You Can Learn Chinese

Have you ever had comments in Chinese about your weight, asked how much money you make, or experienced just a general lack of “please” and...

How long can you use Chinese before your “brain is full”? John and Jared talk about endurance in Chinese, how to build stamina, and what...

What do you do when your dictionary says one thing but native speakers say it differently? John and Jared will talk about how to handle...

Jared and John discuss a research paper on learner engagement with vocabulary apps. Whether you’re an independent learner or a teacher, there are plenty of...

Learning a language is much more than learning vocabulary. This includes understanding and anticipating interactions within a cultural context. John and Jared discuss exactly what...

In 2021, Jared and John at Mandarin Companion surveyed over a thousand Chinese learners worldwide. Based on a statistical analysis, they found six main types...

Slang words in Chinese are always evolving, but is it worth it to learn? As always, it depends. Guest interview is with language enthusiast, author...

Learning from native speakers is essential. In this episode, Jared and John will make you aware of ways they can also lead you astray. Guest...

Do you ever feel like you’re trying to get conversational in Chinese but seem to be stuck in textbooks and classes? In this episode, John...

WeChat is the most popular instant messaging platform in China. In this episode, John and I are going to tell you tips and tricks on...

If you’re into music, this episode is for you! John and Jared talk about how Chinese songs can help you learn Chinese. Interview is with...

Do native speakers know the tones? How well do you need to know tones to listen or speak? Jared and John delve into these and...

Sometimes we forget how easy it can be to practice Chinese. In this episode, Jared and John talk about everyday games, like Uno and charades...

Jared and John talk about why typing characters leads to better learning outcomes than handwriting. They dispel conventional wisdom backed by science from an academic...

John and Jared have pulled the best stories out of all of the guest interviews of 2021. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be inspired...

In this episode, John and Jared talk about something close to their hearts: reading in Chinese. They discuss the different types of reading, different techniques...

In this episode, John and Jared respond to a listener question about Cantonese, which leads to a discussion around China’s numerous dialects/languages, which are in...

In this episode John and Jared share the proper way to compare similar words, characters, sounds, and grammar points. There’s a time and a place...

John and Jared talk about three types of research-backed strategies and tips you can employ to improve your listening skills, specifically in the areas where...

Listening is one of the biggest challenges for Chinese learners. In this two part series, John and Jared talk about the most complicating factors to...

John and Jared use research to address issues related to watching movies in Chinese, with and without Chinese subtitles. Find out what the academics say...

How do Chinese people feel about a foreigner with a potty mouth in Chinese? Are curse words worth learning? John and Jared talk about swearing...

Reading a Chinese newspaper is a common goal for many learners, but is it the right goal for you? John and Jared talk about what...

John and Jared answer a listener’s question about the rivalry between China’s two most famous cities: Shanghai and Beijing. They discuss culture, history, and language...

John and Jared are going to revisit and unpack this classic question posed by Dr. David Moser three decades ago and identify what is hard...