them in Mandarin. You’ll learn essential phrases for describing your day, fun examples of Chinese routines, and a comparison of daily habits in China and Western countries...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of tipping cultures across different countries. Why is tipping mandatory in some places while frowned upon in others? From the United States to France, China, and the UK, tipping isn’t just about rewarding good service; it reflects each country’s culture, values, and social norms. Whether you’re used to adding a little extra or keeping things sim...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into theworld of tipping customs, or 小费 (xiǎofèi) ,across France, the U.S., the UK, and China. Tipping might seem like a small thing, but it’s full of cultural quirks and surprises! Join me as we chat about when and where tipping is expected (or not!), and explore why some countries have strict tipping rules while others are much more relaxed about...

在本期播客中，我们将探讨购物这一既熟悉又矛盾的话题。每年购物季节的到来，从中国的双十一到西方的黑色星期五，各种促销活动让人眼花缭乱。我们会聊聊广告如何影响我们的购物欲望，以及在这股消费潮流中，我们追求的究竟是什么？购物不仅是物质的满足，更是一种心理和情感的体验。在这一集里，我们也会讨论如何在物质欲望与生活态度之间找到平衡，希望能引发你对购物和消费文化的思考。 重点单词总结 购物 (gòu wù) : Shopping...

In this episode, we dive into the world of shopping! 今天我们要聊聊购物 (gòuwù)! With November here, France is already buzzing with Black Friday preparations, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few essentials myself. Join me as we explore the cultural differences between Black Friday in the West and its counterpart in China, along with the unique shopping seasons, discounts, and trends in each. Yo...

As winter time settles in and the days get shorter, it’s easy to feel a little out of sync. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to keep the warmth and brightness alive! In this episode, we’ll dive into how different cultures tackle the winter blues, from cozy candles in Denmark to winter drinks in France. Plus, I’ll share a few simple tricks for bringing more light into your daily life. Tune...

"Welcome to the first episode of our Mandarin journey, where we dive into the world of ghosts and traditions! In this Halloween special, we explore the Chinese Ghost Festival, or 中元节 (zhōng yuán jié), and how people in China honor spirits with respect. Along the way, you’ll pick up some essential Mandarin phrases that go beyond spooky stories and can be used in everyday life. Get ready for a bi...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of learning Mandarin, one of the most fascinating and complex languages in the world. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, we explore the biggest challenges you'll face when starting out and reveal some aspects that are surprisingly easier than you might think. Tune in as we share personal anecdotes, expert tips, and practical advice...