Chinese Learning Podcast | HSK 3 (Season 1)

Have you ever seen a train go through a building… or a city that looks like a real-life cyberpunk movie? In this episode, you’ll learn how to use 什么 (shénme), 谁 (shéi), and 怎么 (zěnme) with 都 (dōu) to express ideas like “anything,” “anyone,” and “no matter how” in natural Mandarin. These patterns are used all the time in real conversations and allow you to express multiple ideas with one simple structure. Through clear explanations and practical examples, you’ll learn how to use:什么 + 都 → anything / everything 谁 + 都 → anyone / everyone 怎么 + 都 → no matter how But that’s not all We also explore Chongqing, one of the most unique and futuristic cities in China. Known for its multi-level layout, neon skyline, and viral social media spots, it’s a city that often feels like it’s from another world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to use 什么 + 都 to express “anything / everything” ✅ How to use 谁 + 都 to express “anyone / everyone” ✅ How to use 怎么 + 都 to express “no matter how” ✅ Sentence structure and real-life examples ✅ How these patterns simplify complex ideas in Chinese Fun Fact:Chongqing is one of the only cities in the world where: A train passes through a residential building GPS can fail because of its multi-layered design Influencers travel there just to film “cyberpunk-style” content Question for You:How would you say: “Everyone likes to eat hot pot” in Chinese?Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge:Create your own sentence using 什么 / 谁 / 怎么 + 都. For example:我什么都吃。 (I eat everything.) 他谁都认识。 (He knows everyone.) At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Did you know that in some Chinese cities, parents go to parks to look for partners for their children? In this episode, you’ll learn a key grammar structure while discovering one of the most surprising social traditions in China: 相亲角 (matchmaking parks). We focus on the structure Verb / Adjective + 得 (dé), which is essential for describing results and degree in natural Mandarin. This pattern helps you express ideas like “so tired that…” or “so busy that…” — something native speakers use all the time. Through a clear HSK3-level dialogue and practical explanations, you’ll learn how to use this structure confidently in real conversations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to use Verb / Adjective + 得 (dé) to describe results and intensity ✅ Real examples from everyday situations ✅ How to express “so… that…” naturally in Chinese ✅ Cultural insight into matchmaking parks (相亲角) and family expectations Cultural Insight:In many Chinese cities, parents gather in parks to share profiles of their children — including age, job, and income — hoping to find a suitable partner. It’s a unique mix of tradition and modern life. Question for You:How would you say: “He is so busy that he has no time to rest” in Chinese?Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge:Create your own sentence using 得 (dé). For example:他忙得没时间吃饭。 (He is so busy that he has no time to eat.) 她高兴得一直笑。 (She is so happy that she keeps smiling.) Learn Chinese the smarter wayAt Hanyu Chinese School, you can learn Mandarin with top private tutors and access a complete online campus with transcripts, webinars, flashcards, and interactive tools to help you progress step by step. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

️Do Chinese students really start school at 7AM? In this episode, you’ll learn how to use 除了…以外…都… and 除了…以外…也/还… to express exceptions and add information naturally in Mandarin. Through a clear HSK3-level dialogue, we explore real school life in China and Taiwan — early mornings, long study hours, and after-school classes — while helping you master one of the most useful grammar patterns for everyday communication. What you’ll learn• Grammar: how to use 除了…以外…都… (except…) and 除了…以外…也/还… (in addition…). • Practical usage: express exceptions and add extra information naturally. • Real context: common situations from school life and daily routines. • Cultural insight: why education plays such a central role in Chinese-speaking societies. ️ Key examples• 除了上学以外，还要去补习。 Besides school, you also have to attend extra classes. • 除了一个同学以外，大家都来了。 Everyone came except one classmate. • 除了学习钢琴以外，我还学打羽毛球。 Besides learning piano, I also play badminton. ChallengeWrite a sentence using 除了…以外… in the comments. We’ll help you improve it. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Would you try century egg, duck blood, pig brain… or bird’s nest? In this episode, we explore 5 surprising Chinese foods while you learn one of the most useful grammar points in Mandarin: directional complements (来 / 去 / 过来 / 过去). But this episode isn’t just about “unusual food”. It’s about understanding how culture shapes taste, daily habits… and even the way people speak. Today you’ll learn how to describe movement naturally in Chinese: bringing things closer, moving away, or talking about direction in real-life situations. These structures are essential if you want to sound more natural and go beyond textbook Chinese. What you’ll learn• Grammar: how to use 来 / 去 and compound complements like 过来 / 过去. • Practical usage: describe movement, direction, and actions in everyday conversations. • Real context: a dialogue at HSK3 level with natural expressions. • Culture: a closer look at Chinese food culture and why some dishes may seem surprising from a Western perspective. ChallengeWould you try any of these foods? And can you write a sentence using 来 or 去? Leave it in the comments and we’ll help you improve it. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

In this episode, we tackle one of the most important — and often confusing — grammar structures at HSK 3 level: the 把 (bǎ) sentence. Instead of learning it in isolation, you’ll see how 把 is actually used in real life — especially during one of the busiest times of the year: preparing for Chinese New Year. Through clear explanations, practical examples, and a natural dialogue, you’ll learn how to use 把 to talk about: • Moving objects • Changing situations • Completing tasks • Getting things done properly You’ll understand why 把 focuses on the result or impact of an action, and how this structure helps you sound more natural and more advanced in Mandarin. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The basic 把 + object + verb + complement structure ✅ When and why Chinese speakers use 把 ✅ Common verbs that frequently appear in 把 sentences ✅ Typical mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Cultural insight into Spring Festival preparation traditions Cultural Insight:Before Spring Festival, families clean the house, decorate with red couplets, prepare food, and organise everything for the new year. This is exactly the kind of context where 把 sentences appear naturally in daily conversation. Practice Challenge:How would you say: “Please put the red decorations on the door” using 把?Write your answer in the comments and try building your own example sentence. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

The More… The More… (越…越…) | Why Do Chinese People Love Square Dancing? | HSK 3 In today’s episode, we explore one of the most natural and powerful sentence structures in Mandarin: 越…越… (“the more… the more…”). This pattern is used constantly in real Chinese and helps you describe how two things change together over time. It’s especially common when talking about work, study, emotions, habits, and daily life. You’ll hear clear and practical examples such as:The more you work, the more tired you feel.The more happily you study, the faster you improve. You’ll also learn when to use 越…越… and how it differs from 越来越, so you won’t confuse the two. But that’s not all In our cultural segment, we dive into a phenomenon that surprises almost every foreigner in China: 广场舞 (square dancing). Why do people gather to dance in public squares at night?Why is the music often so loud?And why is this activity about much more than exercise? What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to use 越…越… naturally in conversation ✅ The key difference between 越…越… and 越来越 ✅ Real-life examples at HSK 3 level ✅ Cultural insight into China’s square dancing tradition ✅ How grammar and social habits reflect real life in China Cultural Insight:Square dancing in China is not just about movement. For many people, it’s about community, routine, friendship, and staying active. It’s a way of using public space very differently from what many Westerners are used to. Challenge for You:Can you create your own sentence using 越…越…?Write it in the comments and practise thinking directly in Chinese. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

又 vs 再 Explained + Why Chinese People Always Say “Just One More Episode” | HSK 3 In today’s episode, we break down one of the most confusing but most common grammar points for HSK3 learners: 又 (yòu) vs 再 (zài). Both are translated as “again” in English, but in Mandarin they are used very differently depending on time. You’ll learn how to talk naturally about actions that happened again in the past, and actions you plan or expect to do again in the future. This distinction is essential for sounding clear and natural in everyday Chinese. But that’s not all We also dive into a very real part of modern Chinese life: the “再看一集” (“just one more episode”) culture. From long TV dramas to short videos and mini-dramas, we explore why people always say they’ll stop watching… and then end up watching more. If you’ve ever said “just one more”, this episode will feel very familiar What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The difference between 又 (past repetition) and 再 (future repetition)✅ How to choose the right word based on time and context✅ Common mistakes learners make with 又 and 再✅ Real-life examples you can use immediately✅ Cultural insight into binge-watching habits in China Cultural Note:In China, phrases like 再看一集 (“watch one more episode”) or 再刷一下 (“scroll a bit more”) are everywhere. With short video apps and mini-dramas, stopping is often harder than starting. Question for You:How would you say in Chinese: “I want to watch it one more time”?Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge:Create your own sentence using 又 or 再. For example:他昨天又迟到了。(He was late again yesterday.) 我们下次再见。(We’ll meet again next time.) Learn Chinese the smarter wayAt Hanyu Chinese School, you can learn Mandarin with top private tutors and access a complete online campus with transcripts, webinars, flashcards, and interactive tools to help you progress step by step. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Learn 刚 vs 刚才 in Chinese + 内卷 & 摸鱼 Explained! In today’s episode, we break down one of the most confusing time expressions for HSK3 learners: 刚 (gāng) vs 刚才 (gāngcái). You’ll learn how to talk naturally about things that just happened, with clear examples you can start using in real conversations immediately. But that’s not all We also dive into modern Chinese work culture, explaining two internet buzzwords that are everywhere in China today: 内卷 (nèijuǎn) and 摸鱼 (mōyú). Why do people complain about the never-ending competition at work? And why is “slacking off” suddenly not as bad as it seems? We explain it all with humour and real-life examples. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The difference between 刚 and 刚才 and how to use them in context ✅ How to describe recent events naturally in Mandarin ✅ The meanings of 内卷 and 摸鱼 in modern Chinese work culture ✅ Cultural insights: why slacking off (摸鱼) is becoming acceptable in some contexts Fun Fact: Did you know that in Chinese, 内卷 (nèijuǎn) refers to the phenomenon of excessive competition, especially at work, while 摸鱼 (mōyú) is used to describe “slacking off” during work hours? These terms are often used in discussions about the pressures of modern life in China. Question for You: How would you say: “I just finished my work” in Chinese? Write your answer in the comments and we’ll help you with corrections! Mini Challenge: Create your own sentence using 刚 or 刚才. For example: • 我刚吃完饭。 (“I just finished eating.”) • 刚才我去买东西了。 (“I just went to buy something.”) At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

Learn 着 (zhe) as an Adverbial Complement + Pet-Friendly Cinemas in China | HSK3 In this HSK3 episode, we’ll teach you how to use 着 (zhe) to form adverbial complements in Mandarin. This structure helps you describe how an action happens by adding context or an ongoing state. For example, “working while listening to music” or “studying while drinking coffee.” You’ll also learn how to build natural sentences with the pattern V + 着 + V, and understand the difference between this structure and 一边…一边… so you’ll know when to use each one correctly. Plus, in our cultural segment, we explore a surprising trend in China: pet-friendly cinemas! Yes, in some Chinese cities, you can watch movies like Zootopia (疯狂动物城) while bringing your dog or cat with you. We’ll discuss why this trend exists, how it works, and what it reveals about modern urban life and pet culture in China. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use 着 (zhe) as an adverbial complement to describe actions in progress ✅ The key differences between V + 着 + V and 一边…一边… ✅ Real-life examples you can use in conversations ✅ Cultural insight: the pet-friendly cinema trend in China and what it says about pet culture Fun Fact: Did you know that pet-friendly cinemas in China are becoming more popular, where moviegoers can enjoy a film while spending time with their furry friends? This is a growing trend in many urban areas. Question for You: How would you say in Chinese: “He is eating while watching TV”? Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it! Mini Challenge: Create your own sentence using 着 (zhe). For example: • 我一边听音乐一边工作。 (“I work while listening to music.”) • 我坐着喝咖啡看书。 (“I sit and drink coffee while reading a book.”) Learn Chinese the smarter way At Hanyu Chinese School, you can learn Mandarin with top private tutors and access the best online Chinese learning platform in Spanish. Our platform offers hundreds of tools, weekly group webinars, flashcards, and interactive games to make learning personalized and effective. At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

In today’s episode, we focus on a very practical grammar structure: 地方 + Verb + 着 + Object. This pattern is used to describe the state or position of things in a place, and it’s essential for everyday Chinese. You’ll learn how to say natural sentences like “There’s a book on the table” or “There aren’t any fruits in the fridge,” just like native speakers do. In the cultural segment, we explore how people travel in China today. Why do many still choose 跟团旅游 (group tours), while younger travellers prefer 自驾游 (self-driving trips)? We’ll also introduce the apps Chinese travellers really use, such as 高德地图 (Gaode Maps) for navigation, 抖音 (Douyin) to check real videos of destinations, and 小红书 (Xiaohongshu) to find the best photo spots, angles, and poses. Some attractions even create special 网红拍照点 (internet-famous photo spots) just for Xiaohongshu users. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to use 地方 + Verb + 着 + Object to describe where things are✅ How to form negatives with 地方 + 没 + Verb + 着 + Object✅ Common verbs used with 着, such as 放着, 坐着, 挂着, 住着✅ Cultural insights into group tours vs. road trips in China✅ Bonus: the most popular travel apps used by Chinese travellers Fun Fact:China is one of the few countries where tourist attractions actually build 网红拍照点 — photo spots designed specifically so visitors can recreate trending Xiaohongshu photos. Question for You:How would you say in Chinese: “There’s a cat lying on the sofa”?Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge:Create your own sentence using today’s grammar structure. For example:墙上挂着一张地图。(There’s a map hanging on the wall.) 公园里站着很多人。(There are many people standing in the park.) At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

In today’s episode, we explore a new and very useful meaning of 会 (huì). You may already know 会 as “to know how to” (ability) or “will” (future), but here you’ll learn how 会 is used to express possibility — what will probably happen in a given situation. You’ll see clear, real-life examples such as:“If you don’t eat breakfast, you’ll probably feel hungry.”“It’s very cold, you’ll probably catch a cold.” In the cultural segment, we dive into some of the most surprising and unusual jobs in China. From hiring a handsome guy to go hiking with you (帅哥陪你爬山), to paying someone to stand in line for you, to professional bridesmaids, these jobs reflect the speed, creativity, and pressures of modern Chinese society. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The three main uses of 会: ability, future, and possibility✅ How to use 会 to mean “will probably…” in daily conversations✅ Why adding 的 at the end makes sentences sound more natural✅ Common mistakes learners make with 会 and how to avoid them✅ Cultural insights into random jobs in China and what they reveal about society Fun Fact:In China, you can actually pay someone to wait in line for you. When a new iPhone is released, “professional line-standers” queue all night while their clients stay at home and sleep. Question for You:How would you say in Chinese:“If you don’t study, you’ll probably fail the exam”?Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it. Mini Challenge:Create your own sentence using 会 to express possibility. For example:别吃太多，你会不舒服的。 (Don’t eat too much, you’ll probably feel unwell.) 明天会下雨的。 (It will probably rain tomorrow.) At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today

In today’s episode, you’ll master how to use 一…也/都…不/没 and 一点儿也不 to express emphatic negatives like “not even one” or “not at all” in Chinese. You’ll learn to construct real-life sentences such as “I didn’t bring even one yuan” or “I’m not tired at all,” and discover how these structures can make your Mandarin sound more natural and impactful. We also dive into the fascinating world of bike-sharing in China (共享单车). From the rise of Ofo and Mobike, to the iconic bike graveyards of abandoned bikes, and the modern services like Meituan Bike and HelloBike fully integrated into China’s super apps, we cover it all. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to use 一 + measure word + 也/都 + 不/没 + Verb to emphasise “not even one” ✅ How to use 一点儿 + 也/都 + 不 + Adjective to say “not at all” ✅ The difference between 不 and 没 in this structure ✅ Common mistakes learners make and how to avoid them ✅ Cultural insights: the rise, fall, and rebirth of bike-sharing in modern China Fun Fact: Did you know that in some Chinese cities, there were once huge piles of abandoned bikes known as “bike graveyards”? These became a symbol of both China’s tech boom and the challenges of rapid expansion. Question for You: How would you say “He didn’t drink even one cup of tea” in Chinese? Write your answer in the comments, and we’ll check it for you! At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights: Online Campus: The best virtual campus. Access study materials, interactive exercises, and additional resources from anywhere, anytime. Private Teachers: Our highly trained teachers provide personalized classes with an individual approach. Trial Classes: Not sure if this language is for you? Try our trial classes! Immerse yourself in the language and discover if it’s the right choice for you. Hanyu Blog: Every week, we publish informative and entertaining articles to help you improve your understanding of the language and culture. Learn more languages with Trainlang! Visit our websites and start your language journey today