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🍡🥟 Sweet or salty? In this episode, we compare China’s favorite snacks — tanghulu, jianbing, baozi, and youtiao. You’ll learn how to make comparisons in Mandarin, expand your snack vocabulary, and enjoy a cozy reflection on how these little foods connect people.
甜的还是咸的？这一集我们聊一聊中国最受欢迎的小吃：糖葫芦、煎饼、包子和油条。你会学到“比较”的表达方式，扩展更多小吃词汇，还有一个轻松的小故事，带你感受食物背后的人情味。
📖 Grammar of the Day
Review from Tuesday: 最 (zuì) = the most / favorite
New Grammar: 比 (bǐ) = to compare
🥢 Key Vocabulary with Examples
糖葫芦 – candied hawthorn (tanghulu)
冬天在北方街头常常能看到糖葫芦。
In northern China, you often see tanghulu in winter.
煎饼 – Chinese pancake / jianbing
早上很多人喜欢吃煎饼。
Many people like to eat jianbing in the morning.
包子 – steamed bun
我早餐经常买包子。
I often buy baozi for breakfast.
油条 – fried dough stick
油条和豆浆是经典的早餐组合。
Fried dough with soy milk is a classic breakfast combo.
甜 – sweet
这杯奶茶太甜了。
This milk tea is too sweet.
咸 – salty/savory
我更喜欢咸的味道。
I prefer savory flavors.
小吃 – snack / street food
夜市有很多好吃的小吃。
There are many delicious snacks at the night market.
选择 – choice
在甜的和咸的之间，你的选择是什么？
Between sweet and savory, what’s your choice?
🌟 Profound Content (Spoken Mandarin + Translation)
其实不管是甜的还是咸的，这些街头小吃总是带着一种特别的氛围。冬天吃糖葫芦，嘴里甜甜的；早上拿着一个煎饼，边走边吃；或者和朋友一起喝豆浆配油条。简单的小吃，背后都是人和人之间的联系。可能你吃的不只是味道，而是那一刻的心情。
Actually, whether it’s sweet or savory, street snacks always carry a special vibe. Eating tanghulu in winter makes your mouth sweet, grabbing a jianbing in the morning feels convenient and warm, or sharing soy milk and fried dough with a friend. These snacks are simple, but behind them is connection between people. What you taste isn’t just the flavor, but also the feeling of the moment.
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🍠🌰🌽 Let’s talk about the cozy street foods of autumn in China — roasted sweet potatoes, corn, and chestnuts! In this episode, you’ll learn useful Mandarin words, how to say your “favorite,” and enjoy a warm reflection on why these simple snacks make life feel so comforting.
今天我们来聊一聊秋天最温暖的街头小吃：烤红薯、玉米和板栗。你会学到实用的中文词汇，表达“最喜欢”的方式，还有一个轻松的小故事，带你感受这些简单食物里的幸福感。
📖 Grammar of the Day
最 (zuì) = the most / favorite
🥢 Key Vocabulary with Examples
烤红薯 – roasted sweet potato
我最喜欢在冬天吃烤红薯。
I love eating roasted sweet potatoes in winter.
玉米 – corn
她在路边买了一根玉米。
She bought a corn on the cob from the street vendor.
板栗 – chestnut
热乎乎的板栗很好吃。
Warm chestnuts taste so good.
摊子 – street stall
晚上街上有很多小吃摊子。
At night, there are many food stalls on the street.
香 – fragrant / delicious-smelling
烤玉米的味道很香。
Roasted corn smells delicious.
热乎乎 – warm, hot (cozy)
我喜欢冬天喝一杯热乎乎的豆浆。
I like drinking a warm soy milk in winter.
纸袋 – paper bag
老板把板栗装在纸袋里。
The vendor put the chestnuts in a paper bag.
排队 – to line up
大家都在排队买烤红薯。
Everyone is lining up to buy roasted sweet potatoes.
暖和 – warm (weather/feeling)
吃烤红薯让我觉得很暖和。
Eating roasted sweet potatoes makes me feel warm.
🌟 Profound Content (Spoken Mandarin + Translation)
你知道吗，其实这些街头小吃特别普通，但是吃起来总是让人很开心。冬天的时候，手里拿着一个热乎乎的烤红薯，一边走路一边吃，整个人都暖和了。板栗也是，边剥壳边聊天，慢慢吃，觉得时间都慢下来。很多时候不是因为味道有多特别，而是因为这些小东西，总能让一天变得更舒服。
You know, these street snacks are really simple, but they always make people happy. In winter, holding a hot roasted sweet potato and eating it while walking makes you feel warm all over. Chestnuts too — peeling the shell slowly while chatting with friends makes time feel slower. It’s not really about the special taste, but about how these little things make the whole day feel more comfortable.
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🌸 In this episode, we learn polite and respectful ways to talk with seniors in Mandarin. Practice using “请” with “您,” review 又 and 再, and discover expressions full of warmth and care.
今天我们一起学习对长辈礼貌尊敬的表达。练习“请”和“您”的用法，复习“又、再”，学一些温暖而有礼貌的日常用语。
📝 Grammar of the Day
请 (qǐng) = “please” for polite requests.
Often used with 您 (nín) for extra respect.
Review from Tuesday:
🌸 Key Vocabulary with Sentence Examples
🗣 Example Sentences with 请
🌸 Profound Content
在中国，和老人说话的时候，常常要多一点礼貌。比如一句“您好”，一句“请坐”，其实不只是礼貌，而是关心。老人听到，会觉得很温暖。很多时候，他们不要什么大礼物，只是希望你能多陪他们，说一声“请慢走”，“请保重”。这些小句子，简单又日常，但在老人心里很重要。
In China, when we talk with seniors, we often add a little more politeness. For example, saying “nín hǎo,” or “please sit” — it’s not only about being polite, it’s about showing care. When elders hear it, they feel warm inside. Most of the time, they don’t need big gifts, they just hope you can spend more time with them and say things like “please take care” or “please walk safely.” These small sentences are simple and everyday, but they mean a lot to elders.
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Let’s talk about autumn activities in Mandarin and the Chongyang Festival (重阳节). Learn new seasonal words, practice grammar with 又 and 再, and discover the meaning of this traditional festival.
🍂 一起学习秋天的活动和中国传统的重阳节。我们会练习“又、再”的用法，学新词，还会了解节日背后的文化。
Mandarin:
🍂 一起学习秋天的活动和中国传统的重阳节。我们会练习“又、再”的用法，学新词，还会了解节日背后的文化。
📝 Grammar of the Day
再 (zài) = again (future action)
又 (yòu) = again (past or present action)
🍂 Key Vocabulary (with sentence examples)
🌸 Profound Content (spoken style)
在中国，重阳节其实不是一个很“热闹”的节日，它更像是一种提醒。提醒我们：家里的老人需要陪伴。很多人平时很忙，可是到了这一天，就会想起，要打个电话，要回去看看。爬山、吃糕、喝茶，好像都是小事情，但其实是让家人聚在一起的理由。每年都再来一次，这就是节日的意义吧。
In China, the Chongyang Festival is not really a “big and noisy” holiday. It feels more like a reminder — that the elders at home need our company. Many people are busy, but on this day, they remember to make a phone call, to go back for a visit. Climbing a mountain, eating cake, drinking tea — these all seem like small things, but really, they’re reasons to bring family together. Doing it again every year — that’s the meaning of a festival.
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Let’s explore the five flavors of Chinese food — sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty! In this episode, you’ll learn how to describe taste in Mandarin, practice the grammar 很 / 有点, and discover how flavors are also a metaphor for life.
今天我们来聊一聊中国食物的五种味道：酸、甜、苦、辣、咸！在这一集里，你会学到如何用中文形容味道，练习“很 / 有点”这个语法点，还能体会到这些味道在生活里的寓意。
📘 Grammar of the Day
很 (hěn) = very
有点 (yǒudiǎn) = a little bit
Examples:
🥢 Key Vocabulary + Sentences
酸 – sour
这个柠檬很酸。
This lemon is very sour.
甜 – sweet
蛋糕很甜。
The cake is sweet.
苦 – bitter
咖啡有点苦。
Coffee is a little bitter.
辣 – spicy
四川火锅很辣。
Sichuan hotpot is very spicy.
咸 – salty
这碗汤有点咸。
This bowl of soup is a little salty.
酱油 – soy sauce
火锅蘸料里有酱油。
There is soy sauce in the hotpot dipping sauce.
醋 – vinegar
我喜欢在饺子里放点醋。
I like adding vinegar to dumplings.
芝麻酱 – sesame paste
北京火锅常常用芝麻酱。
Beijing hotpot often uses sesame paste.
蒜泥 – mashed garlic
很多人喜欢蘸蒜泥。
Many people like dipping in mashed garlic.
蚝油 – oyster sauce
炒青菜的时候放一点蚝油。
Add a little oyster sauce when stir-frying vegetables.
豆瓣酱 – spicy bean paste
四川菜常常用豆瓣酱。
Sichuan cuisine often uses spicy bean paste.
🌏 Profound Mandarin Paragraph (spoken style)
你有没有发现，酸甜苦辣咸，其实不只是味道？在生活里，我们也会遇到这些“味道”。酸的时候，可能是难过、想哭；甜的时候，就是开心、幸福的时刻；苦的时候，是你努力加班、学习，很累但是必须坚持；辣的时候，就像面对挑战，虽然有点痛，可是也让你记得特别清楚；咸呢，就是每天的小日常，有时候平淡，却是生活的基础。就像火锅里少不了各种调料，人生也需要这些味道，混在一起才会完整。
English translation:
Have you noticed that sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty are not just flavors? In life, we also experience them. Sour is when you feel sad and want to cry; sweet is those happy, joyful moments; bitter is when you work late or study hard — tired, but you keep going; spicy is like facing challenges — a little painful, but unforgettable; and salty is the daily routine, sometimes plain, but it’s the foundation of life. Just like hotpot needs many different seasonings, life also needs all these flavors mixed together to be complete.
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🍲🔥 Let’s talk about Chinese hotpot (火锅 huǒguō)! In this episode, you’ll learn fun and useful Mandarin words to describe hotpot, practice the grammar 一边…一边… (doing two things at the same time), and discover why hotpot is not just food, but also a way of connecting with friends. Cozy, warm, and delicious!
今天我们来聊一聊中国的火锅！在这一集里，你会学到跟火锅有关的中文词汇，练习“一边…一边…”这个语法点，还能了解火锅为什么不仅是食物，更是一种朋友之间的社交方式。温暖又好吃！
📘 Grammar of the Day
一边…一边… (yìbiān… yìbiān…) – doing two things at the same time.
Example:
我们一边吃火锅，一边聊天。
We eat hotpot while chatting.
🥢 Key Vocabulary + Sentences
火锅 – hotpot
我们一边吃火锅，一边聊天。
We eat hotpot while chatting.
牛肉 – beef
我一边放牛肉，一边笑。
I put beef in while laughing.
羊肉 – lamb
北京人一边吃羊肉火锅，一边喝茶。
Beijing people eat lamb hotpot while drinking tea.
鱼 – fish
她一边夹鱼，一边说“好吃”。
She picks up fish while saying “delicious.”
豆腐 – tofu
我们一边吃豆腐，一边看手机。
We eat tofu while looking at our phones.
蔬菜 – vegetables
你一边吃蔬菜，一边听音乐。
You eat vegetables while listening to music.
汤 – soup
我一边喝汤，一边和朋友说话。
I drink soup while talking with my friends.
辣 – spicy
他一边吃辣火锅，一边流汗。
He eats spicy hotpot while sweating.
蘑菇 – mushroom
我们一边吃蘑菇，一边开玩笑。
We eat mushrooms while joking around.
土豆 – potato
她一边吃土豆，一边笑。
She eats potato while laughing.
米饭 – rice
我一边吃米饭，一边看电视。
I eat rice while watching TV.
饮料 – drink
他们一边喝饮料，一边等火锅。
They drink beverages while waiting for the hotpot.
一起 – together
我们一起吃火锅，很开心。
We eat hotpot together and feel happy.
好吃 – delicious
火锅真的很好吃！
Hotpot is really delicious!
🌏 Profound Mandarin Paragraph
在中国，火锅不仅是食物，它也是一种社交方式。朋友们围在一起，慢慢聊天，慢慢吃。吃火锅的时候，你不需要着急，因为最重要的是陪伴。
In China, hotpot is not only food, it’s also a way of socializing. Friends gather together, chatting slowly, eating slowly. When eating hotpot, you don’t need to rush, because the most important thing is the company.
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🍰🌰 Autumn isn’t just about fruits — it’s also dessert season! In today’s episode, we explore autumn sweets in Mandarin, from roasted chestnuts and pumpkin cakes to red bean soup and osmanthus cake. You’ll learn new words, a fun grammar point, and how Chinese people enjoy these cozy treats.
秋天不仅有水果，还有各种甜品！在今天的节目里，我们一起学习秋天的甜点——糖炒栗子、南瓜饼、红豆汤、桂花糕等等。你会学到新的词汇和语法，还能了解中国人是怎么享受这些温暖的小甜品的。
📘 Grammar of the Day
一边…一边… (yìbiān… yìbiān…) – doing two things at the same time
🥮 Key Vocabulary
栗子 – Chestnut
秋天我喜欢吃热乎乎的栗子。
In autumn, I like to eat warm chestnuts.
月饼 – Mooncake
中秋节的时候，我们会吃月饼。
We eat mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
红豆汤 – Red bean soup
冬天喝一碗红豆汤很暖和。
Drinking a bowl of red bean soup in winter is very warming.
南瓜饼 – Pumpkin cake
她做的南瓜饼特别好吃。
Her pumpkin cakes are especially delicious.
桂花糕 – Osmanthus cake
这块桂花糕又香又甜。
This piece of osmanthus cake is fragrant and sweet.
Mandarin Segment (with English Translation)
Mandarin
秋天最常见的甜品就是糖炒栗子，走在街上，你常常会闻到那种香味，很有季节感。还有红豆汤或者南瓜饼，都是家常的小点心。月饼在中秋节当然少不了，不过其实很多人秋天都会再买一些，配着茶一起吃。桂花糕也是一道特别的甜品，因为秋天正好是桂花开的季节。
English
One of the most common autumn treats in China is roasted chestnuts. When you walk on the street, you often smell that aroma — it really feels like autumn. There are also red bean soup and pumpkin cakes, which are simple homemade snacks. Mooncakes are, of course, part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but many people still buy them later in autumn and enjoy them with tea. Osmanthus cake is also special, because autumn is exactly when osmanthus flowers bloom.
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Autumn is here! In today’s episode, we talk about autumn fruits in Mandarin — apples, grapes, persimmons, pears, and more. You’ll learn how to say them, plus some fun cultural details about how Chinese people enjoy fruit in daily life.
秋天到了！在今天的节目里，我们一起学习秋天的水果——苹果、葡萄、柿子、梨子等等。你会学到这些词怎么说，还会听到一些中国人日常生活里和水果相关的小文化。
📘 Grammar of the Day
又 (yòu) – again (for repeated actions that already happened)
🥭 Key Vocabulary
苹果 – Apple
我每天吃一个苹果。
I eat an apple every day.
柿子 – Persimmon
秋天的时候，我喜欢吃柿子。
I like to eat persimmons in autumn.
葡萄 – Grapes
这些葡萄很甜。
These grapes are very sweet.
梨 – Pear
她买了两个梨。
She bought two pears.
南瓜 – Pumpkin
万圣节的时候，我们会做南瓜灯。
At Halloween, we make pumpkin lanterns.
Profound Content (Mandarin only, spoken style)
秋天的水果特别有意思。走在市场里，你会看到葡萄一串串挂在那里，紫色的、绿色的，都很新鲜。柿子也开始多起来了，有的软、有的硬，中国人秋天很喜欢买柿子。苹果就更不用说了，几乎家家户户都会放在桌子上，随时可以拿一个来吃。梨子在秋天也很好吃，不过送梨子给别人要小心，因为“梨”和“离”发音一样，好像有“分开”的意思，所以大家通常不会把梨送给情侣。可以说，秋天的水果不只是味道好，它们还和生活习惯、文化习俗连在一起。
Autumn fruits are really interesting. When you walk through the market, you’ll see bunches of grapes hanging there — purple ones, green ones, all fresh and shiny. Persimmons also start to appear, some soft, some firm, and Chinese people love buying them in autumn. Apples don’t even need an introduction — almost every family has them on the table, ready to grab and eat. Pears are also delicious in autumn, but you have to be careful if you give them as a gift, because the word for pear, lí, sounds the same as lí meaning “to separate.” That’s why people usually avoid giving pears to couples. So you see, autumn fruits in China are not only tasty, they’re also connected to daily habits and cultural traditions.
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It’s Mid-Autumn Festival time! 🌕🥮 In this episode, we talk about family reunions, mooncakes, and why the full moon is so special in Chinese culture. You’ll learn simple Mandarin words and sentences to describe this beautiful festival. ✨
中秋节快乐！🌕🥮 在这一集，我们聊月亮、月饼和家人团圆。你会学到一些简单的中文词汇和句子，了解中秋节在中国文化中的特别意义。✨
Grammar of the Day
跟 (gēn) vs 和 (hé) – both mean “with.”
Examples:
Key Vocabulary with Examples
月亮 (yuèliàng) – moon
今天晚上月亮很圆。
The moon is very round tonight.
月饼 (yuèbǐng) – mooncake
我们在中秋节吃月饼。
We eat mooncakes during Mid-Autumn Festival.
家人 (jiārén) – family
我喜欢和家人在一起。
I like being with my family.
灯笼 (dēnglóng) – lantern
孩子们在公园里看灯笼。
The children watch lanterns in the park.
团圆 (tuányuán) – reunion
中秋节是家人团圆的节日。
Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival for family reunion.
节日 (jiérì) – festival
春节是中国最重要的节日。
Spring Festival is the most important festival in China.
吃饭 (chīfàn) – to eat a meal
我每天七点吃饭。
I eat meals at seven o’clock every day.
Short Mandarin Paragraph (Profound Content)
中秋节的时候，我常常想起小时候。家人一起坐在院子里，看月亮，吃月饼。月亮很圆，我们的心也很圆。
During Mid-Autumn Festival, I often think of my childhood. My family would sit together in the yard, watching the moon and eating mooncakes. The moon was round, and so were our hearts.
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How many holidays do people in China really get? 🗓️ From one-day breaks like Tomb-Sweeping Day to the famous week-long Golden Week, this episode explains all the official holidays in China. You’ll also learn how to say “only if” in Mandarin, plus key words about vacations and festivals. 🎆✈️
中国一年到底有多少假期？🗓️ 从一天的清明节到七天的“黄金周”，这一集会带你了解中国的所有法定节假日。我们还会学习“只有…才…”的用法，以及和假期、节日相关的实用词汇。🎆✈️
📝 Grammar of the Day
只有…才… (zhǐyǒu… cái…) – “only if…”
🗂️ Key Vocabulary with Examples
假期 – holiday, vacation
中国的假期不算很多。
There aren’t that many holidays in China.
节日 – festival
春节是最重要的节日。
Spring Festival is the most important festival.
公共假日 – public holiday
中国有七个公共假日。
China has seven public holidays.
调休 – adjusted working day
有时候假期前后要调休。
Sometimes workdays are adjusted before or after holidays.
黄金周 – Golden Week
国庆节有黄金周。
There is a Golden Week during National Day.
春节 – Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
春节我们放七天假。
We have seven days off for Spring Festival.
中秋节 – Mid-Autumn Festival
中秋节我们吃月饼。
We eat mooncakes during Mid-Autumn Festival.
劳动节 – Labor Day
劳动节有三天假期。
Labor Day has a three-day holiday.
清明节 – Tomb-Sweeping Day
清明节我们去扫墓。
We visit tombs on Tomb-Sweeping Day.
端午节 – Dragon Boat Festival
端午节人们吃粽子。
People eat zongzi during Dragon Boat Festival.
Example Sentences
Small Mandarin Segment (Spoken Style)
中国一年有七个公共假日，比如春节、国庆节、中秋节、端午节、清明节、劳动节和元旦。最长的假期是春节和国庆节，大家叫它“黄金周”。不过，这个时候旅行的人特别多，常常人山人海。你要是想来中国旅游，可以选择假期以外的时间，这样更轻松，也更便宜。
(Translation: China has seven public holidays in a year, such as Spring Festival, National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Day. The longest holidays are Spring Festival and National Day, which people call “Golden Week.” But during this time, there are so many travelers, it’s extremely crowded. If you want to visit China, it’s better to come outside of these holidays — it will be easier and cheaper.)
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China’s National Day 🎉 is celebrated every year on October 1st. In this episode, we’ll explore how people celebrate, what “Golden Week” means, and why it’s the busiest travel season of the year. Plus, learn key Mandarin words and phrases you can use when talking about holidays and travel! 🗓️✈️
📝 Grammar of the Day
…的时候 (… de shíhòu) – “when…”
Used to describe when something happens.
🗂️ Key Vocabulary with Examples
国庆节 – National Day
十月一日是中国的国庆节。
October 1st is China’s National Day.
阅兵 – military parade
北京的国庆节阅兵很壮观。
The National Day parade in Beijing is spectacular.
烟花 – fireworks
晚上有很美的烟花表演。
There is a beautiful fireworks show at night.
放假 – have a holiday / time off
国庆节我们会放假。
We have a holiday on National Day.
假期 – holiday, vacation
国庆节有七天假期。
National Day has a seven-day holiday.
旅行 – to travel
很多人利用假期去旅行。
Many people use the holiday to travel.
人山人海 – huge crowds
景点常常人山人海。
Tourist sites are often extremely crowded.
订酒店 – to book a hotel
最好提前订酒店。
It’s best to book a hotel early.
票价 – ticket price
假期票价很贵。
Ticket prices are expensive during holidays.
Example Sentences
Small Mandarin Segment (Spoken Style)
现在很多人都喜欢在国庆节出去旅游。可是，这个时候旅游景点常常人山人海，票价也比较贵。你要是想来中国旅行，最好避开国庆节，早点订酒店。这样旅行会更轻松，也更便宜。
Nǐ xiànzài hěn duō rén dōu xǐhuān zài Guóqìng jié chūqù lǚyóu. Kěshì, zhège shíhòu lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn chángcháng rén shān rén hǎi, piàojià yě bǐjiào guì. Nǐ yàoshi xiǎng lái Zhōngguó lǚxíng, zuìhǎo bìkāi Guóqìng jié, zǎodiǎn dìng jiǔdiàn. Zhèyàng lǚxíng huì gèng qīngsōng, yě gèng piányi.
(Translation: Nowadays, many people like to travel during National Day. But at this time, tourist attractions are often super crowded, and ticket prices are also higher. If you want to come to China, it’s better to avoid National Day and book hotels early. That way your trip will be easier and cheaper.)
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Are you a stationery addict? 🖊️ In this episode, we explore the world of 文具 (wénjù – stationery) and learn how to talk about your favorite pens, notebooks, and cute supplies in Mandarin. You’ll also discover the slang word 控 (kòng), used to describe being “crazy about” something, and practice the super useful grammar word 喜欢 (xǐhuān) — to like. Don’t forget to review Tuesday’s episode too! ✏️📒
你是文具控吗？🖊️ 在这一期节目里，我们一起学习文具 (wénjù) 的相关词汇，聊聊你最喜欢的笔、本子和可爱的文具用品。你还会学到一个有趣的词 控 (kòng)，表示“沉迷、迷恋”，以及常用语法 喜欢 (xǐhuān) —— 表示“喜欢”。别忘了复习周二的节目哦！✏️📒
📘 Grammar of the Day
喜欢 (xǐhuān) — to like
Structure: Subject + 喜欢 + Object
✏️ Key Vocabulary with Examples
文具 (wénjù) – stationery
我很喜欢文具。
Wǒ hěn xǐhuān wénjù.
I really like stationery.
笔记本 (bǐjìběn) – notebook
我的房间里有很多笔记本。
Wǒ de fángjiān lǐ yǒu hěn duō bǐjìběn.
There are many notebooks in my room.
彩色笔 (cǎisè bǐ) – colored pens
她喜欢用彩色笔画画。
Tā xǐhuān yòng cǎisè bǐ huà huà.
She likes to draw with colored pens.
胶带 (jiāodài) – tape / washi tape
我买了一卷很可爱的胶带。
Wǒ mǎi le yì juǎn hěn kě’ài de jiāodài.
I bought a very cute roll of tape.
明信片 (míngxìnpiàn) – postcard
旅行的时候我会买明信片。
Lǚxíng de shíhou wǒ huì mǎi míngxìnpiàn.
I buy postcards when I travel.
文具控 (wénjù kòng) – stationery addict/fanatic
她是个文具控，买了很多笔和本子。
Tā shì gè wénjù kòng, mǎi le hěn duō bǐ hé běnzi.
She is a stationery addict; she bought lots of pens and notebooks.
收藏 (shōucáng) – to collect
我喜欢收藏贴纸。
Wǒ xǐhuān shōucáng tiēzhǐ.
I like collecting stickers.
可爱 (kě’ài) – cute
这本小笔记本很可爱。
Zhè běn xiǎo bǐjìběn hěn kě’ài.
This little notebook is very cute.
Fun Dialogue
A: 你喜欢买文具吗？
Nǐ xǐhuān mǎi wénjù ma?
Do you like buying stationery?
B: 喜欢啊，我有很多笔记本和彩色笔。
Xǐhuān a, wǒ yǒu hěn duō bǐjìběn hé cǎisè bǐ.
Yes! I have many notebooks and colored pens.
A: 都写完了吗？
Dōu xiě wán le ma?
Did you finish writing in all of them?
B: 没有，我只是收藏。😂
Méi yǒu, wǒ zhǐshì shōucáng.
No, I just collect them. 😂
A: 哈哈，你真是个文具控！
Hāhā, nǐ zhēn shì gè wénjù kòng!
Haha, you really are a stationery addict!
B: 对啊，但是它们都很可爱。
Duì a, dànshì tāmen dōu hěn kě’ài.
Yes, but they’re all so cute.
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What’s hiding inside your pencil bag? ✏️ In this episode, we open it up together and learn how to say common stationery items in Mandarin. From pencils to rulers to colorful pens, you’ll also practice the super useful grammar word 有 (yǒu) — “to have / there is.” Don’t forget to check Thursday’s episode: Are You Addicted to Stationery? 🎒✨
你的笔袋里有什么？✏️ 今天我们一起看看常见的文具用中文怎么说。从铅笔到尺子，还有彩色的笔，你也会学习到非常常用的语法 “有” —— 表示“有、存在”。别忘了周四的节目：你沉迷文具了吗？ 🎒✨
📘 Grammar of the Day
有 (yǒu) — to have / there is
✏️ Key Vocabulary with Examples
笔袋 (bǐdài) – pencil bag
我的笔袋里有很多东西。
Wǒ de bǐdài lǐ yǒu hěn duō dōngxī.
There are many things in my pencil bag.
铅笔 (qiānbǐ) – pencil
笔袋里有两支铅笔。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu liǎng zhī qiānbǐ.
There are two pencils in the pencil bag.
钢笔 (gāngbǐ) – fountain pen
笔袋里有一支钢笔。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yì zhī gāngbǐ.
There is a fountain pen in the pencil bag.
墨水笔 (mòshuǐ bǐ) – ink pen
笔袋里有一支墨水笔。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yì zhī mòshuǐ bǐ.
There is an ink pen in the pencil bag.
圆珠笔 (yuánzhūbǐ) – ballpoint pen
笔袋里有三支圆珠笔。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu sān zhī yuánzhūbǐ.
There are three ballpoint pens in the pencil bag.
荧光笔 (yíngguāngbǐ) – highlighter
笔袋里有一支荧光笔。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yì zhī yíngguāngbǐ.
There is a highlighter in the pencil bag.
橡皮 (xiàngpí) – eraser
笔袋里有一个橡皮。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yí gè xiàngpí.
There is an eraser in the pencil bag.
尺子 (chǐzi) – ruler
笔袋里有一把尺子。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yì bǎ chǐzi.
There is a ruler in the pencil bag.
贴纸 (tiēzhǐ) – stickers
笔袋里有一些贴纸。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yìxiē tiēzhǐ.
There are some stickers in the pencil bag.
修正带 (xiūzhèngdài) – correction tape
笔袋里有一盒修正带。
Bǐdài lǐ yǒu yì hé xiūzhèngdài.
There is a correction tape in the pencil bag.
Fun Dialogue
A: 你的笔袋里有什么？
Nǐ de bǐdài lǐ yǒu shénme?
What’s in your pencil bag?
B: 有两支铅笔，一个橡皮，还有一把尺子。
Yǒu liǎng zhī qiānbǐ, yí gè xiàngpí, hái yǒu yì bǎ chǐzi.
There are two pencils, an eraser, and a ruler.
A: 我的笔袋里有三支圆珠笔和一支荧光笔。
Wǒ de bǐdài lǐ yǒu sān zhī yuánzhūbǐ hé yì zhī yíngguāngbǐ.
In my pencil bag, there are three ballpoint pens and a highlighter.
B: 哇，你的笔真多！还有荧光笔！
Wa, nǐ de bǐ zhēn duō! Hái yǒu yíngguāngbǐ!
Wow, you really have a lot of pens! And even a highlighter!
A: 对啊，我喜欢彩色的笔。
Duì a, wǒ xǐhuān cǎisè de bǐ.
Yes, I like colorful pens.
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Math stereotype time ➗🤔! In this episode, we explore the famous cliché: Are Chinese people really good at math? From exam pressure 📚, logic thinking 🧠, to competition and family expectations 👨👩👧👦 — let’s break down the stereotype and learn some useful Mandarin along the way.
数学刻板印象 ➗🤔！这一期我们聊一聊那个著名的问题：中国人真的都很会数学吗？从高考压力 📚、逻辑思维 🧠 到竞争和家庭期待 👨👩👧👦，一起来打破刻板印象，同时学习实用中文！
📌 Grammar of the Day (review from Tuesday)
👉 我喜欢 / 不喜欢 + [学科]
= I like / don’t like [subject]
👉 你最喜欢什么课？
= What’s your favorite subject?
👉 Bonus for today:
我最擅长 [学科].
= I’m best at [subject].
.
🗂️ Key Vocabulary List
刻板印象 – stereotype
很多人有一个刻板印象，中国人都很会数学。
Many people have a stereotype that Chinese people are all good at math.
擅长 – to be good at, to excel in
他很擅长数学。
He is good at math.
解题 – solve problems
她喜欢解题。
She likes solving problems.
逻辑思维 – logical thinking
学习数学需要逻辑思维。
Studying math requires logical thinking.
努力 – to work hard, effort
学生们为了高考很努力。
Students work very hard for the college entrance exam.
竞争 – competition
竞争太激烈了。
The competition is too intense.
应试教育 – exam-oriented education
中国的应试教育让学生有很大压力。
China’s exam-oriented education gives students a lot of pressure.
成绩 – grade, result
他的成绩很好。
His grades are very good.
压力 – pressure
考试的压力很大。
The pressure from exams is very big.
兴趣 – interest
我对数学没有兴趣。
I’m not interested in math.
高考 – college entrance exam
高考对中国学生来说非常重要。
The Gaokao is extremely important for Chinese students.
Mandarin Segment (more spoken, conversational)
大家常常问：中国人是不是都很会数学？其实，这只是一个刻板印象。你想啊，中国有十几亿人，不可能每个人都很会数学，对吧？有的人特别擅长数学，他们喜欢解题，觉得很有趣。可是也有很多人和我一样，看到数字就头疼。😂
在中国，数学之所以这么重要，是因为考试制度。比如高考，数学是必考科目，而且占分很高。为了好成绩，学生们会花很多时间做练习题。可是，这不代表每个人都喜欢，也不代表每个人都擅长。
所以，说“中国人都很会数学”，就像说“法国人都很会做菜”，其实不完全对。有些人很厉害，有些人就一般般。
(Translation summary after)
People often ask: Are all Chinese people good at math? Actually, it’s just a stereotype. China has over a billion people — not everyone can be good at math! Some people love it, some people hate it. In China, math is very important because of exams like the Gaokao, but that doesn’t mean everyone likes it or is good at it.
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It’s back-to-school season 📚! In this episode, let’s learn how to say school subjects in Mandarin — from English, Math, and History, to Philosophy, Law, and even Art. 🎨 Don’t forget to check Thursday’s episode where we talk about the cliché: Are Chinese people really good at math? ➕
📌 Grammar of the Day
👉 我喜欢 / 不喜欢 + [学科]
= I like / don’t like [subject]
👉 你最喜欢什么课？
= What’s your favorite subject?
🗂️ Key Vocabulary List
英语 – English
我喜欢学英语。
I like studying English.
数学 – Math
数学很难，但是很重要。
Math is difficult, but very important.
语文 – Chinese (subject)
我的语文老师很好。
My Chinese teacher is very nice.
化学 – Chemistry
化学实验很有趣。
Chemistry experiments are interesting.
物理 – Physics
我不太懂物理。
I don’t really understand physics.
生物 – Biology
生物课要记很多词。
Biology class requires memorizing many words.
历史 – History
我喜欢中国历史。
I like Chinese history.
地理 – Geography
地理可以帮助我们了解世界。
Geography helps us understand the world.
政治 – Politics
我们明天有政治考试。
We have a politics exam tomorrow.
法律 – Law
她在大学学习法律。
She studies law at university.
哲学 – Philosophy
哲学让我思考人生。
Philosophy makes me think about life.
宗教 – Religion
他在大学学习宗教。
He studies religion at university.
经济学 – Economics
经济学很实用。
Economics is very practical.
心理学 – Psychology
心理学帮助我们理解别人。
Psychology helps us understand others.
音乐 – Music
我会唱很多音乐课的歌。
I can sing many songs from music class.
美术 – Art
美术课让我很放松。
Art class makes me feel relaxed.
体育 – P.E.
我最喜欢体育课。
I like P.E. class the most.
信息技术 / 电脑 – I.T. / Computer Science
他对电脑很感兴趣。
He is very interested in computers.
外语 – Foreign Language
我在学一门外语。
I am learning a foreign language.
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🎉 China’s calendar is full of surprises! In this episode, we’ll explore some hidden holidays you may not know—like Laba Festival with warm porridge, Children’s Day just for kids, the spooky Ghost Festival, and more. Learn how to say “festival” in Mandarin, review key words, and practice with a fun dictée at the end! ✏️
🎉 中国的节日远不止春节和中秋节！这一集我们一起看看一些特别的节日：冬天的腊八节、孩子们的儿童节、神秘的中元节……还会学习“节”这个字，复习重点词汇，最后做一个小听写练习。✏️
📘 Grammar of the Day
节 (jié) – festival
When you put 节 after a word, it usually becomes the name of a holiday.
Examples:
👉 Sentences:
📚 Key Vocabulary with Sentence Examples
腊八节 – Laba Festival
腊八节我们喝腊八粥。
On Laba Festival, we drink Laba porridge.
劳动节 – Labor Day
劳动节的时候，中国人常常出去旅游。
During Labor Day, Chinese people often travel.
青年节 – Youth Day
青年节纪念了中国现代历史上的重要运动。
Youth Day commemorates an important event in modern Chinese history.
儿童节 – Children’s Day
六一儿童节，孩子们很开心。
On Children’s Day, children are happy.
建军节 – Army Day
八一建军节是中国军队的节日。
August 1st Army Day is the holiday of the Chinese army.
中元节 – Ghost Festival
中元节的时候，人们会点灯笼祭拜祖先。
On Ghost Festival, people light lanterns to honor ancestors.
重阳节 – Double Ninth Festival
重阳节我们去爬山。
On Double Ninth Festival, we go mountain climbing.
Festival Timeline Recap
Small Dictée Exercise ✏️
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It’s Teacher’s Day in China! Join me to learn how students celebrate this special day, discover cultural traditions, and practice some essential Mandarin phrases to say “thank you, teacher.” Don’t miss it—you’ll walk away with new words, grammar, and a little inspiration too! ✨
教师节快乐！在这一集里，我们一起聊聊中国的教师节，学生们是如何庆祝的，以及一些表达感谢老师的中文词汇和句子。快来学习新的单词和语法吧！✨
📘Grammar of the Day – 给 (gěi)
Our grammar today is the word 给 (gěi).
It means “to” or “for.” You can use it to say giving something to someone, or doing something for someone.
👉 Structure: Subject + 给 + person + object/action
So remember, 给 is not just about physical gifts—it can also be about actions you do for someone.
📚Vocabulary + Sentences
老师 – Teacher
老师教我们汉语。
The teacher teaches us Mandarin.
学生 – Student
我是学生，我喜欢上课。
I am a student, I like having class.
学校 – School
我们的学校很大。
Our school is big.
上课 – To have class
现在上课了，快坐好！
Class is starting, sit down quickly!
下课 – Finish class / after class
下课以后，我们去喝咖啡。
After class, we go for coffee.
作业 – Homework
今天的作业很多。
There’s a lot of homework today.
考试 – Exam
明天有考试，你准备好了吗？
There’s an exam tomorrow, are you ready?
礼物 – Gift
我给老师一个小礼物。
I give a small gift to the teacher.
卡片 – Card
学生们写卡片给老师。
The students write cards for the teacher.
感谢 – Gratitude / to thank
我想感谢老师的帮助。
I want to thank the teacher for the help.
祝福 – Blessings
我们送上最好的祝福。
We send our best wishes.
📖 Thank You Card Note
Chinese:
亲爱的老师，
您教给我们的，不只是书本上的知识，还有看世界的方式。您把问题变成钥匙，把好奇心变成灯，让我们发现那些细小却闪光的瞬间，也学会走向更广阔的天地。祝您教师节快乐。
English:
Dear Teacher,
What you’ve taught us is not only what’s written in books, but also a way of seeing the world. You turn questions into keys, and curiosity into light—helping us notice the small, shining moments, and also guiding us toward a wider world. Wishing you a Happy Teacher’s Day.
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Back to School ✏️ September isn’t just for students — it’s for all of us! Think of it as your second New Year 🎉 … maybe the last chance to restart (or actually start) your resolutions before December arrives. In this episode, we’ll learn Mandarin words for school, study, and goals, and talk about how to make September feel like a fresh start. 📚
开学啦 📖！九月不仅是学生的新学期，也是大人的新机会。九月就像第二个新年 🎉，可能是你最后一次开始目标和计划的机会。今天我们一起学习“开学”、 “计划”、 “目标”、 “坚持”等词，让九月成为新的开始～ ✨
📘 Grammar of the Day
要 (yào) + Verb = going to / need to
我要学习中文。
I’m going to study Mandarin.
得 (děi) + Verb = must / have to
我得坚持学习。
I must keep studying.
👉 要 = plan / going to, 得 = must / obligation.
🗂️ Key Vocabulary + Examples
开学 – kāixué – start of school
今天开学了。
School starts today.
学校 – xuéxiào – school
我的学校很大。
My school is very big.
学生 – xuéshēng – student
我是中文学生。
I’m a Chinese student.
老师 – lǎoshī – teacher
她是我的老师。
She is my teacher.
书包 – shūbāo – school bag
我的书包很重。
My school bag is heavy.
课本 – kèběn – textbook
这是中文课本。
This is a Chinese textbook.
笔记本 – bǐjìběn – notebook
我买了一个新笔记本。
I bought a new notebook.
作业 – zuòyè – homework
今天没有作业。
There’s no homework today.
考试 – kǎoshì – exam
我下周有考试。
I have an exam next week.
成绩 – chéngjì – grade / result
我的考试成绩很好。
My exam results are very good.
目标 – mùbiāo – goal
我的目标是学好中文。
My goal is to learn Mandarin well.
计划 – jìhuà – plan
我有一个学习计划。
I have a study plan.
新的开始 – xīn de kāishǐ – new beginning
九月是一个新的开始。
September is a new beginning.
坚持 – jiānchí – to persist
学习中文要坚持。
Learning Mandarin requires persistence.
努力 – nǔlì – to work hard
你很努力学习。
You study very hard.
习惯 – xíguàn – habit
我要养成早起的习惯。
I want to build the habit of waking up early.
机会 – jīhuì – opportunity
九月是一个好机会。
September is a good opportunity.
挑战 – tiǎozhàn – challenge
学中文是一个挑战。
Learning Mandarin is a challenge.
成功 – chénggōng – success
坚持下去就会成功。
If you keep going, you will succeed.
失败 – shībài – failure
失败也没关系。
Failure is okay too.
上课 – shàngkè – to attend class
我每天早上八点上课。
I attend class at 8 every morning.
放学 – fàngxué – school is over
孩子三点放学。
Children finish school at 3 p.m.
学习 – xuéxí – to study
我每天学习中文。
I study Mandarin every day.
图书馆 – túshūguǎn – library
我喜欢在图书馆学习。
I like studying in the library.
复习 – fùxí – to review
考试前要复习。
You need to review before the exam.
Profound Content
九月开学了。学生要回学校，大人也要学习新的东西。很多人一月有新年计划，可是过了几个月，目标没了，习惯也没了。
所以九月很重要。你要有新的计划，你得坚持下去。比如说：我要每天学习中文，我得去图书馆复习；我要锻炼身体，我得早睡早起。
九月就像第二个新年，给你一个机会。如果失败了，也没关系。重要的是：你要再开始，坚持下去，就会成功。
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Back to work 🥲 Emails, meetings, coffee machines… September is here and our holidays are officially over! In this episode, let’s make the “back to work” season a little less painful by learning small talk in Mandarin about office life, meetings, coffee, and even complaining in a cute way.
📘 Grammar of the Day
要 (yào) + Verb = need to / going to
👉 Super easy: 要 + verb = something you’re going to do or need to do.
🗂️ Key Vocabulary + Examples
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Let’s learn with good vibes and great Mandarin! ✨🥂💙
From mirrors facing your bed to whistling in the dark — today’s episode is all about the small but powerful superstitions in daily Chinese life.
We’ll talk about why you shouldn’t cut your nails at night, why dried flowers are unlucky, and even why some people avoid taking out the trash after sunset. 🌙🧹🪞
In this bilingual episode, you’ll learn natural Mandarin phrases for describing these everyday "rules," and how to sound more local when talking about life, home, and nighttime habits.
💬 Perfect for HSK2–3 learners who want to go beyond the textbook and understand real Chinese life.
🧧 8 Superstitions You Should Know
1. 晚上不要剪指甲 – Don’t cut your nails at night.
In old times, cutting nails in the dark was seen as dangerous. Today, people say it can attract bad luck — or even 招来鬼 (zhāo lái guǐ) — attract spirits.
晚上不要剪指甲，会招来鬼。
Don’t cut your nails at night — it might attract ghosts.
2. 晚上不要吹口哨 – Don’t whistle at night.
Whistling is believed to call spirits — especially during 鬼月 (Ghost Month). Even today, many parents tell children: “No whistling after sunset!”
晚上吹口哨不吉利，会引来不干净的东西。
Whistling at night brings bad luck — it attracts unwanted things.
3. 晚上不能倒垃圾 – Don’t take out the trash at night.
Some people believe that taking out the trash after dark means throwing away your wealth or luck, especially around festivals or the start of the lunar month.
晚上倒垃圾会把好运也倒掉。
Taking out the trash at night might throw away your good luck too.
4. 不要送钟 – Don’t give someone a clock.
送钟 (sòng zhōng) sounds like 送终 (sòng zhōng) — meaning to attend someone’s funeral.
This is especially avoided when visiting older people or celebrating birthdays.
送钟=送终，太不吉利了。
Giving a clock sounds like sending someone off to die — very unlucky.
5. 不要用红笔写名字 – Don’t write names in red.
In traditional culture, red ink was used on tombstones or death documents. Writing someone’s name in red is considered unlucky or disrespectful.
千万别用红笔写我名字。
Please don’t write my name in red!
6. 卧室里不能放镜子，尤其是对着床。
In feng shui, mirrors reflect energy. A mirror facing your bed is believed to disrupt your sleep, weaken your energy, or even attract spirits at night.
卧室里最好不要放镜子对着床。
It’s better not to put a mirror facing your bed in the bedroom.
7. 房间里不要放干花。
Dried flowers represent dead energy (死气 sǐqì). They look pretty, but in feng shui, they’re associated with stagnation, sadness, or unlucky love.
干花代表死气，不适合放在房间里。
Dried flowers carry dead energy — not suitable for your living space.
8. 房间角落要打扫干净。
Corners collect 灰尘 (dust) and 晦气 (stagnant energy). Keeping your room tidy — especially the corners — is seen as a way to invite 好运气 (good luck).
家里要常常打扫角落，才会有好运。
You need to clean the corners regularly to keep good luck in your home.
✏️ Grammar of the Day
Today’s structure is simple and very useful in daily speech:
不要 + Verb = Don’t do something
晚上不要 + Verb = Don’t do something at night
[Place] 不能 + Verb = You shouldn’t do [something] in [place]
🧠 Examples: