Takeaway Chinese

Many parts of the world are currently experiencing record heatwaves. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, let's learn how to describe the scorching sun in Mandarin and talk about fun ways to help you cool down. On the show: Fei Fei & Steve. (01:57) Essential vocabulary related to summer heat. (12:24) How do you avoid the scorching sun?

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

When was the last time you gave your brain a mental cleanse? Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 用脑卫生 (yòng nǎo wèi shēng). It is the latest wellness trend taking off among young people in China – keeping your mind from feeling constantly overwhelmed. So what exactly is making our heads feel so crowded? Let's dive in. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

What does the ideal home look like to you? In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we explore how different countries define a "good house" through the lenses of climate, lifestyle, culture, and technology. And here in China - what does the concept of 好房子 (hǎo fángzi, good house) really mean in today's rapidly evolving urban landscape? Tune in now to find out! (03:02) Climate shapes architecture. (16:26) My dream house. (26:08) Chinese perspectives on the ideal home.

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

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

Some of China's fastest-growing jobs didn't even exist a few years ago. With job-hunting season in full swing, we're taking a look at the country's newest professions, what they do, and the Chinese expressions every job seeker should know. (04:28) Job-hunting vocabulary. (08:43) New professions in China.

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

On the Mic Today: 显化 (xiǎn huà) – Manifesting Ever noticed how people talk like their future has already happened? On the Chinese internet, there's a word for this: 显化 (xiǎn huà) – the idea of turning your thoughts into reality. But here's the interesting part: when people practice "manifesting," something very real may actually be happening beneath the surface. So why does this "delulu with confidence" mindset sometimes seem to work? Let's dive in. This is the "The China Code," where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever successfully "manifested" something? Contact the team with your feedback or drop your suggestions for the buzzwords we should decode next! CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

Did you know China is home to 56 ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions? Tune in to learn why the pomegranate is a symbol of ethnic unity in China and discover the vibrant festivals celebrated by the country's ethnic groups. (09:30) Experience the excitement of the Mongolian Naadam Festival, featuring wrestling, horse racing, and archery. (17:00) Discover the colorful celebrations of the Miao New Year.

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

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

Have you watched any Chinese animation before? We'd love to know your favorite! And if you haven't yet, now's the perfect time to start. Join us as we learn useful Chinese vocabulary while exploring the exciting world of Chinese animation! (04:17) What is 妖怪 (yāo guài) in Chinese animations? (19:13) China International Cartoon & Animation Festival: the biggest animation event in the country!

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

Today's phrase: 人类丰容 (rén lèi fēng róng) To keep animals engaged and make life more interesting for them, zookeepers often provide what's called "enrichment"—activities or environments that add variety to their daily routines. But what about humans? On the Chinese internet, there's a trending term called 人类丰容 (rén lèi fēng róng) – "human enrichment." It's all about adding small moments of novelty to break up the routine of everyday life. So why this idea is resonating with so many people? Let's dive in. Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

Movies can be a fun and engaging way to learn about a country. Through Chinese movies, you can discover the language, culture, and stories that shape life in China. In this episode, we'll explore Chinese movies that have won fans around the world and learn practical Chinese expressions related to movies and cinema. We'll also take a brief look at China's vibrant film culture and how film festivals bring filmmakers and audiences together. (02:51) Why Chinese movies are loved by global audiences? (15:50) China's film culture and essential movie-related Chinese expressions.

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

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

This year, China's national college entrance examination is underway. It marks a major milestone, as students begin to decide on different career paths and areas of specialization. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we explore the professions people pursue today — and take a look back at the imperial examination system in ancient China. On the show: Niuniu & Steve. (08:43) What were the imperial exams like in ancient China? (16:58) Education systems in China today.

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

Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 邪修 (xié xiū). Have you ever seen someone solve a problem in a way that looks completely wrong… but somehow works perfectly? In China, young people call this 邪修 (xié xiū) – unconventional shortcuts that break the "normal rules" but still get the job done. So why are people so obsessed with these strange little life hacks? Let's dive in. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

What stories do you remember from your childhood? Maybe they were magical fairy tales, comforting bedtime stories, or folk tales that someone in your family told you over and over until you knew them by heart. No matter where we grow up, stories are often one of the first ways we learn about courage, kindness, honesty, and imagination. In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, we explore two beloved tales that generations of Chinese children have grown up with. On the show: Fei Fei & Steve. (07:26) The story of Ne Zha. (15:44) The story of Mulan.

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

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

In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, Niuniu and Steve continue to discuss some of the most common hobbies shared by young people in China. From improv comedy and mystery role-playing party games, to playing with colorful plastic beads, tune in and discover these fun new trends with us! (04:25) Niuniu and Steve had their first improv show? (15:51) What is an "输出型爱好" (output-based hobby)?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "manage one's health" in Chinese.

Welcome to The China Code, where every two weeks we break down a trending Chinese internet buzzword. Today's phrase: 祛魅 （qū mèi） – stripping away the "filter" and seeing the truth underneath. Have you ever finally gotten something you deeply wanted – only to realize it felt… more ordinary than you imagined? In China, more and more young people are using the word 祛魅 to describe that moment when the filter comes off and reality comes into focus. Let's talk about why people are "demystifying" the modern dream, and what happens when we stop chasing the fantasy and start seeing things as they really are. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

What's your favorite hobby – music, travel, or something else? In this episode of Takeaway Chinese, you'll discover some of the trendiest hobbies among young people in China right now! Join us to learn useful expressions, fun cultural insights, and everyday vocabulary! On the show: Niu Honglin & Steve. (02:22) Describe your hobbies in Chinese. (12:36) What are some trending hobbies in China?

In this special episode of Takeaway Chinese, we're going to learn how to say "health preservation" in 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 everything in between. (02:08) Different ways to say "smart" in Chinese (11:24) Calling your partner "dumb" in Chinese can actually sound romantic?

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 presence that makes you pause and think: this feels real. In a world of curated content and AI-generated interactions, why does this feeling matter so much – and why are people starting to seek it out? Let's explore what "real" really means – and why it's becoming more valuable than ever. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

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 real, living person.

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 nonsensical topics – like asking, "Should Optimus Prime buy car insurance... or personal accident insurance?" It's hilarious, but behind the humor lies a deeper story about how a new generation of researchers is coping with pressure and failure. Let's dive in for more. CONTACT THE TEAM We'd love to hear your feedback or suggestions for future buzzwords! Email: crilearnchinese@gmail.com Facebook: @crilearnchinese TikTok: @takeaway.chinese

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 the globe using AI right now to help them learn the language?  (09:30) What do Chinese language learners hope AI will be able to do for them in the future?

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.