Takeaway Chinese

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "special edition" in Chinese.

In Chinese, intelligence isn't just about IQ. Someone can be 聪明 (smart), 机灵 (clever), 精明 (shrewd), or even 大智若愚 (great wisdom under the guise of folly) — and each word reveals a different way Chinese speakers think about wisdom, personality, and social behavior. In our new episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're exploring how Chinese speakers describe smart, clever, silly, goofy, and everythi...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "save" in Chinese.

Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 活人感 (huó rén gǎn) – the feeling of a living human or the sense of a real person. Have you ever looked at a flawless post – and felt… nothing? 活人感 is the opposite of that feeling. It's the sense that there's a real, living person behind the screen – the kind of raw, unfiltered...

Chinese is evolving fast – and so is the slang! From viral catchphrases to internet buzzwords, we're breaking down the trendiest expressions people are using right now. Sound more natural, more local, and way more in the know. Tune in to Takeaway Chinese and upgrade your Chinese today! (07:40) 开团秒跟 - Someone takes the lead, others immediately copy or join. (15:50) 活人感 - A sense of being a r...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "fake" in Chinese.

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "court" in Chinese.

In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve explore what safety means in China – from ancient philosophies about an ideal society to real-life travel experiences today. Join us as we take a closer look at how safe it feels in China, especially during nighttime. (06:54) What did a "safe society" look like in ancient China? (12:57) How safe is it to be out at night in China today?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "anticipate" in Chinese.

Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 学术底刊 (xué shù dǐ kān) – bottom-tier academic journals. Now, you won't find these journals in any library. It's a viral trend that turns academic writing into something unexpectedly funny. Think of it as the perfect blend of serious academic language mixed with completely nonsens...

Is learning a language still worth it when AI can translate in real-time? In this UN Chinese Language Day special of Takeaway Chinese, we asked Chinese language learners across the globe: Do you use AI to learn Chinese? Will you keep learning Chinese as AI advances? What we found might surprise you! Tune in now. On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve.  (05:20) How are Chinese language learners across th...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "free ride" in Chinese.

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "food coma" in Chinese.

Ever tried arguing in Chinese… and suddenly didn't know how to sound right? In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve walk you through various real-life arguing scenarios — from workplace disagreements to couple banter, to those moments when you really need to stand your ground… tune in now, and pick up useful expressions. (02:27) How do you handle arguments in different real-life situ...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "tax revenue" in Chinese.

Welcome to our new segment "The China Code", where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 开团秒跟 (kāi tuán miǎo gēn). It started in gaming, but now it's everywhere – from group chats to spontaneous real-life moments with total strangers. So how did a gaming term turn into a real-life vibe – and why do people love it so much? Let's take a closer look....

Ever feel like your emotions are speaking louder than your words? In our latest episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're diving into something we all experience, but don't always know how to express: negative emotions. From stress and frustration to disappointment and burnout, how do you talk about these feelings in Chinese? And more importantly, how do you respond to them? On the show: Niu Honglin & St...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "first aid" in Chinese.

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "sudden death" in Chinese.

Ever wondered how many ways Chinese has to say "room"? From 室, 厅, 间, 房, 屋… each word opens a different door into how space is understood in Chinese. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve discuss these subtle differences. Tune in and pick up some handy expressions! (01:10) There're so many words in Chinese that can describe a room: 室, 厅, 间, 房, 屋… (08:55) In traditional Chi...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "logic" in Chinese.

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "appetite" in Chinese.

Spring is in the air, and so are the blossoms! In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we invite you to slow down and step into the timeless tradition of flower appreciation. Admiring flowers isn't just about beauty; it's a way of feeling the season and connecting with nature! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (05:21) Learn useful Chinese expressions about flowers. (15:06) Flowers are made into delic...

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "corporate cattle" in Chinese.

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "abnormal" in Chinese.