How to Improve Chinese Speaking & Writing Proficiency
The Chinese language(Mandarin in particular) has the distinction of being the most commonly used language in the world, spoken by over a billion people. But, it is also considered one…
Learning Practical Chinese While Cooking Chinese Dishes
I. Introduction to Cooking A. General Information on the benefits of cooking immersion In most Chinese learning books and courses, there is usually a chapter about ordering food at a…
The Taxi Chinese Plateau and How To Get Over It
Some days it seems as though the majority of foreigners in China speak amazingly fluent Mandarin. Some days it feels like no one cares about it once they are able…
Using Topics and Scenarios to Make Your Chinese Learning More Efficient
As a Mandarin teacher, I am always delighted to observe and learn from my students. One thing I have noticed in my interactions with my students is how hard most…
多音字(duō yīn zì): Understanding Polyphones in Mandarin Chinese
Learning Mandarin is an exciting journey filled with countless characters, tones, and nuances. As you delve into the language, one fascinating feature you'll encounter is the concept of polyphones. Polyphones,…
Being a Picky Eater in China
Growing up, I went through food phases. I’d decide that my favorite thing to stuff my face with was strawberry cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly and then eat…
How to Improve Your Mandarin Chinese Reading Skills
You may not be aware of it, but we read more than we realize. When we see text in our mother tongue, we mentally acknowledge it in our heads –…
Things Chinese People are Tired of Hearing
Recently, my friend Jenny wrote an article about things foreigners in China are tired of hearing. Can you guess the number one response? “Your Chinese is so good! 你中文真好！ (nǐ…
Lost in China? Here’s How to Get Help from Strangers
After making 14 trips to China and deciding to learn Mandarin, it occurred to me that there were certain Chinese phrases that could have saved me a lot of trouble…
From Passage to Process: Decoding 通过(tōng guò) and 经过(jīng guò) in Chinese
When it comes to mastering Mandarin Chinese, learning the nuances of vocabulary is a crucial step towards fluency. One such challenge involves two words that often perplex even advanced learners:…