Podcasts about Mandarin

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Secrets and Tea: Healing Bonds Beneath Lantern Lights Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-26-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在杭州的一个冬日，茶香四溢的茶馆内，隐约传来街外灯笼节的热闹声。En: On a winter's day in Hangzhou, in a tea house filled with the fragrance of tea, the distant sounds of a lantern festival could be heard faintly from the street outside.Zh: 明在茶馆里忙碌，他用心冲泡每一壶茶，温暖的灯光映射在木雕上，空气中弥漫着绿茶的香气。En: Ming was busy in the tea house, carefully brewing every pot of tea.Zh: 而此时，明的心中比外面的空气更冷，因为一桩过去的错误在折磨着他。En: The warm light reflected off the wooden carvings, and the air was filled with the aroma of green tea.Zh: 莲，是明的老朋友，也是一位热衷写旅行游记的作家。En: Yet, at this moment, Ming's heart was colder than the air outside because a past mistake was tormenting him.Zh: 她这次回来，希望能从明的茶馆中找到新的灵感。En: Lian, Ming's long-time friend and a writer passionate about travel journals, had returned, hoping to find new inspiration in Ming's tea house.Zh: 对于莲来说，茶馆不仅仅是一个喝茶的地方，更是一个让人心静的空间。En: To Lian, the tea house was more than just a place to drink tea; it was a space that brought tranquility.Zh: 和明谈话间，莲感觉到了一丝异样，她知道明有什么心事。En: During her conversation with Ming, Lian sensed something was off; she knew Ming had something on his mind.Zh: 嘉，是茶馆的新学徒，他年轻、好奇，总是渴望学到更多。En: Jia, the new apprentice at the tea house, was young and curious, always eager to learn more.Zh: 不过，他心里也有一个秘密，与家族有关。En: However, he also had a secret related to his family.Zh: 他不知道该如何面对，也不知道应该告诉谁。En: He did not know how to face it, nor whom to tell.Zh: 随着灯笼节的到来，茶馆里的人逐渐多了起来。En: As the lantern festival approached, more people gradually gathered in the tea house.Zh: 明知道是时候了，他要面对过去那个错误。En: Ming knew it was time to confront the mistake from his past.Zh: 他决定向莲倾诉，也许，老朋友能给他一些建议。En: He decided to confide in Lian, hoping that an old friend might offer some advice.Zh: 他把莲叫到了角落：“莲，其实我有件事一直困扰着我。En: He called Lian to the corner: "Lian, there's something that has been troubling me."Zh: ”“是什么？En: "What is it?"Zh: ”莲温柔地问道。En: Lian asked gently.Zh: “我犯了一个错误，我无法原谅自己，那件事导致我的师傅离开了。En: "I made a mistake that I cannot forgive myself for, a mistake that led to my master's departure," Ming said in a low voice.Zh: ”明低声说。En: Jia, who was nearby, overheard the conversation.Zh: 在一旁的嘉，正好听到了这番话。En: He was shocked because the master Ming mentioned was a member of his family.Zh: 他心里一震，因为明提到的那个师傅，正是他家族的一员。En: It turned out they shared a common connection that he had never realized.Zh: 原来，他们之间有着共同的联系，而他从未意识到。En: On a night when the lanterns were hanging high, Ming and Jia sat together, outside the tea house were flickering lights and a joyous crowd.Zh: 在灯笼高挂的夜晚，明和嘉坐在一起，茶馆外是闪烁的灯光和欢腾的人群。En: Ming looked up and said, "Jia, I think we should do something for our master together."Zh: 明抬起头，说：“嘉，我想我们应该一起为师傅做些什么。En: Jia thought for a moment and agreed: "Yes, we can restore his honor."Zh: ”嘉想了想，答应了：“是的，我们可以恢复他的荣光。En: Ming and Jia decided to revitalize the reputation of the tea house, carefully crafting each pot of tea so that every guest could feel the dedication and passion their master once had.Zh: ”明和嘉共同决定，重振茶馆的名望，用心制作每一壶茶，让每位来客都能感受师傅当年的那份执着与热情。En: They finally let go of their burdens and felt no more secrets weighing them down.Zh: 他们终于放下了心中的负担，感觉再无秘密压迫。En: As winter passed and spring approached, everything was coming back to life.Zh: 随着冬日过去，春日将临，万物复苏。En: Ming smiled with relief, his heart warming as well.Zh: 明释然地微笑着，他的心也随之变得温暖。En: For Jia, he found his direction forward and learned how to face the past and cherish the present.Zh: 对于嘉来说，他找到了前行的方向，学会了如何面对过去，珍惜眼前。En: Under the glow of the lanterns, the tea house appeared especially serene.Zh: 茶馆在灯笼的照耀下，显得格外宁静，暖风轻拂，勾勒出一幅完美和谐的画卷。En: The warm breeze gently swept through, sketching a scene of perfect harmony. Vocabulary Words:fragrance: 香气carvings: 木雕tormenting: 折磨inspiration: 灵感tranquility: 宁静sensed: 感觉到apprentice: 学徒confide: 倾诉gentle: 温柔forgive: 原谅overheard: 听到reputation: 名望dedication: 执着burdens: 负担relief: 释然harmony: 和谐flickering: 闪烁serene: 宁静curious: 好奇restored: 恢复passionate: 热衷realized: 意识到drewing: 冲泡departure: 离开cherish: 珍惜approached: 到来gently: 轻拂sketching: 勾勒honor: 荣光crafted: 制作

Lev 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Ps 41:1-13, Pr 10:15-16

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Discovering Insights at Longmen: Mei's Artistic Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-25-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅和健在一个寒冷的冬日早上来到龙门石窟。En: Mei and Jian arrived at the Longmen Grottoes on a cold winter morning.Zh: 梅裹紧大衣，抬头望着这些雄伟的石刻。En: Mei wrapped her coat tightly around her and looked up at these majestic stone carvings.Zh: 龙江两岸的红灯笼在微风中轻轻摇晃，仿佛在欢迎每一位到访者。En: The red lanterns on both banks of the Long River swayed gently in the breeze, as if welcoming each visitor.Zh: 这里既古老又神秘，是他们此行的重要部分。En: This place, both ancient and mysterious, was an important part of their journey.Zh: 梅正处于研究生阶段，她的论文围绕佛教艺术展开。En: Mei, currently pursuing her graduate studies, was focusing her thesis on Buddhist art.Zh: 作为旅游向导的健是她的好朋友，也是此行的向导。En: Jian, a tour guide and her good friend, was also their guide on this trip.Zh: 他们慢慢地走进这片神圣的土地。En: They slowly walked into this sacred land.Zh: 健指着一个巨大的释迦牟尼佛像说：“这尊佛像是北魏时期雕刻的，具有极高的艺术价值。En: Jian pointed to a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and said, "This statue was carved during the Northern Wei period and holds immense artistic value."Zh: ”梅点点头，仔细地观察着每一个细节。En: Mei nodded, carefully observing each detail.Zh: 她感到有些焦虑，担心无法找到新的灵感。En: She felt a bit anxious, worried about not finding new inspiration.Zh: 健注意到她的担忧，轻声说：“有时真正的发现不在于新，而在于你自己的理解。En: Noticing her concern, Jian softly said, "Sometimes true discoveries aren't about new things, but about your own understanding."Zh: ”梅决定不再过于聚焦于总结学术数据。En: Mei decided not to focus too much on compiling academic data.Zh: 她开始放慢脚步，试图感受这个地方的气息和声音。En: She began to slow her pace, trying to feel the spirit and sounds of the place.Zh: 晶莹的雪花轻轻落在雕刻的石头上，似乎在诉说千年以前的故事。En: The crystalline snowflakes gently fell on the carved stones, seemingly telling stories from a thousand years ago.Zh: 当他们到达一个小型洞窟时，梅停下脚步。En: When they reached a small cave, Mei paused.Zh: 这个洞窟内有一尊小佛像，略有磨损但依然充满慈悲。En: Inside the cave was a small Buddha statue, slightly worn but still full of compassion.Zh: 她凝视着佛像的眼神，忽然感到一种从未有过的平和。En: She gazed into the eyes of the statue and suddenly felt an unprecedented peace.Zh: “我想我找到了，”梅轻声说道。En: "I think I've found it," Mei whispered.Zh: 她不再需要寻找所谓的“新发现”，而是要表达她自己对这些艺术品的理解和想法。En: She no longer needed to search for so-called "new discoveries" but rather needed to express her own understanding and thoughts about these works of art.Zh: 踏上返回路径时，梅的心情变得轻松而明亮。En: As they stepped onto the path back, Mei's mood became light and bright.Zh: 她知道，无论是学术还是生活，关键在于融合知识与自我感悟。En: She knew that whether in academics or life, the key lay in merging knowledge with personal insights.Zh: 冬日的阳光洒在地面，片片雪花在阳光下闪耀。En: The winter sunshine spilled onto the ground, with snowflakes shimmering in the light.Zh: 梅和健并肩走着，向前方的红灯笼走去，那是走过一年努力，又迎来新希望的象征。En: Mei and Jian walked side by side toward the red lanterns ahead, symbolizing the end of a year of effort and the ushering in of new hope.Zh: 这次旅行不仅给梅带来了论文的启示，更重要的是，她找到了自己的声音。En: This journey not only provided Mei with insights for her thesis but, more importantly, she found her own voice.Zh: 明年的灯节，她将以全新的视角来审视自己的艺术旅程。En: By the Lantern Festival next year, she would view her artistic journey from a brand-new perspective.Zh: 她的心仿佛与千年前的艺术家和信仰者相连，为她的论文注入了鲜活的灵魂。En: Her heart seemed connected to the artists and believers from a thousand years ago, breathing vibrant life into her thesis. Vocabulary Words:grottoes: 石窟majestic: 雄伟lanterns: 灯笼mysterious: 神秘graduate: 研究生pursuing: 处于thesis: 论文sacred: 神圣statue: 雕像artistic: 艺术value: 价值observe: 观察anxious: 焦虑concern: 担忧inspiration: 灵感crystalline: 晶莹carved: 雕刻compassion: 慈悲unprecedented: 从未有过discoveries: 发现insights: 感悟shimmering: 闪耀perspective: 视角believers: 信仰者vibrant: 鲜活whispered: 轻声说道ushering: 迎来endeavors: 努力landscapes: 土地etched: 刻

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Saving Yulong Temple: Mei's Battle with Ancient Prophecies Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-25-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅在寒风凛冽的冬晨中站在玉龙寺前，白雪覆盖着整个山坡，En: Mei stood before Yulong Temple on a bitterly cold winter morning, with white snow covering the entire hillside.Zh: 红色的灯笼在灰色的天空中轻轻摇曳。En: Red lanterns gently swayed against the gray sky.Zh: 她是寺庙的档案管理员，对寺庙的历史和秘密有着深厚的感情。En: She is the temple's archivist, holding a deep affection for its history and secrets.Zh: 梅感到与这座古老的建筑有一种灵魂上的联结，并决心保护它。En: Mei felt a spiritual connection to this ancient building and was determined to protect it.Zh: 这天是元宵节，寺庙内外挂满了灯笼。En: It was the Lantern Festival, and lanterns adorned the inside and outside of the temple.Zh: 一切都沉浸在喜庆的气氛中，可梅的心情却因一个古老的预言而沉重。En: Everything was immersed in a festive atmosphere, but Mei's mood was heavy due to an ancient prophecy.Zh: 她在寺中的古籍中发现了一则预言——这座庙将要被毁。En: She had found a prophecy in the temple's ancient texts—predicting the temple's destruction.Zh: 梅知道她必须找到阻止灾难的方法。En: Mei knew she had to find a way to prevent the disaster.Zh: 梅去找了灵，一位资历深厚的僧人，以及村里的历史学家陈，希望他们能帮助她解读预言。En: Mei sought Ling, a senior monk, and the village historian, Chen, hoping they could help her interpret the prophecy.Zh: 但是，灵和陈都不相信她。En: However, Ling and Chen did not believe her.Zh: 他们认为梅误解了古籍的内容。En: They thought Mei had misunderstood the texts.Zh: 然而，冬季的一场暴风雪正在逼近，这使寺庙更为孤立。En: However, a winter blizzard was approaching, making the temple even more isolated.Zh: 梅不顾怀疑，决定独自继续寻找线索。En: Undeterred by doubt, Mei decided to continue searching for clues on her own.Zh: 她相信，寺庙的某处一定留有解决的办法。En: She believed there must be a solution hidden somewhere in the temple.Zh: 夜幕降临，元宵节的灯会开始。En: As night fell, the Lantern Festival began.Zh: 外面风雨交加，雷声滚滚，仿佛是在催促着梅。En: Outside, the storm raged with thunder rumbling, as if urging Mei onward.Zh: 凭着坚定的信念，她在寺庙深处发现了一个秘密密室。En: With firm belief, she discovered a secret chamber deep within the temple.Zh: 里面陈列着一些神秘的仪式用具，看似是为了平息那些与预言相关的神灵。En: Inside were mysterious ritual tools, seemingly meant to calm the spirits linked to the prophecy.Zh: 就在这时，灵和陈相继赶到。En: At that moment, Ling and Chen arrived in succession.Zh: 他们意识到了事态的严重性，终于选择相信梅。En: Realizing the seriousness of the situation, they finally chose to believe Mei.Zh: 三人一同准备了平息仪式。En: Together, the three prepared a ritual to pacify the spirits.Zh: 在梅的带领下，他们点亮竹符，用古老的仪式安抚着那些久违的灵魂。En: Under Mei's guidance, they lit bamboo symbols and performed an ancient ceremony to soothe the long-unseen spirits.Zh: 随着仪式的进行，风暴逐渐平息，天空逐渐放晴。En: As the ritual progressed, the storm gradually subsided, and the sky began to clear.Zh: 梅成功地拯救了寺庙，她不仅赢得了灵和陈的尊重，也更加相信自己的能力。En: Mei successfully saved the temple, earning the respect of Ling and Chen, and bolstering her confidence in her abilities.Zh: 她明白，直觉与历史的知识可以齐心协力，帮助她达成目标。En: She understood that intuition and historical knowledge could work together to help her achieve her goals.Zh: 玉龙寺再次在风中矗立，静静守护着它千年的秘密。En: Yulong Temple once again stood tall in the wind, quietly guarding its millennium-old secrets. Vocabulary Words:archivist: 档案管理员affection: 感情prophecy: 预言interpret: 解读blizzard: 暴风雪isolated: 孤立undeterred: 不顾clues: 线索chamber: 密室ritual: 仪式tools: 用具pacify: 平息soothe: 安抚intution: 直觉millennium: 千年swayed: 摇曳spiritual: 灵魂的determined: 决心festive: 喜庆immersed: 沉浸historian: 历史学家successive: 相继subsided: 平息firm: 坚定thunder: 雷声rumbling: 滚滚bolstering: 增强connection: 联结belief: 信念ceremony: 典礼

Lev 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:1-23, Ps 40:11-17, Pr 10:13-14

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Twinkling Lanterns and Unforeseen Friendships on Chang Cheng Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-24-08-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城上的气氛充满节日的气息。En: The atmosphere on the Chang Cheng was filled with a festive spirit.Zh: 此时正值冬季，白雪缓缓覆盖着古老的城墙。En: It was winter, and the ancient city walls were slowly being covered by white snow.Zh: 一片欢声笑语中，许多游客都来这里观赏这壮丽的景色，等待夜晚即将到来的元宵节灯展。En: Amidst the laughter and cheer, many tourists came here to admire the magnificent scenery and await the lantern show that was due to happen tonight for the Yuanxiao Festival.Zh: 丽娟，作为一名护士，趁着休假来到长城游玩。En: Lijuan, a nurse, took advantage of her vacation to visit the Chang Cheng.Zh: 她喜欢帮助他人，总是带着急救包，以备不时之需。En: She loves helping others and always carries a first-aid kit just in case.Zh: 此刻，她站在城墙上，欣赏着远处的雪景。En: At the moment, she was standing on the wall, admiring the snowy scenery in the distance.Zh: 周围的人们都忙着拍照，空气中弥漫着期待的气息。En: People around her were busy taking photos, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation.Zh: 泽民也在这条古老的路上。En: Zemin was also on this ancient path.Zh: 他是一名游客，决心完成这段长城之旅。En: He was a tourist determined to complete his journey on the Chang Cheng.Zh: 然而，泽民心中隐藏着一个秘密：他的心脏状况并不好，但他不愿因此停下脚步。En: However, Zemin was hiding a secret: his heart condition was not good, but he was unwilling to stop because of it.Zh: 途中，他的脸色渐渐苍白，呼吸也开始急促。En: As he went on, his complexion gradually turned pale, and his breathing became labored.Zh: 忽然，泽民在城墙上倒下了。En: Suddenly, Zemin collapsed on the wall.Zh: 周围的人见状，纷纷停下脚步。En: Seeing this, people around stopped in their tracks.Zh: 丽娟看到这一幕，本想继续自己的计划，但内心的良知促使她走了过去。En: Lijuan saw the scene and initially intended to follow through with her plan, but her conscience urged her to go over.Zh: 她冲过人群，跪在泽民身旁，开始检查他的情况。En: She rushed through the crowd, knelt beside Zemin, and began checking his condition.Zh: “请大家帮忙拨打急救电话！En: "Please help call for emergency services!"Zh: ”丽娟对围观的人们大声说道，然后迅速取出急救包，开始救治泽民。En: Lijuan shouted to the people watching, then quickly took out her first-aid kit and started treating Zemin.Zh: 这时，一群游客已经围在他们身边，满脸担忧。En: By this time, a crowd of tourists had gathered around them, faces full of concern.Zh: 时间一点点过去，在丽娟的悉心照料下，泽民渐渐恢复了些力气。En: As time passed, under Lijuan's careful care, Zemin gradually regained some strength.Zh: 随着拉响的救护车声在不远处传来，丽娟确保泽民的生命体征稳定下来。En: When the sound of an ambulance approaching echoed nearby, Lijuan ensured that Zemin's vital signs were stable.Zh: 泽民缓缓睁开双眼，看到是丽娟救了他。En: Zemin slowly opened his eyes and saw that it was Lijuan who had saved him.Zh: “谢谢你，”泽民虚弱地说道，“要不是你，我可能就看不到今晚的灯展了。En: "Thank you," Zemin said weakly, "If it weren't for you, I might not have been able to see tonight's lantern show."Zh: ”丽娟微笑着说：“不用谢，我们等会儿一起看灯。En: Lijuan smiled and said, "No need to thank me, we'll watch the lights together later."Zh: ”夜幕降临，长城被点亮了。En: As night fell, the Chang Cheng was illuminated.Zh: 许多颜色鲜艳的灯笼点缀在古老的墙上，仿佛星星在夜空中闪烁。En: Many brightly colored lanterns adorned the ancient walls, like stars twinkling in the night sky.Zh: 丽娟和泽民并肩坐在城墙上，讲述各自的故事。En: Lijuan and Zemin sat side by side on the wall, sharing their stories with each other.Zh: 脸上浮现出一种从未有过的宁静和喜悦。En: A sense of tranquility and joy that they had never felt before appeared on their faces.Zh: 在这特别的一夜里，丽娟明白了帮助他人的重要意义，也因为这次意外收获了一位新朋友。En: On this special night, Lijuan understood the importance of helping others, and because of the incident, she gained a new friend.Zh: 而泽民则意识到健康的重要，他在这段艰难的旅程中遇到了一位可以信赖的朋友。En: On the other hand, Zemin realized the importance of health, and he found a trustworthy friend during this challenging journey.Zh: 这场意外的邂逅，为他们的元宵佳节增添了一份温暖和感动。En: This unexpected encounter added warmth and emotion to their Yuanxiao Festival.Zh: 在灯火辉煌的长城之上，他们看着灯光跳动，心中充满了无限的期待。En: At the brilliantly lit Chang Cheng, they watched the lights flicker and felt an infinite sense of anticipation in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:atmosphere: 气氛festive: 节日的ancient: 古老的snowy: 白雪scenery: 景色anticipation: 期待complexion: 脸色labored: 急促collapsed: 倒下conscience: 良知emergency services: 急救vital signs: 生命体征illuminated: 点亮lanterns: 灯笼tranquility: 宁静emotion: 感动encounter: 邂逅path: 路nurse: 护士trustworthy: 信赖的adorned: 点缀admire: 观赏careful: 悉心urge: 促使crowd: 人群gradually: 渐渐approaching: 拉响ensured: 确保flicker: 跳动regained: 恢复

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Yuanxiao Festival Adventure on the Great Wall Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-24-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 今天是元宵节，明和朋友丽、陈一起去长城玩。En: Today is the Yuanxiao Festival, and Ming is going to the Great Wall with his friends Li and Chen.Zh: 冬天的长城，白雪覆盖，美丽得让人惊叹。En: In winter, the Great Wall is covered in white snow, stunningly beautiful.Zh: 洁白的雪中，许多游客举着灯笼，兴高采烈地庆祝节日。En: Amidst the pure white snow, many tourists are holding lanterns, celebrating the festival with great joy.Zh: 明心情特别好。En: Ming is in an especially good mood.Zh: 他想着，今天一定要在丽面前展现自己的最好一面。En: He's thinking that today he must present his best side in front of Li.Zh: 雪地有点滑，明小心翼翼地走着，却还是不小心掉了一只手套。En: The snowy ground is a bit slippery, so Ming walks carefully, but he still accidentally drops one of his gloves.Zh: 他没告诉别人，因为他不想显得笨拙。En: He doesn't tell anyone because he doesn't want to appear clumsy.Zh: “明，你在找什么呢？”丽察觉到明的异常问。En: "Ming, what are you looking for?" Li notices something unusual and asks.Zh: 明灵机一动，“呃，我在找……找雪球！”En: Thinking quickly, Ming says, "Uh, I'm looking for... looking for snowballs!"Zh: 他说得有些心虚，“我们来打雪仗吧！”En: He says somewhat sheepishly, "Let's have a snowball fight!"Zh: 丽和陈都觉得这是个好主意，纷纷加入。En: Li and Chen think it's a great idea and join in enthusiastically.Zh: 明偷偷希望，在打雪仗时丽能注意到他的“聪明才智”。En: Ming secretly hopes that during the snowball fight, Li will notice his "cleverness."Zh: 然而，他一边玩一边寻找丢失的手套。En: However, while playing, he also searches for his lost glove.Zh: 就在这时，明扔的雪球不小心打到了一个陌生游客的帽子。En: Just then, a snowball thrown by Ming accidentally hits the hat of a stranger.Zh: 游客一愣，随即也捡起雪球，加入了他们的游戏。En: The tourist is momentarily surprised but then picks up a snowball and joins their game.Zh: 雪球在空中飞来飞去，欢声笑语回荡在长城上空。En: Snowballs fly back and forth through the air, and the sound of laughter echoes over the Great Wall.Zh: 尽管没有找到手套，明的心情却越来越好。En: Even though he didn't find his glove, Ming's mood only improves.Zh: 他发现，自己并不需要刻意去表现什么，快乐时光本身就足够迷人。En: He realizes that he doesn't need to deliberately show off anything; happy times themselves are already enchanting.Zh: 最后，丽微笑着走过来，把一个暖手宝放进明的手里。En: Finally, Li smiles and walks over, placing a hand warmer in Ming's hand.Zh: “明，我知道你丢了手套。但别担心，你已经很酷了。”En: "Ming, I know you lost your glove. But don't worry, you're already cool."Zh: 明感受到心底的一股温暖，点点头。En: Ming feels warmth in his heart and nods.Zh: 他不再想要靠任何东西来取悦丽，心里明白，真实的自己才是最可贵的。En: He no longer wants to rely on anything to impress Li; he understands that being his true self is most precious.Zh: 随着太阳渐渐西下，明和朋友们在雪地中继续嬉戏，En: As the sun gradually sets, Ming and his friends continue to frolic in the snow.Zh: 灯笼的光辉映照在他们的笑脸上，留下一片幸福的暖光。En: The glow of the lanterns shines on their smiling faces, leaving a warm light of happiness behind. Vocabulary Words:festival: 节日Great Wall: 长城covered: 覆盖snowy: 雪地slippery: 滑accidentally: 不小心clumsy: 笨拙sheepishly: 心虚enthusiastically: 兴高采烈cleverness: 聪明才智stranger: 陌生momentarily: 一愣echoes: 回荡deliberately: 刻意enchanting: 迷人frolic: 嬉戏slippery: 滑present: 展现carefully: 小心翼翼lost: 丢失warmer: 暖手宝realizes: 发现impress: 取悦precious: 珍贵lamp/lights: 灯笼glow: 光辉joy: 欢乐gradually: 渐渐pure: 洁白notice: 察觉

Lev 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Ps 40:1-10, Pr 10:11-12

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Ascending Taishan: A Journey of Courage and Legacy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-23-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 年终的泰山，白雪皑皑，风如刀割。En: At the end of the year on Taishan, the snow was glistening white, and the wind cut like a knife.Zh: 路上的积雪在太阳的映照下闪闪发光。En: The snow on the road sparkled under the sunlight.Zh: 杰，一个年轻的学生，站在山脚下，深深吸了一口冰冷的空气。En: Jie, a young student, stood at the foot of the mountain, taking a deep breath of the icy air.Zh: 他抬头看着要征服的高峰，心中既有期待也有恐惧。En: He looked up at the peak he was about to conquer, feeling both anticipation and fear in his heart.Zh: 每年的元宵节，杰都会和奶奶一起在泰山顶上放灯笼。En: Every year during the Lantern Festival, Jie would light a lantern on top of Taishan with his grandmother.Zh: 这是家族的传统，是为了纪念过世的亲人。En: It was a family tradition to commemorate departed relatives.Zh: 去年，奶奶永远地离开了。En: Last year, his grandmother passed away forever.Zh: 这次，他要一个人完成这个任务。En: This time, he had to complete this task alone.Zh: 他知道，这不仅是向奶奶，也是向他自己证明勇气与坚韧的旅程。En: He knew it was a journey to prove courage and resilience not only to his grandmother but also to himself.Zh: 然而，杰怕高，一想到在高处可能失去的平衡，他的脚便不自觉地发抖。En: However, Jie was afraid of heights, and the thought of losing his balance at high altitudes made his feet tremble involuntarily.Zh: 李娜与王是他的同学，也是他的好朋友。En: Lina and Wang were his classmates and good friends.Zh: 他们都答应陪他一起，却因为学校的事情没能来。En: They had promised to accompany him, but due to school matters, they couldn't come.Zh: 杰知道这次他必须一个人完成。En: Jie knew he had to do it alone this time.Zh: 他背上他的旧背包，里面装着一个红色的灯笼和一盒火柴，为了在山顶上怀念奶奶。En: He strapped on his old backpack, which contained a red lantern and a box of matches, to commemorate his grandmother at the mountain top.Zh: 一开始，路非常平坦，杰走得很轻松。En: Initially, the road was very flat, and Jie walked easily.Zh: 但没过多久，山路开始变陡，到处都是冰滑的地方。En: But it wasn't long before the mountain path became steep, with slippery icy spots everywhere.Zh: 他小心翼翼地迈出每一步，手指紧紧握住铁链，心跳得如同擂鼓。En: He carefully took each step, his fingers tightly gripping the iron chain, his heart pounding like a drum.Zh: 他头一次感觉到无助的恐惧，但他没有退却。En: For the first time, he felt helpless fear, but he didn't retreat.Zh: 他心中只有一个念头：到山顶，把灯笼放飞。En: He had only one thought in his mind: reach the top and let the lantern fly.Zh: 走到半山腰，杰停下来休息，想起奶奶温暖的笑容。En: Halfway up the mountain, Jie stopped to rest and recalled his grandmother's warm smile.Zh: 他心中一阵温暖，决定继续前行。En: A wave of warmth surged in his heart, and he decided to keep going.Zh: 风再次变得猛烈，路面更加难行。En: The wind grew fierce once more, making the path even harder to navigate.Zh: 前方的一个转弯，风把积雪吹得模糊了路。En: At a turn ahead, the wind blew the snow, obscuring the road.Zh: 这个险要的地方让杰犹豫不决。En: This treacherous spot made Jie hesitant.Zh: 他想过放弃，想过回头，但转念一想，这是为了奶奶，他的脚步坚定了。En: He thought about giving up, about turning back, but then he remembered it was for his grandmother, and his steps became firm again.Zh: 不知过了多久，杰终于看到了山顶的石碑。En: After what seemed like ages, Jie finally saw the stone monument at the mountain's summit.Zh: 他的心灵一阵激动，眼泪也随之流下。En: His spirit surged with excitement, and tears began to flow.Zh: 他小心翼翼地在广场上找到了一个风稍微小一点的地方，把灯笼取出，点燃，轻声祈祷。En: He cautiously found a spot in the square where the wind was slightly less strong, took out the lantern, and lit it, whispering a prayer.Zh: 他闭上眼睛，仿佛看见奶奶就在旁边微笑。En: He closed his eyes, as if he could see his grandmother smiling beside him.Zh: 灯笼在夜空中飘得越来越高，像一个微小的星星。En: The lantern floated higher and higher into the night sky, like a tiny star.Zh: 杰的心中充满了平静和满足。En: Jie felt a deep sense of peace and fulfillment in his heart.Zh: 他明白，自己不仅完成了家族的传统，更突破了自己的恐惧。En: He realized that he had not only fulfilled a family tradition but also overcome his fears.Zh: 从这个夜晚起，杰变得更加自信。En: From that night on, Jie became more confident.Zh: 他知道，奶奶一直在他的心中。En: He knew his grandmother was always in his heart.Zh: 无论任何挑战，他都有勇气去面对。En: No matter what challenges he faced, he would have the courage to confront them.Zh: 回程的路，尽管依然艰难，但杰走得更加坚定。En: On the return journey, though still difficult, Jie walked with greater determination.Zh: 泰山下，依旧白雪覆盖，但他的心中却是温暖如春的。En: The base of Taishan remained covered in snow, but his heart was warm like spring.Zh: 元宵的灯火照亮了路，也照亮了他的心。En: The lantern light of Lantern Festival illuminated the path and his heart.Zh: 杰知道，这次的旅程，已经不再仅仅是为了纪念，而是他对自己和亲人的一种追忆和承诺。En: Jie realized that this journey was no longer just a commemoration, but a remembrance and promise to himself and his loved ones. Vocabulary Words:glistening: 闪闪发光anticipation: 期待commemorate: 纪念departed: 离开resilience: 坚韧involuntarily: 不自觉地tremble: 发抖strapped: 背上slippery: 冰滑的gripping: 握住retreat: 退却helpless: 无助的treacherous: 险要的summit: 山顶excitement: 激动fulfillment: 满足navigate: 前行obscuring: 模糊determination: 坚定monument: 石碑involuntarily: 不自觉地confront: 面对fulfill: 完成ignite: 点燃prayer: 祈祷surged: 涌overcome: 突破hesitant: 犹豫promise: 承诺conquer: 征服

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Illuminating Connections: Li Hua's Lantern Festival Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-23-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在一个银装素裹的冬日早晨，李华、陈伟和美琳跟随学校来到北京的颐和园参加一次特别的元宵节校外活动。En: On a winter morning covered in silver white, Li Hua, Chen Wei, and Mei Lin followed their school to Beijing's Summer Palace to participate in a special Lantern Festival field trip.Zh: 白雪覆盖了地面，古老的建筑在雪中显得格外庄严。En: Snow covered the ground, and the ancient buildings appeared particularly solemn in the snow.Zh: 五彩缤纷的灯笼悬挂在树枝间，整个园子弥漫着节日的喜庆。En: Colorful lanterns hung between the branches, filling the entire garden with the festive cheer.Zh: 李华是一个喜欢画画的学生，性格内向，总觉得自己在班级里不合群。En: Li Hua is a student who likes to draw, introverted by nature, and always feels out of place in the class.Zh: 她很想和同学们建立联系，但每次想说话时，她都会感到一阵紧张。En: She really wants to connect with her classmates, but every time she wants to speak, she feels a wave of nervousness.Zh: 今天的颐和园也不例外，熙熙攘攘的人群让她更加不安。En: Today's Summer Palace was no exception, the bustling crowd making her even more uneasy.Zh: 他们在老师的带领下，兴致勃勃地游览着颐和园的各个景点。En: Under the guidance of their teacher, they eagerly visited the various attractions of the Summer Palace.Zh: 美琳和陈伟很快便和其他同学聊得热火朝天，李华却低着头，悄悄拿出画册，开始画周围的景色。En: Mei Lin and Chen Wei quickly chatted warmly with other classmates, while Li Hua lowered her head, quietly taking out her sketchbook and started drawing the surrounding scenery.Zh: 她画了结冰的湖面上滑冰的人们，染红的石柱，还有挂着灯笼的小桥。En: She drew people skating on the frozen lake, the red-stained stone pillars, and the small bridge adorned with lanterns.Zh: 渐渐地，陈伟注意到了李华的画。En: Gradually, Chen Wei noticed Li Hua's drawing. "Zh: “李华，你画的真好，能让我看看吗？En: Li Hua, your drawing is so good, can I take a look?"Zh: ”他说着，凑了过来。En: he said, moving closer.Zh: 李华不好意思地把自己的画递给了他。En: Li Hua shyly handed her drawing to him.Zh: 看到她的画后，陈伟惊呼：“太漂亮了！En: Upon seeing her drawing, Chen Wei exclaimed, "It's so beautiful!Zh: 你真的应该和大家分享这些。En: You really should share these with everyone."Zh: ”在晚上的灯会制作活动中，李华鼓足了勇气，把她的一些作品展示给了其他同学。En: During the evening lantern-making activity, Li Hua mustered up the courage to showcase some of her works to her classmates.Zh: 她画中活灵活现的灯笼和景色吸引了许多同学的目光。En: Her vivid lanterns and landscapes in the drawings attracted the attention of many classmates.Zh: 大家围着她，纷纷夸赞她的才能，还开始讨论他们看到的景色和体会，仿佛打开了一个新的话题大门。En: They gathered around her, praising her talent and began discussing the scenery they saw and their experiences, as if opening a new gateway of topics.Zh: 随着夜幕降临，大家一起点亮了亲手制作的灯笼。En: As night fell, everyone lit the lanterns they had made by hand.Zh: 灯笼缓缓升空，绚丽的光芒陪伴着孩子们的欢声笑语。En: The lanterns gently rose into the sky, their splendid light accompanying the children's laughter and joy.Zh: 李华此时站在人群中，不再是孤独的旁观者。En: Li Hua stood among the crowd, no longer a solitary observer.Zh: 她的画册成为她和同学之间的桥梁，帮助她打破了内心的障碍。En: Her sketchbook became a bridge between her and her classmates, helping her break through her inner barriers.Zh: 她感到前所未有的开心。En: She felt happier than ever before.Zh: 随着灯笼的飘远，李华心中的孤独感也随之消散。En: As the lanterns drifted away, the feeling of loneliness in Li Hua's heart faded along with them.Zh: 她终于知道，自己的才华不仅仅是独自欣赏的秘密，而是可以带来快乐和联系的礼物。En: She finally realized that her talent was not just a secret to be appreciated alone, but a gift that could bring joy and connection.Zh: 此刻，她不再害怕，面对温暖的人群，她敞开了心扉，迎接新友谊的到来。En: At this moment, she was no longer afraid and opened her heart to the warm crowd, welcoming new friendships her way. Vocabulary Words:introverted: 性格内向solemn: 庄严mustered: 鼓足uneasy: 不安scenery: 景色praise: 夸赞laughter: 欢声笑语lanterns: 灯笼participate: 参加attractions: 景点gateway: 大门loneliness: 孤独感adorned: 挂着talent: 才能nervousness: 紧张skating: 滑冰stone: 石crowd: 人群realized: 终于知道bridge: 桥梁gift: 礼物quietly: 悄悄eagerly: 兴致勃勃exclaimed: 惊呼solitary: 孤独的drifted: 飘远warmly: 热火朝天barriers: 障碍showcase: 展示accompanying: 陪伴

Lev 13:1-59, Mark 6:1-29, Ps 39:1-13, Pr 10:10

Today's Episode:Robots performing kung fu on the Spring Festival Gala?

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Dancing Lanterns: A Night of Creativity and Collaboration Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-22-08-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 夜幕降临在长江边，满天的灯笼点燃了节日的气氛。En: Night fell along the Changjiang, and the sky full of lanterns ignited the festive atmosphere.Zh: 今年的元宵节，比往常更热闹，因为莲和明两位同事接下了这次灯会的组织重任。En: This year's Yuanxiao Festival was more lively than usual because Lian and Ming, two colleagues, took on the responsibility of organizing the lantern festival.Zh: 莲是个细心又雄心勃勃的策划者，她希望通过此次灯会的圆满成功得到上司的赞扬。En: Lian is a meticulous and ambitious planner, hoping to receive praise from her boss through the successful completion of this lantern festival.Zh: 明是个有着非凡创意的梦想家，他总是能想出一些不走寻常路的好点子。En: Ming is a dreamer with extraordinary creativity, always able to come up with brilliant ideas that are out of the ordinary.Zh: 他们在这次灯会中合作，共同目标是让它成为最特别的一次。En: They collaborated on this lantern festival with the shared goal of making it the most special one yet.Zh: “这次灯会必须完美，我不想出任何差错。”莲坚定地说。En: "This lantern festival must be perfect. I don't want any mistakes," Lian said firmly.Zh: “我同意，不过有时候惊喜才是节日气氛的关键，”明微笑着回应，En: "I agree, but sometimes surprises are the key to the festive atmosphere," Ming responded with a smile.Zh: “也许我们可以加入一点特别的东西。”En: "Maybe we can add something special."Zh: “特别的东西？”莲皱起眉头，“那会不会打乱计划？”En: "Something special?" Lian frowned, "Wouldn't that disrupt the plan?"Zh: “不会的，信我。灯会不光要有秩序，也要能打动人心。”明神秘地眨了眨眼。En: "It won't, trust me. A lantern festival not only needs order but also needs to touch people's hearts," Ming said mysteriously, winking.Zh: 莲虽然心里有些犹豫，但还是决定给明一个机会。En: Although Lian was a bit hesitant, she decided to give Ming a chance.Zh: 在明的建议下，他们设计了一个特别的灯阵，以代表春天的到来。En: Based on Ming's suggestion, they designed a special lantern arrangement to represent the arrival of spring.Zh: 当夜幕降临，成千上万的灯笼在微风中摇曳，河面上的灯光如星星般点缀。En: As night fell, thousands of lanterns swayed in the breeze, and the lights on the river surface decorated like stars.Zh: 突然，一个技术上的小问题出现了，某一排灯笼无法点亮。En: Suddenly, a technical problem arose; a row of lanterns couldn't be lit.Zh: 人们开始窃窃私语，气氛略显紧张。En: People started whispering, and the atmosphere became a bit tense.Zh: 莲和明二话不说，立刻开始解决这个问题。En: Without saying a word, Lian and Ming immediately began to solve the problem.Zh: 莲通过她的组织能力迅速找到了故障的来源，而明则临时改用一些备用的灯笼，用别样的方式布置起来。En: Through her organizational skills, Lian quickly identified the source of the malfunction, while Ming temporarily used some spare lanterns, arranging them in a novel way.Zh: 灯笼再次亮起，这次更新奇夺目。En: The lanterns lit up again, this time more astonishingly brilliant.Zh: 人群欢呼起来，气氛达到了高潮。En: The crowd cheered, and the atmosphere reached its peak.Zh: 莲和明站在人群中，看着灯笼的光芒，心中充满了成就感。En: Lian and Ming stood among the crowd, looking at the glow of the lanterns, their hearts filled with a sense of achievement.Zh: “看来有时候考虑一点创意是明智的选择。”莲笑着说道。En: "It seems that sometimes considering a bit of creativity is a wise choice," Lian said with a smile.Zh: “也许有时候需要一点规划才能让创意生根。”明赞同地点头。En: "Perhaps sometimes a bit of planning is needed for creativity to take root," Ming nodded in agreement.Zh: 正是在这个节日的夜晚，莲学会了包容灵活与创造力的重要性，而明则体验到了结构的重要性。En: It was on this festive night that Lian learned the importance of embracing flexibility and creativity, while Ming experienced the significance of structure.Zh: 灯会在两人合作下，成为人们难以忘怀的记忆，温暖着每一个心灵。En: The lantern festival, under their collaboration, became an unforgettable memory for the people, warming every heart.Zh: 长江上的灯火，美丽如诗。En: The lights on the Changjiang were as beautiful as poetry. Vocabulary Words:meticulous: 细心ambitious: 雄心勃勃extraordinary: 非凡frowned: 皱起眉头mysteriously: 神秘地hesitant: 犹豫breeze: 微风whispering: 窃窃私语tense: 紧张malfunction: 故障astonishingly: 更新奇achievement: 成就感flexibility: 灵活creativity: 创造力structure: 结构unforgettable: 难以忘怀embracing: 包容collaboration: 合作swayed: 摇曳arrangement: 布置surprises: 惊喜ignite: 点燃festive: 节日的substantial: 丰富的illuminated: 照亮dreamer: 梦想家completion: 圆满成功enthusiastically: 热情地wholesale: 批发poetry: 诗

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Conquering Heights and Fears: Lantern Dreams Afloat Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-22-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 明亮的蓝色冬季天空下，明和莲正走在云南山区的龙门瀑布小道上。En: Under the bright blue winter sky, Ming and Lian were walking along the Longmen Waterfall trail in the mountains of Yunnan.Zh: 大雪覆盖的松树在他们周围静静地矗立，犹如哨兵，守护着这一片宁静的土地。En: The snow-covered pine trees stood silently around them like sentinels, guarding this peaceful land.Zh: 莲小心翼翼地前行，时不时提醒明：“小心脚下，这里冰很滑。En: Lian proceeded cautiously, occasionally reminding Ming, "Be careful with your step, it's very slippery here."Zh: ”然而，明的眼神始终注视着高耸入云的龙门瀑布，他的心中跳动的不仅是兴奋，还有一份隐藏的恐惧——他惧怕高处。En: However, Ming's eyes were always fixed on the Longmen Waterfall towering into the clouds.Zh: 然而，这一天对明来说别具意义，他坚决要克服这个弱点。En: In his heart was not only excitement but also a hidden fear—fear of heights.Zh: 今天是元宵节，明希望能在瀑布顶上放飞一个灯笼，祈愿新一年的希望和勇气。En: Nonetheless, this day was especially significant for Ming, as he was determined to overcome this weakness.Zh: 随着他们逐渐走高，路变得越发陡峭。En: Today was the Lantern Festival, and Ming hoped to release a lantern at the top of the waterfall, wishing for hope and courage in the new year.Zh: 冰冷的岩石在阳光下闪烁着寒光，如同挑战者，等待着每一个登山者。En: As they climbed higher, the path became increasingly steep.Zh: 莲看着前方难行的路，语带担忧：“明，也许我们应该回去了。En: The cold rocks shimmered under the sunlight, like challengers awaiting each mountaineer.Zh: 这里太危险了。En: Lian looked at the difficult path ahead, saying worriedly, "Ming, maybe we should turn back.Zh: ”明停下脚步，转头对莲微微一笑，说：“放心吧，我可以做到的。En: It's too dangerous here."Zh: ”这话不仅是对莲的承诺，更是对自己的激励。En: Ming stopped, turned to Lian with a slight smile, and said, "Don't worry, I can do it."Zh: 突然，一段特别险峻的路出现在他们面前。En: This was not only a promise to Lian but also an encouragement to himself.Zh: 明的心跳骤然加速，脚步也变得沉重。En: Suddenly, an especially treacherous section appeared before them.Zh: 然而，莲在他身边坚定地说：“一起走，我们可以的。En: Ming's heartbeat quickened, and his steps became heavy.Zh: ”他们小心翼翼地走着，每一步都充满小心与支持，终于，他们走到了瀑布顶端。En: However, Lian was steadfast beside him, saying, "Let's walk together, we can do it."Zh: 顶上，天空无垠，白雪皑皑。En: They moved cautiously, each step filled with care and support, and finally, they reached the top of the waterfall.Zh: 明和莲面向辽阔的视野，心中一片坦然。En: At the summit, the sky was boundless, covered with white snow.Zh: 明点燃了灯笼，和莲一起将它送向高空。En: Ming and Lian faced the vast view, feeling a sense of peace.Zh: 纸灯笼在清冷的冬季气流中摇曳，最终自由升腾，与新年的月光一同高悬天际。En: Ming lit the lantern, and together with Lian, they set it off into the sky.Zh: 山顶的风轻轻吹拂，明闭上眼睛，内心充满平静。En: The paper lantern swayed in the cold winter air, eventually rising freely, hanging alongside the new year's moonlight.Zh: 他不仅征服了对高处的恐惧，也更加理解了友谊的力量。En: The gentle breeze at the mountaintop lightly caressed them as Ming closed his eyes, filled with tranquility.Zh: “谢谢你。En: Not only had he conquered his fear of heights, but he also gained a deeper understanding of the power of friendship.Zh: ”明对莲说，心中的感激无以言表。En: "Thank you," Ming said to Lian, his gratitude beyond words.Zh: 两人站在那里，看着灯笼渐渐变成天空中一个闪烁的星点，满是成就感与友谊的新篇章。En: The two stood there, watching the lantern gradually become a twinkling star in the sky, full of a sense of achievement and a new chapter in their friendship. Vocabulary Words:sentinels: 哨兵cautiously: 小心翼翼地slippery: 滑towering: 高耸hidden: 隐藏的significant: 别具意义release: 放飞steep: 陡峭shimmered: 闪烁challengers: 挑战者steadfast: 坚定treacherous: 险峻quickened: 骤然加速boundless: 无垠vast: 辽阔lit: 点燃swayed: 摇曳conquered: 征服tranquility: 平静gratitude: 感激twinkling: 闪烁achievement: 成就感trail: 小道occasionally: 时不时courage: 勇气peaks: 顶端breeze: 风caressed: 吹拂lantern: 灯笼moonlight: 月光

During a date, Yu Qing and her date talk about zodiac signs. While neither of them truly believes in astrology, they agree it's a useful icebreaker. They discuss how relying too much on zodiac labels can oversimplify people and limit personal growth. —————————————————————————————————约会对象：你相信星座吗？你是什么座的？雨晴：哈哈哈，你相信吗？我半信半疑吧。不全信。我是狮子座。约会对象：真的吗？我听说狮子座的人很爱表现，很自信。嗯, 不太像你。雨晴：是吗？那不是很准，对吧。有些性格是后天形成的，不全是由星座决定的。不过，我的一个朋友就非常信星座，去约会也要先问约会对象是什么星座，然后查看他们的星座合不合。哈哈哈。你不会跟我朋友一样吧？约会对象：嗯，我其实也不是很信。不过这个是一个不错的聊天话题，哈哈哈。用这个话题来破冰挺好的。而且，如果一个人很信星座的话，容易给自己和他人贴标签。比如：“啊，我是这个星座的，所以我就是这样的人，改不了。”还有刚刚你说你的那个朋友，约会前看星座合不合适再决定去不去赴约的就有点极端了。毕竟，像你说的，性格还是可以改变的。雨晴：嗯，是。我同意。所以……你是什么星座的呢？约会对象：我是金牛座。一般说这个星座的人很踏实，能吃苦，不太爱表达。雨晴：是你吗？约会对象：我觉得挺符合我现在的状态的。不过，这可能是巧合。—————————————————————————————————If you're enjoying this story, there's so much more waiting for you inside maayot:✅ Daily bite-sized stories that suit your level✅ native audio✅ Interactions with native for practice your speaking✅ One tap Pinyin, explain in context for words and sentences✅ Writing and speaking exercises with real person feedback✅ Track your learning streakNot using these features yet? Open our app or visit maayot.com and explore everything your Mandarin journey needs. Use promotion code “Podcast” , get a 50% off today !If this episode made you smile, laugh, or learn something new. Please Take just 30 seconds to leave us a rating and short review. It helps other Mandarin learners discover us !

This week on Where's That Bar Cart: Monty sides with the Mongolian opinion of the Winter Olympics, we review the Mandarin restaurant extensively, break down Thomas Kaberle's career, and estate planning at a golf simulator.Thanks to Comedy Records and to each and every one of you who listens, watches, and supports our podcast. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel @ComedyRecords. Swing well out there. Follow us at:- @wheresthatbarcart- linkt.ree/wheresthatbarcart- @dpurcomic- @montymofoscott- @nickdurie- @comedyrecordsMusic by Devin BatesonThank you to Comedy Records

"... and once the great forges of dwarvkin burn no morethe frozen passages and snowkin will once more take Nottthis time Lemminkäinen will know no equal as his frostand these shall be known as the end of days.And on these days the children of Hus shall see the endthe end of all things but one:even at the end of time Lemminkäinen's wrath will remain."If you're still wanting to pledge for the Jarren's Outpost Board Game you can right here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lev 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Ps 38:1-22, Pr 10:8-9

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lanterns and Reunions: A Homecoming Under Xiamen's Glow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-21-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 厦门的夜晚，空气中弥漫着淡淡的茉莉花茶香。En: The night in Xiamen was filled with a faint scent of jasmine tea.Zh: 茶馆内灯笼摇曳，温馨的光芒充满整个房间。En: In the tea house, lanterns swayed gently, casting a warm glow throughout the room.Zh: 从窗外看去，元宵节的热闹光影映在窗户上，把夜晚染成了缤纷的色彩。En: From outside the window, the lively shadows of the Yuanxiao Festival reflected on the glass, painting the night in vibrant colors.Zh: 小兰坐在茶馆的角落，她的心情既紧张又期待。En: Xiaolan sat in a corner of the tea house, feeling both nervous and expectant.Zh: 这是她从国外回来后，第一次和她的童年好友见面。En: This was her first meeting with her childhood friends since returning from abroad.Zh: 她希望通过这次元宵节，重新找回对家乡的熟悉与认同感。En: She hoped that through this Yuanxiao Festival, she could reconnect with the familiarity and sense of belonging to her hometown.Zh: 不一会儿，微和李来了。En: Before long, Wei and Li arrived.Zh: 微总是充满活力，一进门就带着灿烂的笑容，挥手招呼着。En: Wei, always full of life, entered with a bright smile, waving energetically.Zh: “小兰，我们等你好久啦！En: "Xiaolan, we've been waiting for you for so long!"Zh: ”微热情地说道。En: Wei said enthusiastically.Zh: 李则是稳重地坐下，点了一些小吃和茶。En: Li sat down steadily and ordered some snacks and tea.Zh: 他对小兰说：“很高兴你能回来，一起过元宵节。En: He told Xiaolan, "It's great to have you back to celebrate Yuanxiao Festival together."Zh: ”小兰微微笑着，心中感到一丝慌张。En: Xiaolan smiled faintly, feeling a bit uneasy.Zh: 她想起儿时和朋友们放灯笼的情景，但这些年她似乎有些生疏了。En: She recalled the times during childhood when she and her friends released lanterns, but it seemed unfamiliar after these years.Zh: 茶馆里，他们聊起了小时候的趣事，尤其是那些一起度过的节日。En: In the tea house, they talked about their fun childhood memories, especially the festivals they had spent together.Zh: 随着时间过去，小兰逐渐觉得自己被包围在一片温暖之中，但仍然有些格格不入的感觉。En: As time passed, Xiaolan gradually felt enveloped in warmth, yet there was still a sense of estrangement.Zh: 她发现自己不太了解一些元宵节的新习俗，于是她下决心要多参与其中。En: She realized she was not very familiar with some new customs of Yuanxiao Festival, so she decided to engage more in them.Zh: 在屋顶放灯笼的时刻来了。En: The moment to release the lanterns on the roof came.Zh: 大红灯笼的光芒映照着他们的脸庞。En: The light from the red lanterns illuminated their faces.Zh: 小兰决定主动提问，微耐心地解释着每一个环节的意义，而李则帮忙准备灯笼。En: Xiaolan decided to ask questions proactively, and Wei patiently explained the significance of each step, while Li helped prepare the lanterns.Zh: 终于，三个朋友站在茶馆的屋顶，手中紧握各自的灯笼。En: Finally, the three friends stood on the roof of the tea house, each holding their own lantern.Zh: 他们一起将心愿写在纸上，然后用力放飞手中的灯笼。En: They wrote their wishes on paper and then released the lanterns forcefully.Zh: 灯笼缓缓升空，与远处绚烂的烟花相互辉映。En: The lanterns rose slowly, echoing with the brilliant fireworks in the distance.Zh: 微轻声许愿道：“愿我们的友谊像这灯火，长明不熄。En: Wei wished softly, "May our friendship shine like this light, never extinguishing."Zh: ”看着那灯笼越升越高，小兰感受到了久违的快乐与平静。En: Watching the lanterns rise higher and higher, Xiaolan felt a long-lost joy and peace.Zh: 她明白，文化的根基和友情是可以让人找到归属感的。En: She understood that cultural roots and friendship can provide a sense of belonging.Zh: 满怀欣慰与喜悦的她，意识到自己在家乡，在朋友之间，找到了新的方向和信念。En: Filled with comfort and joy, she realized that she had found a new direction and conviction at home and among friends.Zh: 随着元宵节的热闹夜晚落下帷幕，小兰心中的那份失落与孤独被温暖填满。En: As the lively night of the Yuanxiao Festival came to a close, the emptiness and loneliness in Xiaolan's heart were filled with warmth.Zh: 她再次微笑，珍视彼此间久远的羁绊，怀抱着新的起点和希望。En: She smiled again, cherishing the long-standing bonds between them and embracing a new beginning and hope. Vocabulary Words:faint: 淡淡的scent: 香lanterns: 灯笼swayed: 摇曳reflected: 映vibrant: 缤纷的expectant: 期待estrangement: 格格不入的感觉engage: 参与proactively: 主动significance: 意义steady: 稳重地uneasy: 慌张release: 放飞forcefully: 用力echoing: 辉映fireworks: 烟花extinguishing: 熄roots: 根基conviction: 信念emptiness: 失落loneliness: 孤独cherishing: 珍视bonds: 羁绊embracing: 怀抱glow: 光芒abroad: 国外customs: 习俗brilliant: 灿烂reconnect: 找回

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lantern Festival: Tradition & Modernity Unite in Shanghai Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-21-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 上海豫园，人声鼎沸，灯笼高挂。En: In Shanghai Yuyuan Garden, the place is bustling with noise, and lanterns are hung high.Zh: 夜风微凉，但附近的灯光将寒意驱散。En: The night breeze is slightly cool, but the nearby lights dispel any chill.Zh: 梅，站在园内，望着四周五颜六色的灯笼，心中充满期待。En: Mei stands in the garden, looking at the colorful lanterns all around, her heart filled with anticipation.Zh: 梅是个热爱传统文化的年轻女子。En: Mei is a young woman who loves traditional culture.Zh: 每到节庆，她都会想起自己的奶奶。En: Every festive season, she thinks of her grandmother.Zh: 灯笼节即将来临，梅想为奶奶挑选一个能够彰显她精神的灯笼，En: With the Lantern Festival approaching, Mei wants to choose a lantern for her grandmother that can reflect her spirit.Zh: 这不仅仅是为了纪念，更是为了与家人一起庆祝这个节日。En: This is not just in memory of her grandmother, but also to celebrate the festival with her family.Zh: 豫园内，各式各样的灯笼争奇斗艳。En: Inside Yuyuan Garden, all kinds of lanterns vie for attention.Zh: 有些现代，有些传统。En: Some are modern, some are traditional.Zh: 梅在一个个摊位间穿梭，寻找那个特别的灯笼。En: Mei weaves through the stalls, searching for that special lantern.Zh: 但每一个灯笼，要么太现代，要么太普通，总不能让梅满意。En: But each one is either too modern or too ordinary and cannot satisfy her.Zh: 她想要一个灯笼，能够结合奶奶的传统和她对未来的憧憬。En: She wants a lantern that combines her grandmother's traditions with her own hopes for the future.Zh: 天渐渐暗下来，灯笼的光越发亮眼。En: As the sky gradually darkens, the light from the lanterns becomes more dazzling.Zh: 梅感到一丝焦虑，时间不多了，她还没有找到心仪的灯笼。En: Mei feels a trace of anxiety, time is running out, and she still hasn't found her ideal lantern.Zh: 正当她计划再试一次时，一个隐藏在角落的小摊位引起了她的注意。En: Just as she plans to give it another try, a small stall hidden in the corner catches her attention.Zh: 摊位上，一个灯笼与众不同。En: On the stall is a lantern that is different from the others.Zh: 它采用传统的设计，却巧妙地结合了现代元素。En: It uses a traditional design but cleverly incorporates modern elements.Zh: 灯笼外壳是手工绘制的梅花，象征着勇气和希望，正是奶奶教给她的含义。En: The lantern's outer shell is hand-painted with plum blossoms, symbolizing courage and hope, precisely the meanings her grandmother taught her.Zh: 里面却用上了最新的LED灯，光芒明亮而温暖。En: Inside, it uses the latest LED lights, bright and warm.Zh: 梅的心瞬间被打动了。En: Mei's heart is instantly moved.Zh: 她知道，这就是她一直在找的灯笼。En: She knows that this is the lantern she's been looking for all along.Zh: 传统与现代的结合，正如奶奶的教导：要以传统为根，但也要向前看。En: The blend of tradition and modernity, just like her grandmother's teachings: to be rooted in tradition but also to look forward.Zh: 梅购买了灯笼，满心欢喜，她感到一阵久违的平和。En: Mei buys the lantern, filled with joy, and feels a long-lost sense of peace.Zh: 这不仅是对奶奶的纪念，也是对未来的祝福。En: This is not only in memory of her grandmother but also a blessing for the future.Zh: 回家的路上，灯笼在她手里摇曳生光，她知道，过去与未来正随着这盏灯笼融汇在一起。En: On the way home, the lantern sways and shines in her hand, and she knows the past and future are blending together with it.Zh: 在灯笼节的夜晚，梅深切感受到，传承过去，也意味着迎接新的开始。En: On the night of the Lantern Festival, Mei deeply feels that inheriting the past also means embracing a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 人声鼎沸anticipation: 期待festive: 节庆的vying: 争奇斗艳weaves: 穿梭anxiety: 焦虑trace: 一丝shell: 外壳hand-painted: 手工绘制的blossoms: 梅花sways: 摇曳dispel: 驱散stalls: 摊位ordinary: 普通gradually: 渐渐dazzling: 亮眼inheriting: 传承incorporates: 结合outcome: 结果rooted: 以...为根plum: 梅courage: 勇气blessing: 祝福chill: 寒意reflect: 彰显modernity: 现代ideals: 理想LED lights: LED灯harmony: 和谐commemorate: 纪念

Join Diandre, CJ, and Josh as we rank the 25 WORST Superhero Movies Of All Time in this hilarious and heated episode. We kick things off with a chaotic round of "Lyrically Correct: 80s Edition" before getting straight into the cinematic disasters that comic book fans wish they could forget.The crew holds nothing back as they roast the biggest flops in history. We break down the disappointment of the Galactus cloud in *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, the controversial CGI in *The Flash*, and the absolute betrayal of *Dragonball Evolution*. The debate gets intense over the fake Mandarin twist in *Iron Man 3*, the "Bat-nipples" in *Batman & Robin*, and the wasted potential of *X-Men Apocalypse*. From Shaq's performance in *Steel* to the confusing plot of *Glass* and the musical elements of *Joker 2*, we cover every cringeworthy moment. Tune in to see which movie earns the shameful title of the number one worst superhero film ever made.#morbiusreview #badcomicmovies #batmanandrobin #dcmoviefails #marveldcflopsCHAPTERS:00:00 - Podcast Intro & Welcome0:22 - Lyrically Correct Game Segment4:19 - Ranking Worst Superhero Movies9:58 - X-Men Apocalypse Movie Review10:47 - Iron Man 3 Critique14:28 - Spider-Man 3 Disappointment15:28 - Howard the Duck (1986)17:05 - Shaq's Steel Movie Review17:55 - Venom Let There Be Carnage19:16 - Batman and Robin (1997)21:35 - TMNT 3 Movie Review22:18 - Morbius Marvel Movie Critique23:51 - Jonah Hex DC Movie25:20 - Thor The Dark World Review28:55 - Turbo A Power Rangers Movie35:45 - Ben Affleck Daredevil Movie39:45 - Joker Folie à Deux Discussion42:20 - Fantastic Four (2015) Review45:35 - Elektra Marvel Movie Review49:00 - M. Night Shyamalan Glass53:06 - Wonder Woman 1984 Critique56:44 - Worst Superhero Movie #158:27 - Worst Superhero Movie #21:00:18 - Worst Superhero Movie #31:02:50 - Recap and Future Episodes1:04:10 - Final Thoughts and Goodbyes1:05:14 - Shili E Segment1:05:30 - Thank You to Listeners1:05:46 - Upcoming Podcast Episodes1:06:00 - Podcast Outro

Lev 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Ps 37:30-40, Pr 10:6-7

This week, DtW is into the superhero-adjacent MCU TV show, Wonder Man! Dan and Raul have Jonnie back to talk more about Marvel as they field another series introducing a lesser-known hero with ionic abilities and killer shades. Yaya Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley star in this two-hander about hiding your true self, braving the ins and outs of the film industry and most of all, friendship. While Yaya's Simon is desperate to launch a real acting career, his own creative ideas are getting in the way. Meanwhile, Ben's Trevor is navigating life after being the face of terror as The Mandarin and is roped into ensnaring the powered Simon for the shady Dept of Damage Control by appealing to his need for help with his acting career as well as a real friend. Classic setup, but do the burgeoning buddies survive the reveal of the deception and Damage Control coming for them? Is fighting for the role of his dreams what emboldens Simon to take a big step forward in life? I bet these three guys have some thoughts!

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: By the Lantern Light: Mei and Zhang's Emotional Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-20-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖的冬夜，静谧又美丽。En: On the winter night by West Lake, it was tranquil and beautiful.Zh: 湖水微微波动，灯笼的倒影在水面上晃动着。En: The water gently rippled, and the reflection of the lanterns danced on the lake's surface.Zh: 梅站在湖边，目光凝重，心中充满了复杂的情感。En: Mei stood by the lakeside, her gaze heavy, her heart filled with complex emotions.Zh: 春节刚过，今天是元宵节，杭州的节日气氛格外浓厚。En: The Spring Festival had just passed, and today was the Lantern Festival, with an especially strong festive atmosphere in Hangzhou.Zh: 她知道，这是最后的机会，再不说出自己的心里话，张就要离开这座城市了。En: She knew this was the last chance; if she didn't speak her mind now, Zhang would leave the city.Zh: 几个月来，梅一直感到心灰意冷。En: For months, Mei had felt disheartened.Zh: 张对事业的追求无懈可击，而她却把自己的梦想暂时搁置。En: Zhang's pursuit of his career was impeccable, while she had temporarily set aside her own dreams.Zh: 虽然她想支持他的决定，但心中一直有个声音在质问：这一切值得吗？En: Although she wanted to support his decision, a voice within her kept questioning: Is all this worth it?Zh: 正是这种情感上的摒弃感，使她和张的关系越走越远。En: It was this feeling of emotional abandonment that drove a wedge between her and Zhang.Zh: 现在，她只能在西湖边祈祷一切还能回到从前。En: Now, all she could do was pray by West Lake that everything could return to how it was.Zh: 夕阳即将落下，天边泛起了一抹橘红。En: The sun was about to set, painting the sky with a hint of orange-red.Zh: 梅终于见到了张，他站在不远处，一手提着个灯笼，静静地看着湖面。En: Mei finally saw Zhang, standing not far away, holding a lantern and quietly gazing at the lake.Zh: 梅深呼吸，鼓起勇气走过去。En: Taking a deep breath, she summoned the courage to walk over.Zh: “我们聊聊吧，”她轻声说道。En: "Let's talk," she said softly.Zh: “好。”张回答，但语气里充满了不安。En: "Okay." Zhang replied, but his tone was filled with unease.Zh: 两人沉默了一会儿，梅盯着手中的灯笼，不能再犹豫了。En: They were silent for a while, Mei staring at the lantern in her hand, unable to hesitate any longer.Zh: “张，我有很多话想说。我不想你走，不想失去你。”她的声音微微颤抖。En: "Zhang, I have a lot to say. I don't want you to leave; I don't want to lose you," her voice trembled slightly.Zh: “可是，这段时间我总在想，我一直在为你妥协，却也舍弃了自己的梦想。我害怕再这样下去，我们会变成陌生人。”En: "But lately, I've been thinking, I've been compromising for you while abandoning my own dreams. I'm afraid that if this continues, we'll become strangers."Zh: 张陷入了沉思，他没有打断梅的话。En: Zhang sank into thought, not interrupting Mei's words.Zh: “我从来没想过你会这样想。你为什么不早点告诉我呢？”En: "I never thought that you felt this way. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"Zh: “我怕，怕你觉得我不支持你。”梅眼中闪着泪光。En: "I was afraid, afraid you'd think I wasn't supporting you." Tears glistened in Mei's eyes.Zh: 张轻轻叹了口气，握住梅的手。En: Zhang sighed softly, holding Mei's hand.Zh: “我没有意识到这些，我只是一心想给我们创造更好的未来，却忽略了你的感受。”En: "I didn't realize these things. I was just focused on creating a better future for us, but I overlooked your feelings."Zh: 此时，天色已暗，西湖的灯笼一盏盏亮了起来，温暖的光芒包围了他们。En: By now, the sky had darkened, and the lanterns around West Lake one by one illuminated, surrounding them with a warm glow.Zh: 梅感受到一种未曾有过的轻松感。En: Mei felt a lightness she had never experienced before.Zh: “张，我只是希望我们能一同考虑未来，而不是只有一个人去追逐。”En: "Zhang, I just hope we can both consider the future together, rather than just one of us chasing it."Zh: 他们的目光再次在灯光中相遇，张点了点头。En: Their eyes met again in the light of the lanterns, and Zhang nodded.Zh: “我会留下，跟你一起面对。或许我们可以从头再来。”En: "I will stay and face it together with you. Perhaps we can start over."Zh: 梅的心如释重负，紧握住他的手。En: Mei's heart felt relieved, and she held his hand tightly.Zh: “谢谢你愿意留下。”En: "Thank you for being willing to stay."Zh: 冬夜的寒冷似乎变得不再刺骨。En: The winter night's cold seemed no longer biting.Zh: 湖边的对话结束后，梅和张携手走进了灯笼的海洋中，决定重新开始一起生活的旅程。En: After their lakeside conversation, Mei and Zhang walked hand in hand into the sea of lanterns, deciding to begin their journey of living together anew.Zh: 梅终于明白，直面内心的恐惧和诚实，才是感情维系的关键。En: Mei finally understood that facing inner fears and being honest are the keys to maintaining a relationship. Vocabulary Words:tranquil: 静谧rippling: 波动reflection: 倒影gaze: 目光complex: 复杂festive: 节日atmosphere: 气氛disheartened: 心灰意冷impeccable: 无懈可击wedge: 摒弃感sunset: 夕阳hint: 一抹courage: 勇气unease: 不安trembled: 颤抖compromising: 妥协strangers: 陌生人glistened: 闪着sigh: 叹气overlooked: 忽略lanterns: 灯笼illuminated: 亮glow: 光芒lightness: 轻松consider: 考虑nod: 点头relieved: 如释重负biting: 刺骨journey: 旅程maintaining: 维系

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Capturing Tranquility: A Journey of Creativity at Xihu Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-20-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖的春天，总是让人心生向往。En: The spring of Xihu, or West Lake, always leaves people longing for it.Zh: 李娟和德伟决定在元宵节，去那里赏梅花。En: Lijuan and Dewei decided to visit there during the Yuanxiao Festival, or Lantern Festival, to admire the plum blossoms.Zh: 他们听说今年的梅花开的特别好，便早早出发。En: They had heard that the plum blossoms were blooming exceptionally well this year, so they set off early.Zh: 一路上，李娟带着她心爱的相机，而德伟则夹着一个小笔记本。En: On the way, Lijuan carried her beloved camera, while Dewei had a small notebook with him.Zh: 他们心中各有一个愿望，一个想拍出完美的照片，一个想写出动人的诗篇。En: Each had a wish in mind: one wanted to capture the perfect photograph, and the other wanted to write a moving poem.Zh: 到了西湖，果然如他们所料，到处都是人。En: Upon reaching Xihu, it was indeed as they expected; there were people everywhere.Zh: 节日的气氛使湖边热闹非凡，孩子们打着灯笼，人们的笑声此起彼伏。En: The festive atmosphere made the lakeside extraordinarily lively, with children carrying lanterns and laughter of people filling the air.Zh: 李娟环顾四周，发现找个安静的拍照位置几乎是不可能的。En: Lijuan looked around and found that it was nearly impossible to find a quiet spot for photography.Zh: 德伟坐在湖边的石凳上，看着笔记本发呆，他的思绪随着人群的吵闹而四处飘散。En: Dewei sat on a stone bench by the lake, staring blankly at his notebook, his thoughts drifting away with the clamor of the crowd.Zh: “我想去湖的另一边看看，”李娟提议，“也许那里会安静一点。En: "I want to see the other side of the lake," Lijuan suggested, "maybe it will be quieter there."Zh: ”德伟点头表示同意，于是他们沿着小路走去。En: Dewei nodded in agreement, and so they followed the path.Zh: 西湖的另一边果然人少了很多。En: The other side of Xihu indeed had far fewer people.Zh: 傍晚的阳光洒在湖面上，梅花树下显得格外柔美。En: The evening sunlight cast on the lake surface, making the plum trees appear exceptionally gentle and beautiful.Zh: 李娟为此景欣喜不已，迅速架好相机。En: Lijuan was delighted by this scene and quickly set up her camera.Zh: 她仔细调整了角度，把风景和节日的气氛一同收入画面。En: She carefully adjusted the angle to capture both the scenery and the festive atmosphere in the frame.Zh: 德伟坐在一旁，闭上眼睛，听着湖边微风拂过柳枝的声音，渐渐心渐安静。En: Dewei sat nearby, closed his eyes, and listened to the sound of the breeze rustling through willow branches by the lake, gradually finding peace of mind.Zh: 他的脑海中浮现出一句诗：“月影梅间落，灯筏映水光。En: A line of poetry emerged in his mind: "Moon shadows fall among the plums, lantern rafts reflect in the water's light."Zh: ”他微笑着，把这句诗快速写下。En: Smiling, he quickly jotted down this line of verse.Zh: 天色渐渐暗下来，李娟收好相机，德伟合上笔记本。En: As the sky gradually darkened, Lijuan packed away her camera, and Dewei closed his notebook.Zh: 他们在这片静谧中找到了各自的灵感，也体会到了意外之乐。En: They found their inspiration in this tranquility, as well as unexpected joy.Zh: 在返回的路上，他们都感到无比的满足。En: On the way back, they felt immensely satisfied.Zh: 李娟在这次旅行中学会了耐心和坚持的重要性，德伟也掌握了在喧嚣中寻找灵感的信心。En: During this trip, Lijuan learned the importance of patience and persistence, and Dewei gained confidence in finding inspiration amidst the noise.Zh: 他们带着满满的收获，和对西湖美好记忆，离开了。En: They left with a wealth of experiences and beautiful memories of Xihu.Zh: 对于李娟和德伟来说，这趟西湖之行不仅是一趟观光赏景的旅程，更是一次心灵的成长和收获。En: For Lijuan and Dewei, this trip to Xihu was not just a sightseeing journey but also an experience of personal growth and harvest. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 梅花admire: 赏notebook: 笔记本festival: 节日exceptionally: 特别atmosphere: 气氛lively: 热闹clap: 吵闹persistence: 坚持inspiration: 灵感harvest: 收获tranquility: 静谧glee: 欣喜longing: 向往capture: 拍extraordinarily: 非凡path: 小路sunlight: 阳光gentle: 柔美drifting: 飘散rafts: 灯筏shadows: 月影branches: 柳枝overwhelming: 无比journey: 旅行memories: 记忆satisfaction: 满足adventure: 旅程poem: 诗篇gained: 掌握

Lev 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Ps 37:12-29, Pr 10:5

Kevin and Tim break down Wonder Man and are genuinely surprised by how good it is. They unpack Simon Williams' flawed but compelling arc, debate Mandarin recognition skills, and ask whether he's ready for an Avengers-level debut.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Capturing Cherry Blossoms Amidst Beijing's Lantern Glow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-19-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在北京的冬天，天色清冷，灯笼花满天都是。En: In the winter of Beijing, the sky was clear and cold, with lanterns everywhere.Zh: 天坛这座古老的建筑，在灯笼的光辉下，显得尤为神秘和壮丽。En: The ancient structure of the Temple of Heaven, under the glow of the lanterns, appeared especially mysterious and magnificent.Zh: 明站在天坛的草坪上，手里握着相机。En: Ming stood on the lawn of the Temple of Heaven, holding a camera in his hand.Zh: 他的心跳有点快，因为他正准备拍摄自己的摄影项目——灯节的樱花。En: His heart was beating a little fast because he was preparing to shoot his own photography project—cherry blossoms during the Lantern Festival.Zh: 明是一位热爱捕捉瞬间的摄影师。En: Ming was a photographer who loved capturing moments.Zh: 他的伙伴丽芬站在他身旁，满脸期待。En: His partner, Lifen, stood beside him, full of anticipation.Zh: 虽然冬天的北京罕见樱花，但明知道这个机会不常有。En: Although cherry blossoms in winter were rare in Beijing, Ming knew this opportunity didn't come often.Zh: 他的导师嘉豪是一位经验丰富的摄影师，虽然有时很严厉，但对明充满了鼓励。En: His mentor, Jiahao, was an experienced photographer who, although sometimes strict, was very encouraging to Ming.Zh: “明，你准备好了吗？”丽芬问。En: "Ming, are you ready?" Lifen asked.Zh: “还差一点。”明回答，“樱花太少了，又有这么多人。”En: "Almost," Ming replied, "There are too few cherry blossoms and so many people."Zh: 今年冬天特别冷，樱花很稀少，给明的拍摄带来不小的挑战。En: This year's winter was particularly cold, and cherry blossoms were very scarce, bringing Ming quite a challenge for his shoot.Zh: 加上灯节的人群拥挤，使得他很难找到合适的角度。En: With the crowds at the Lantern Festival, it was hard for him to find the right angle.Zh: 明犹豫了。En: Ming hesitated.Zh: 他是专注于稀有的樱花，还是转向拍摄节日的盛况呢？En: Should he focus on the rare cherry blossoms, or should he shift to capturing the festivity of the festival?Zh: 他知道，自己必须做出选择。En: He knew he had to make a choice.Zh: 正当时间快要用完时，明突然看到，不远处一个被灯笼照亮的樱花孤独地挂在树枝上，那场景简直是梦幻般的美丽。En: Just as time was running out, Ming suddenly saw a lone cherry blossom illuminated by lanterns not far away, and the scene was simply dreamlike in its beauty.Zh: 周围五彩缤纷的灯笼，正好为构图增添色彩。En: The colorful lanterns around added just the right amount of color to the composition.Zh: 那瞬间，明毫不犹豫地按下快门。En: In that moment, Ming pressed the shutter without hesitation.Zh: 这是他期待已久的完美画面。En: This was the perfect picture he had been waiting for.Zh: “你做到了！”丽芬兴奋地说。En: "You did it!" Lifen said excitedly.Zh: 在一旁的嘉豪拍拍明的肩膀，“很好，明。你找到了光与影之间的平衡。你抓住了这一刻。”En: Jiahao, standing nearby, patted Ming on the shoulder, "Well done, Ming. You found the balance between light and shadow. You captured the moment."Zh: 明微笑着，看着自己的照片，他对自己的艺术视角有了更多的信心。En: Ming smiled, looking at his photo; he gained more confidence in his artistic perspective.Zh: 他明白了适应和在意外的瞬间中发现美的重要性。En: He understood the importance of adapting and finding beauty in unexpected moments.Zh: 他不仅抓住了樱花的美丽，还成长为了一位真正的摄影师。En: He not only captured the beauty of the cherry blossoms but also grew into a true photographer. Vocabulary Words:lantern: 灯笼ancient: 古老structure: 建筑mysterious: 神秘magnificent: 壮丽capturing: 捕捉anticipation: 期待rare: 罕见opportunity: 机会experienced: 经验丰富strict: 严厉scarce: 稀少challenge: 挑战angle: 角度hesitated: 犹豫festivity: 盛况lone: 孤独illuminated: 照亮dreamlike: 梦幻般composition: 构图pressed: 按下shutter: 快门moment: 瞬间balance: 平衡perspective: 视角adapting: 适应unexpected: 意外grown: 成长captured: 抓住confidence: 信心

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter's New Arrival: A Journey of Life and Love Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-19-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在冰雪覆盖的冬天，北京的医院里充满了温暖与紧张的气氛。En: In the winter covered with snow and ice, the hospital in Beijing was filled with a warm and tense atmosphere.Zh: 医院的产房中，静菲躺在病床上，心情既紧张又激动。En: In the delivery room of the hospital, Jingfei lay on the bed, feeling both nervous and excited.Zh: 她知道，今天是她人生中重要的一天，因为她和丈夫伟即将迎来他们的第一个孩子。En: She knew that today was an important day in her life because she and her husband Wei were about to welcome their first child.Zh: 外面的大雪不断飘落，交通变得困难重重，但这丝毫没有阻止伟和妹妹美赶到医院。En: Outside, the snow kept falling heavily, making traffic extremely difficult, but this did not stop Wei and his sister Mei from rushing to the hospital.Zh: 伟坐在静菲的身旁，握着她的手，不停地说：“一切都会好起来的，我们会一起度过。En: Wei sat beside Jingfei, holding her hand and kept saying, "Everything will be alright, we will get through this together."Zh: ”美则在一旁照顾着他们，时不时递上热水和温暖的毯子，轻声地给静菲讲述自己的育儿经历，说起她自己的第一个孩子出生时的情景。En: Mei, on the other hand, was taking care of them, occasionally handing over hot water and warm blankets, softly recounting her own parenting experiences and the scene when her first child was born.Zh: 这让静菲稍稍地放心了些。En: This made Jingfei feel a bit more at ease.Zh: 但她仍不时皱眉，呼吸也变得急促。En: Yet she still frowned occasionally, and her breathing became rapid.Zh: 时间一点点地流逝，医院里依然人来人往。En: Time ticked away, with people constantly coming and going in the hospital.Zh: 护士们在走廊上快速穿梭，医生们在为每一个即将出生的小生命做好准备。En: Nurses hurried through the corridors, and doctors were preparing for each new life about to be born.Zh: 静菲深知这些医护人员的专业，决定把对生产的担忧交给他们，相信他们的能力。En: Jingfei was well aware of the professionalism of these medical staff, deciding to entrust her worries about the delivery to them and having faith in their abilities.Zh: 突然，一声婴儿的哭声响彻产房，那是一种从未听过的声音，让人心生安宁。En: Suddenly, the cry of a baby resounded in the delivery room, it was a kind of sound never heard before, bringing a sense of peace.Zh: 静菲和伟都惘然地对视一眼，接着是微笑，终于松了一口气。En: Jingfei and Wei looked at each other in bewilderment and then smiled, finally breathing a sigh of relief.Zh: 那个充满好奇的小生命被小心翼翼地放在静菲怀里，她感受到一种从未有过的温柔和力量。En: The curious little life was carefully placed in Jingfei's arms, and she felt an unprecedented tenderness and strength.Zh: 美在旁边微笑着，拍了拍姐姐的肩膀：“你做得非常好，恭喜你们！En: Mei smiled beside them, patting her sister on the shoulder, "You did very well, congratulations to both of you!"Zh: ”静菲微微点头，眼中是满满的泪水和笑意，她感受到了新的责任和生命的力量。En: Jingfei slightly nodded, her eyes full of tears and smiles, she felt a new responsibility and the power of life.Zh: 这一刻，她不再只是一个期待的母亲，而是一位充满爱意的妈妈。En: At this moment, she was no longer just an expectant mother, but a loving mom.Zh: 这场冬季的旅程，因为新生命的到来而变得格外温暖。En: This winter journey became especially warm due to the arrival of new life.Zh: 伟抱住了全家，他意识到，虽然生活会有所改变，但这正是幸福的起点。En: Wei embraced the whole family, realizing that although life would change, this was indeed the starting point of happiness.Zh: 静菲内心的焦虑渐渐消散，取而代之的是对未来的美好期待和坚定信心。En: Jingfei's inner anxiety gradually faded away, replaced by a beautiful anticipation and steadfast confidence in the future.Zh: 从那一刻起，静菲和她的家人开始了新的篇章，一个充满爱与希望的美好家庭开始萌芽。En: From that moment on, Jingfei and her family began a new chapter, and a beautiful family full of love and hope started to blossom. Vocabulary Words:tense: 紧张corridor: 走廊anticipation: 期待bewilderment: 惘然steadfast: 坚定recount: 讲述sigh of relief: 松了一口气entrust: 交给rapid: 急促nurturing: 育儿entrance: 入口patient: 病人embrace: 抱resentment: 怨恨become aware: 意识到fade: 消散enthrall: 入迷initial: 初始unprecedented: 从未有过的obsidian: 黑曜石solace: 安慰contemplate: 沉思ignite: 点燃succinct: 简洁query: 查询resound: 响彻symbiotic: 共生epoch: 纪元inquisitive: 好奇perturbation: 扰动

Disney finally released a new Marvel series, Evan and Bryan both watched it and .will discuss the pros and cons of this new series.. Is it a good watch? How are the characters? Why is the Mandarin involved? Listen in as they give their full length review.    ———————————————————————————   If you'd like to join us and discuss your trip or any of the topics we discuss, please reach out to us on our Facebook page, Spoonie Nation, Instagram, or Twitter. All episodes, show notes, and other podcast-related information are available  here        

Lev 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Ps 37:1-11, Pr 10:3-4

Keir Starmer has served a group of Chagos Islanders who landed by boat on the territory on Tuesday with an eviction notice, threatening them with a three-year prison term if they don't leave.The Chagossians who returned are protesting against the government handing the islands back to Mauritius, and include the elected first minister Misley Mandarin.Camilla and Tim speak to Chagos campaigner and sister of Mr Mandarin, Vanessa Calou, who says that Starmer has “given away our island without consulting the British people” and calls the Prime Minister “disgusting” and a “traitor” who must resign.They also attend Robert Jenrick's first press conference as “shadow” chancellor, and ask whether Reform have abandoned radical policy ideas in an effort not to spook the markets.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorProducers: Georgia Coan and Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Charlotte SeligmanVideo Producer: Will WaltersStudio Operator: Meghan SearleSocial Producer: Nada AggourEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lost and Found at the Festive Great Wall: A Spring Festival Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-18-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 长城在雪花下显得格外庄严，与往日不同，今天天空下飘着几分节日的气氛。En: The Great Wall looked particularly solemn under the snowflakes, different from usual, with a hint of festivity floating in the air today.Zh: 大红灯笼在墙垛间摇曳着，为这古老的长墙增添了几分喜庆。En: Big red lanterns swayed between the ramparts, adding a touch of celebration to the ancient wall.Zh: 明天就是春节，许多人到长城来参加巡游。En: Tomorrow is the Spring Festival, and many people have come to the Great Wall to participate in the parade.Zh: 梅在人群中急切地寻找着，她的弟弟李不见了。En: Mei was anxiously searching through the crowd; her younger brother Li was missing.Zh: 李年纪小，常常充满好奇心，今天被巡游的热闹吸引，一转眼就不知跑到哪儿去了。En: Being young, Li is often filled with curiosity and was drawn to the excitement of the parade today, disappearing in the blink of an eye.Zh: 梅焦急万分，她必须在巡游结束前找到李，不然就赶不上全家团聚。En: Mei was extremely worried, as she had to find Li before the parade ended, or they wouldn't make it to the family gathering.Zh: 梅穿过人群，寒风中夹杂着雪花，视线很差。En: Mei pushed through the crowd, with snowflakes mixed in the cold wind making visibility poor.Zh: 她的心里充满焦虑。En: Her heart was full of anxiety.Zh: 这时，一个年轻的导游走了过来。En: At this moment, a young tour guide approached.Zh: 他叫小翔，是本地人，熟悉这里的每一个角落。En: His name was Xiaoxiang, a local familiar with every corner here.Zh: 小翔说：“我可以帮你找到弟弟。En: Xiaoxiang said, "I can help you find your brother."Zh: ”梅犹豫了一下，毕竟他是个陌生人。En: Mei hesitated, as he was a stranger.Zh: 但看着四周越来越多的人群，她决定相信小翔。En: But seeing more and more people around, she decided to trust Xiaoxiang.Zh: 两人一边喊着李的名字，一边沿着长城奔跑。En: The two of them ran along the Great Wall, calling out Li's name.Zh: 梅的心跳得很快，她怕如果不快点找到李，他会很危险。En: Mei's heart was beating fast; she feared that if she didn't find Li soon, he might be in danger.Zh: 很快，他们来到了一段陡峭的墙边，梅突然看到一个小小的身影摇摇晃晃地站在边上，那是李！En: Quickly, they arrived at a steep section of the wall, and Mei suddenly saw a small figure teetering on the edge - it was Li!Zh: “李！En: "Li!"Zh: ”梅大喊，她心都提到了嗓子眼。En: Mei shouted, her heart in her throat.Zh: 小翔迅速走上前，用手拉住梅，帮助她稳住自己。En: Xiaoxiang swiftly stepped up, holding onto Mei to help her steady herself.Zh: 梅小心地走近李，“站住，别动！En: Mei carefully approached Li, "Stay still, don't move!"Zh: ”她拉住了弟弟，终于把他安全地拉到了墙的安全区域。En: She grabbed her brother and finally pulled him safely back to the secure area of the wall.Zh: 李有些慌，但他还是对姐姐笑了，说：“姐姐，我看到了好大的灯笼！En: Li was a bit shaken, but he still smiled at his sister and said, "Sister, I saw such a big lantern!"Zh: ”梅紧紧抱住了他，感受着他温暖的体温。En: Mei hugged him tightly, feeling his warm body heat.Zh: 和小翔一起，他们成功赶上了家里春节团聚的时段。En: With Xiaoxiang's help, they successfully made it to the family's Spring Festival gathering.Zh: 在回家的路上，梅感谢小翔的帮助，小翔只笑了笑：“过年嘛，大家帮助是应该的。En: On the way home, Mei thanked Xiaoxiang for his help, and Xiaoxiang just smiled and said, "It's New Year, everyone should help each other."Zh: ”这个春节，梅真正认识到了信任的重要性，也更加珍惜和家人在一起的时光。En: This Spring Festival, Mei truly realized the importance of trust and cherished the time with her family even more.Zh: 长城在夕阳的映照下辉煌无比，那样的景象，将永远留在梅的心中。En: The Great Wall, illuminated by the sunset, was magnificent, a sight that would forever remain in Mei's heart. Vocabulary Words:solemn: 庄严hint: 几分festivity: 节日ramparts: 墙垛anxiously: 急切地curiosity: 好奇心visibility: 视线anxiety: 焦虑approached: 走了过来hesitated: 犹豫teetering: 摇摇晃晃secure: 安全的shaken: 慌cherished: 珍惜illuminated: 映照magnificent: 辉煌parade: 巡游participate: 参加extremely: 万分disappearing: 不知跑到哪儿去了swiftly: 迅速figure: 身影steep: 陡峭stranger: 陌生人steady: 稳住trust: 信任gathering: 团聚familiar: 熟悉section: 墙边sister: 姐姐

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Beyond the Wall: A Journey of Courage and Friendship Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-18-23-34-01-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 明宇站在长城的入口，呼吸着刺骨的寒风。En: Mingyu stood at the entrance of the Great Wall, breathing in the biting cold wind.Zh: 他和班上的同学在冬天的长城参加学校组织的历史文化学习旅行。En: He and his classmates were on a school-organized history and culture study trip to the Great Wall in the winter.Zh: 今天的长城，银装素裹，加上春节的红灯笼，显得格外喜庆。En: Today, the Great Wall was dressed in a silver garb, and with the addition of red lanterns for the Spring Festival, it looked especially festive.Zh: 明宇是个安静的男生。En: Mingyu was a quiet boy.Zh: 他常常觉得自己被班上的其他活泼的同学所掩盖。En: He often felt overshadowed by the other lively classmates in the class.Zh: 他心里暗自希望这次能给李华留下好的印象。En: He secretly hoped to leave a good impression on Li Hua this time.Zh: 李华是一个好奇心强，喜欢冒险的女生，她总是能找到不一样的路径和角度。En: Li Hua was a girl with a strong curiosity and a love for adventure; she always managed to find different paths and perspectives.Zh: 一路上，寒风刺骨，风雪让许多同学步履维艰。En: Along the way, the cold wind was piercing, and the snow made it difficult for many classmates to walk.Zh: 明宇紧了紧围巾，回头看见李华正好奇地环顾四周。En: Mingyu tightened his scarf and looked back to see Li Hua curiously surveying her surroundings.Zh: 他想到一本书里提到过的一个鲜有人知的长城的部分。En: He remembered a lesser-known part of the Great Wall mentioned in a book.Zh: 在这恶劣天气下，这可能是一个让李华刮目相看的机会。En: In this harsh weather, this might be an opportunity to impress Li Hua.Zh: “李华，我知道一个有趣的地方，我们去看看吧。”明宇心里虽然紧张，但还是鼓起勇气说道。En: "Li Hua, I know of an interesting place, let's go check it out," Mingyu said, gathering his courage despite feeling nervous.Zh: 李华点点头，跟着明宇走上一条看似隐蔽的小径。En: Li Hua nodded and followed Mingyu onto what appeared to be a hidden path.Zh: 两人走了一会儿，风却越来越大，雪越下越密。En: After they had been walking for a while, the wind grew stronger and the snow thicker.Zh: 忽然，李华一不小心踩到一块松动的石头，扭伤了脚。En: Suddenly, Li Hua accidentally stepped on a loose stone and twisted her ankle.Zh: 看到李华因痛苦而皱起的眉头，明宇心中一紧。En: Seeing the pain crease Li Hua's brow, Mingyu's heart tightened.Zh: 此时，展示领导力和友谊的时候到了。En: This was the moment to demonstrate leadership and friendship.Zh: 他深吸一口气，坚定地说道：“我会帮你回去。”En: He took a deep breath and resolutely said, "I'll help you get back."Zh: 他小心翼翼地扶着李华，慢慢地往回走。En: He carefully supported Li Hua and slowly started walking back.Zh: 为了给她分担一些重量，明宇尽可能稳当地移动，每一步都充满了决心和细心。En: To ease her burden, Mingyu moved as steadily as possible, each step full of determination and care.Zh: 途中，他们不时看到周围挂着的红灯笼随风摇曳，那是新年的节日气息。En: Along the way, they occasionally saw the red lanterns swinging in the wind, symbolizing the festive spirit of the New Year.Zh: 最终，明宇成功地把李华带回队伍。En: Finally, Mingyu successfully brought Li Hua back to the group.Zh: 所有的人都松了口气。En: Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.Zh: 李华对明宇投来了感激的目光，微微一笑。En: Li Hua gave Mingyu a grateful look and a slight smile.Zh: 明宇心中一阵温暖，仿佛也被冬日的阳光照亮了。En: Mingyu's heart warmed, as if illuminated by the winter sun.Zh: 这次经历后，明宇明白了，领导力不仅仅表现在大场面上，而是体现在这些小小的、但至关重要的行动中。En: After this experience, Mingyu understood that leadership is not only displayed in grand scenarios but is also reflected in these small yet crucial acts.Zh: 他认识到自己也能做到，并且在这个过程中获得了友谊和自信。En: He realized that he could do it, and in the process gained friendship and confidence.Zh: 这趟长城之旅，原来不仅是对历史的学习，更是一场自我的成长。En: This trip to the Great Wall was not just about learning history, but also a journey of personal growth. Vocabulary Words:biting: 刺骨的overshadowed: 掩盖piercing: 刺骨steadily: 稳当地resentfully: 感激地illuminated: 照亮garb: 银装burden: 负担demonstrate: 展示resolutely: 坚定地support: 扶着creativity: 创意curiosity: 好奇心adventure: 冒险scenarios: 场面perspectives: 角度opportunity: 机会lesser-known: 鲜有人知的uncommon: 不常见symbolizing: 象征festive: 喜庆relief: 松了一口气twisted: 扭伤了determination: 决心crucial: 至关重要的companionship: 友谊knowledge: 知识confidence: 自信embraced: 拥抱convey: 传达

Lev 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Ps 36:1-12, Pr 10:1-2

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Secrets Beneath the Snow: Unraveling Zijincheng Mysteries Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-17-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 紫禁城被厚厚的雪覆盖着，红墙金顶在白色的背景下更显得亮眼。En: The Zijincheng was covered in thick snow, with its red walls and golden rooftops standing out even more against the white backdrop.Zh: 新年灯笼在风中轻轻摇曳，增添了节日的气氛。En: New Year lanterns gently swayed in the wind, adding to the festive atmosphere.Zh: 就在这样一个冬天的早晨，历史学家奕辰，艺术修复师梅琳和安保官员志豪聚集在此。En: On such a winter morning, historian Yichen, art restorer Meilin, and security officer Zhihao gathered there.Zh: 奕辰是个勤奋的历史学家，他在寻找一份据说拥有重要历史信息的古老手稿。En: Yichen was a diligent historian who was searching for an ancient manuscript said to contain important historical information.Zh: 然而，手稿在一次公众参观中消失了。En: However, the manuscript disappeared during a public tour.Zh: 新年将至，游客越来越多，时间紧迫。En: With New Year approaching and more visitors arriving, time was running short.Zh: 奕辰暗暗担心，他必须尽快找到手稿。En: Yichen was secretly worried; he needed to find the manuscript quickly.Zh: 梅琳是紫禁城里的艺术修复师，虽然她过去神秘，但她对艺术的热情毋庸置疑。En: Meilin was an art restorer in the Zijincheng, mysterious in her past, but her passion for art was undeniable.Zh: 奕辰决定信任她。En: Yichen decided to trust her.Zh: 志豪是个眼光敏锐的安保官员，一直严格遵守规章制度，但这次，他面临着巨大的选择。En: Zhihao was a vigilant security officer who strictly adhered to regulations, yet this time, he faced a great choice.Zh: 三人开始在紫禁城里细致地寻找。En: The three began their meticulous search within the Zijincheng.Zh: 他们查找每一个可能的角落。En: They searched through every possible corner.Zh: 梅琳无意中想起紫禁城曾有一条古老的秘密通道，或许和手稿的消失有关。En: Meilin accidentally remembered that there was an ancient secret passage in the Zijincheng which might be related to the disappearance of the manuscript.Zh: 在梅琳的指引下，他们找到了入口。En: Under Meilin's guidance, they found the entrance.Zh: 奕辰、小心翼翼地进入通道，在阴暗的走廊里摸索。En: Yichen, cautiously entered the passage, groping through the dim corridor.Zh: 突如其来的响声让他吓了一跳，他触动了警报。En: A sudden noise startled him; he had triggered an alarm.Zh: 不过，没有撤退的时间，他们继续前进，终于在一个隐蔽的小室里找到了失踪的手稿。En: However, there was no time to retreat, so they pressed on and finally found the missing manuscript in a hidden chamber.Zh: 志豪迅速关闭了警报，一切恢复了平静。En: Zhihao quickly turned off the alarm, restoring calm.Zh: 三人在漫天飞雪中返回，心中充满了欣喜。En: The three returned amidst the swirling snowflakes, hearts full of joy.Zh: 手稿在新年钟声响起前找到了，每个人脸上都带着微笑。En: The manuscript was found before the New Year bell tolled, and smiles adorned each face.Zh: 经过这次事件，奕辰明白了信任和合作的重要。En: Through this incident, Yichen learned the importance of trust and cooperation.Zh: 无论事情多么不确定，朋友们的支持是不可或缺的。En: No matter how uncertain things were, the support of friends was indispensable.Zh: 新年的烟火照亮了夜空，紫禁城在灯光下显得格外宏伟，就像他们新的友谊一样。En: The New Year's fireworks lit up the night sky, with the Zijincheng looking particularly magnificent in the lights, just like their newfound friendship. Vocabulary Words:covered: 覆盖着backdrop: 背景lanterns: 灯笼swayed: 摇曳festive: 节日historian: 历史学家manuscript: 手稿restorer: 修复师diligent: 勤奋vigilant: 眼光敏锐regulations: 规章制度meticulous: 细致corner: 角落passage: 通道guidance: 指引triggered: 触动alarm: 警报retreat: 撤退chamber: 小室swiftly: 迅速swirling: 漫天飞indispensable: 不可或缺的adorned: 带着incident: 事件magnificent: 宏伟cooperation: 合作uncertain: 不确定support: 支持fireworks: 烟火friendship: 友谊

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Festive Harmony at the Lantern Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-17-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 夜幕降临，元宵节市场亮得像白天。En: As night fell, the Yuanxiao Festival market was as bright as daytime.Zh: 灯笼的红光将夜空装点得热闹非凡，街道上飘散着烤串和糖葫芦的香味。En: The red glow of lanterns filled the night sky with vibrant energy, and the aromas of grilled skewers and candied hawthorn drifted through the streets.Zh: 月与明在市场中穿梭，两人的眼神都在寻找着各自心中完美的节日装饰。En: Yue and Ming wove through the market, their eyes searching for the perfect holiday decoration each had in mind.Zh: “月，看这个漂亮的灯笼！En: "Yue, look at this beautiful lantern!"Zh: ”明指着一个五彩斑斓的灯笼说。En: Ming pointed to a colorful lantern.Zh: 月摇了摇头，“太单调了。En: Yue shook her head, "It's too plain.Zh: 我想要一盏更盛大的，这样家里才会感觉有节日的氛围。En: I want something more grand, so our home feels truly festive."Zh: ”明皱着眉头，他想要找到一个简单而有意义的装饰品，而不是那些过于浮夸的灯笼。En: Ming furrowed his brows.Zh: 他耐心地和月解释，“灯笼不一定要大才有意义。En: He wanted to find a decoration that was simple yet meaningful, rather than those overly extravagant lanterns.Zh: 有时候，简单的灯笼反而能更好地传达节日的精神。En: He patiently explained to Yue, "A lantern doesn't have to be big to be meaningful.Zh: ”月听了明的话，开始认真思考。En: Sometimes, a simple lantern can better convey the spirit of the festival."Zh: 她以前总是追求华丽的装饰，却从未考虑过节日的真正意义。En: Listening to Ming, Yue began to think seriously.Zh: 她看着市场上的许多灯笼，有的复杂华丽，有的简约精致，她的心又有些犹豫。En: She had always pursued ornate decorations but had never considered the festival's true meaning.Zh: 忽然，他们同时停下了脚步，被一个特别的灯笼吸引。En: As she looked at the many lanterns in the market, some complex and ornate, others simple and elegant, she felt a bit of hesitation.Zh: 这个灯笼既浑厚又简约，灯面上用细致的剪纸技术裁出龙和花朵的图案，光透过纸洞洒下柔和的浅红色。En: Suddenly, they both stopped in their tracks, captivated by a particular lantern.Zh: “这个灯笼太美了。En: This lantern was both substantial and simple, with intricate cut-out designs of dragons and flowers on its surface, casting a soft pink light through the paper holes.Zh: ”月在灯下轻声说。En: "This lantern is so beautiful," whispered Yue under the light.Zh: 明点了点头，“是啊，这个正好结合了我们的想法，传统又不过于复杂。En: Ming nodded, "Yes, this perfectly combines our ideas, traditional yet not overly complex."Zh: ”他们走上前去，发现这个灯笼虽贵，但在预算内。En: They approached to find that, although the lantern was expensive, it was within their budget.Zh: 月微笑起来，“我觉得我们可以把它带回家。En: Yue smiled, "I think we can take this one home.Zh: 这盏灯笼不仅美丽，还象征着我们共同的节日愿望。En: This lantern is not only beautiful, but it also symbolizes our shared festive wishes."Zh: ”在购买下这盏灯笼后，月和明带着新的理解和喜悦离开了市场。En: After purchasing the lantern, Yue and Ming left the market with newfound understanding and joy.Zh: 月开始欣赏简单生活带来的温暖，而明也更愿意融入节日的传统中。En: Yue began to appreciate the warmth of a simple life, and Ming was more willing to immerse himself in festival traditions.Zh: 市场的灯火渐渐变成他们身后的一片红色海洋，两人心头同样温暖。En: The market lights gradually turned into a red sea behind them, warming their hearts equally. Vocabulary Words:vibrant: 热闹非凡aromas: 香味skewers: 烤串hawthorn: 糖葫芦wove: 穿梭plain: 单调grand: 盛大festive: 节日的furrowed: 皱（眉头）pursued: 追求ornate: 华丽的hesitation: 犹豫captivated: 吸引substantial: 浑厚intricate: 细致的cut-out: 剪纸designs: 图案symbolizes: 象征purchasing: 购买newfound: 新的immerse: 融入glow: 红光lantern: 灯笼convey: 传达elegant: 精致subtle: 简约splendid: 美丽transforming: 变成budget: 预算appreciate: 欣赏

In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi.Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who spoke Mandarin were treated. Chinese looked like a superpower, and he wanted it.With plenty of downtime during the shoot, Jack began studying characters and survival phrases, boosted by the classic “Your Chinese is so good!” encouragement (even when it wasn't). That early confidence turned into a full-on obsession.Then COVID hit, and Jack found a creative workaround. Back in the U.S., he made a flyer in Chinese offering to live with a Chinese family in exchange for helping their kids with English. The result: four months in a Rancho Cucamonga “McMansion” shared by multiple Chinese families, nightly Mandarin dinners, and a crash course in immigrant hustle and real-world language practice.Along the way, Jack:Read Mandarin Companion graded readers to build his foundationUsed shadowing to level up tones and pronunciationLooked for chances to speak—even when it was inconvenientTurned everyday errands into “Chinese missions”After a few years in Brazil, where he learned Portuguese and became a remote software engineer, Jack returned to China with a new goal: connect Chinese to his career. He now makes videos in Chengdu, capturing spontaneous conversations with park shūshu fitness legends, friendly aunties selling plum wine, and locals who light up when a foreigner speaks Mandarin.And one of the coolest payoffs? While traveling in Spain, Jack used Chinese to order food from a Chinese restaurant owner when neither of them shared English or Spanish.Links from the episode:Jack Mullinkosson | InstagramMandarin Companion Graded Readers

Lev 1:1-3:17, Mark 1:29-2:12, Ps 35:17-28, Pr 9:13-18

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Mysteries of the Zijin Cheng: Unraveling History's Secret Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-16-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 紫禁城被一层薄薄的白雪覆盖，红墙金顶点缀着冬日的灰白天空，宛如一幅美丽的画卷。En: The Zijin Cheng was covered by a thin layer of white snow, red walls and golden roofs contrasting against the gray and white winter sky, resembling a beautiful painting.Zh: 新年将至，彩灯和装饰品为皇宫带来了节日的气息。En: As the New Year approached, colorful lights and decorations brought a festive atmosphere to the imperial palace.Zh: 然而，宁静的氛围下，一桩诡异事件悄然发生。En: Yet, beneath the serene ambiance, a mysterious event quietly unfolded.Zh: 明是一位历史教授。En: Ming was a history professor.Zh: 他喜欢解开古老的秘密。En: He enjoyed unraveling ancient secrets.Zh: 当他听说一件古代神器消失在紫禁城时，他无法抵挡住内心的冲动。En: When he heard about an ancient artifact disappearing in the Zijin Cheng, he couldn't resist the urge within him.Zh: 他知道找到神器不仅仅是为了历史，也是他内心的一种渴望。En: He knew that finding the artifact was not just for history, but was a personal desire of his as well.Zh: 梁是紫禁城的保安。En: Liang was a security guard at the Zijin Cheng.Zh: 他对此神器有特别的感情，因为它与他的家族历史有关。En: He had a special connection to this artifact because it was related to his family history.Zh: 神器的消失让他非常焦虑，因为他的上司对他施加了巨大的压力。En: The artifact's disappearance made him very anxious due to the immense pressure from his superiors.Zh: 夏是一位著名的考古学家。En: Xia was a renowned archaeologist.Zh: 她能解决许多谜团，但对明的动机持怀疑态度。En: She could solve many mysteries but was skeptical of Ming's motivations.Zh: 她不确定明是否真的是出于历史研究的目的。En: She wasn't sure whether Ming truly sought to research history.Zh: 尽管有顾虑，明决定与梁和夏合作。En: Despite their concerns, Ming decided to collaborate with Liang and Xia.Zh: 他向他们坦白了自己对历史的热情和秘密。En: He confessed his passion and secret for history to them.Zh: 他们开始在紫禁城内部寻找蛛丝马迹。En: They started searching for clues within the Zijin Cheng.Zh: 一天，雪仍在轻轻飘落，三人在御花园的庭院中发现一扇隐藏的石门。En: One day, with snow still gently falling, the three of them discovered a hidden stone door in the courtyard of the imperial garden.Zh: 墙面上有细细的裂缝，似乎通往一个未知的世界。En: The wall had fine cracks, seemingly leading to an unknown world.Zh: 这里很少有人踏足，石门后传来微弱的风声。En: Few had set foot there, and a faint breeze could be heard from behind the stone door.Zh: 小心翼翼地打开了石门，三人走进了一条蜿蜒地下通道。En: Cautiously opening the stone door, the three entered a meandering underground passage.Zh: 通道尽头，一道细微的光芒闪烁。En: At the end of the passage, a faint light flickered.Zh: 那就是失踪的神器，它正静躺在一个布满尘埃的石台上。En: There lay the missing artifact, resting quietly on a dust-covered stone platform.Zh: 梁欣喜若狂，不仅找到了神器，也清除了他身上的嫌疑。En: Liang was ecstatic, having not only found the artifact but also cleared his name.Zh: 夏看到明在发现神器后的激动与欣慰，更理解了他对历史的热爱。En: Seeing Ming's excitement and relief upon discovering the artifact, Xia better understood his love for history.Zh: 在新年的鞭炮声中，神器重回原位，紫禁城再次恢复宁静。En: Amid the sound of New Year's fireworks, the artifact was returned to its rightful place, and the Zijin Cheng was restored to peace.Zh: 梁得到上级的嘉奖，夏与明的友谊在解开谜团中加深。En: Liang received commendations from his superiors, and Xia's and Ming's friendship deepened through solving the mystery together.Zh: 最终，明也学会了坦然面对自己的热情，明白了团队合作的重要性。En: Ultimately, Ming learned to face his passion openly and understood the importance of teamwork.Zh: 在华丽的紫禁城背景下，这个新年，他们收获的不仅是成功，还有珍贵的友谊和共同的信仰。En: Against the magnificent backdrop of the Zijin Cheng, this New Year, they gained not only success but also precious friendship and shared beliefs.Zh: 故事在紫禁城新春的烟花中圆满结束。En: The story concluded perfectly amidst the New Year's fireworks in the Zijin Cheng. Vocabulary Words:serene: 宁静ambiance: 氛围unraveling: 解开artifact: 神器skeptical: 怀疑collaborate: 合作passion: 热情secret: 秘密clues: 蛛丝马迹hidden: 隐藏cracks: 裂缝meandering: 蜿蜒flickered: 闪烁dust: 尘埃ecstatic: 欣喜若狂commendations: 嘉奖understood: 明白backdrop: 背景precious: 珍贵shared: 共同resembling: 宛如decorations: 装饰品mysterious: 诡异unfolded: 发生personal: 个人的anxious: 焦虑massive: 巨大的cautiously: 小心翼翼breeze: 风声faint: 微弱

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unveiling the Forbidden City's Long-Lost Secrets Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-16-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬天的北京，紫禁城被一层薄薄的雪覆盖着。En: In the winter of Beijing, the Forbidden City was covered with a thin layer of snow.Zh: 鲜红的灯笼悬挂在宫墙间，点亮了冬日的夜空，增添了节日的气氛。En: Bright red lanterns hung between the palace walls, lighting up the winter night sky and adding to the festive atmosphere.Zh: 李伟是个专注的历史学家，他在城里走动，总是带着对历史深厚的敬意。En: Li Wei is a dedicated historian who walks through the city always carrying a deep respect for history.Zh: 有一天，李伟在一处石雕间发现了一张古老而神秘的纸条。En: One day, Li Wei discovered an ancient and mysterious note among some stone carvings.Zh: 纸条上的字迹潦草而古老，他感到心中泛起一阵好奇与激动。En: The handwriting on the paper was sloppy and old, stirring a sense of curiosity and excitement in him.Zh: 他坚信，这张纸条蕴藏着关于紫禁城的重要秘密。En: He believed firmly that this note concealed an important secret about the Forbidden City.Zh: 新年临近，他的朋友明与佳正忙于准备春节的庆祝活动。En: As the New Year approached, his friends Ming and Jia were busy preparing for the Spring Festival celebrations.Zh: 李伟知道，春节时节是合家团圆的日子，人人都沉浸在节日的欢乐中，但他始终惦记着那个纸条上的秘密。En: Li Wei knew that the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and everyone is immersed in the festive cheer, yet he couldn't stop thinking about the secret on that note.Zh: 李伟试图解读那些古文字，但总是徒劳无功。En: Li Wei attempted to decipher those ancient characters, but his efforts were always in vain.Zh: 他请求明和佳的帮助，但他们对此表示怀疑：“这个可能只是个玩笑吧，过来一起庆祝新年嘛！En: He asked for help from Ming and Jia, but they were skeptical: "This might just be a joke, come join us to celebrate the New Year!"Zh: ”节日的喧嚣使李伟难以专注。En: The hustle and bustle of the festival made it hard for Li Wei to focus.Zh: 终于，李伟决定求助于一些熟悉古文字的老人。En: Finally, Li Wei decided to seek help from some elderly people familiar with ancient scripts.Zh: 他们耐心地向他解释这些字迹的可能含义。En: They patiently explained the possible meanings of the handwriting to him.Zh: 在长辈们的指导下，李伟终于在除夕夜的午夜掌握了些许线索。En: With the guidance of these elders, Li Wei finally grasped some clues at midnight on New Year's Eve.Zh: 钟声敲响十二点，新年到来，烟花升空。En: As the clock struck twelve and the New Year arrived, fireworks lit up the sky.Zh: 就在这时，李伟终于解读出纸条的意义。En: At that moment, Li Wei finally deciphered the meaning of the note.Zh: 它详细描述了一种失传已久的仪式，曾在紫禁城隆重举行，是古老的传统之一。En: It detailed a long-lost ritual that was once grandly performed in the Forbidden City, one of the ancient traditions.Zh: 这个发现顿时引起了历史学界的注意。En: This discovery immediately caught the attention of the historical community.Zh: 人们对于这个被遗忘的仪式产生了浓厚的兴趣。En: People developed a keen interest in this forgotten ritual.Zh: 李伟的努力不但得到了认可，也给大家带来了一种新的节日传统。En: Li Wei's efforts not only gained recognition but also brought a new tradition to the festivities.Zh: 通过这次经历，李伟明白了集思广益的重要性。En: Through this experience, Li Wei realized the importance of collective wisdom.Zh: 他学会了更加开放地接纳他人的意见，意识到解决历史之谜常常需要大家的共同努力。En: He learned to be more open to accepting others' opinions and understood that solving historical mysteries often requires everyone's joint efforts.Zh: 在节日欢乐的背景下，李伟不仅获得了成功，也更多了一份对团结合作的理解。En: Against the backdrop of holiday cheer, Li Wei not only achieved success but also gained a deeper understanding of the value of unity and cooperation. Vocabulary Words:thin layer: 薄薄的dedicated: 专注的historian: 历史学家handwriting: 字迹sloppy: 潦草ancient: 古老concealed: 蕴藏approached: 临近reunions: 团圆decipher: 解读vain: 徒劳skeptical: 怀疑hustle and bustle: 喧嚣patiently: 耐心地guidance: 指导grasped: 掌握ritual: 仪式grandly: 隆重keen interest: 浓厚的兴趣collective wisdom: 集思广益accepting: 接纳joint efforts: 共同努力unity: 团结cooperation: 合作recognized: 认可mysterious: 神秘curiosity: 好奇excitement: 激动festival: 节日immersed: 沉浸

As we enter our fifth year we are giving ourselves permission to get a little weird with our selections. This isn't SF, but it is full of metatextual trickery, so we say close enough; and there are lesbians. A historical novel masquerading as a contemporary travelogue, translated fictionally from Japanese to Mandarin and then genuinely from Mandarin to English.  It's about food and empire and Taiwan, which has had a lot of both.

Ex 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Ps 35:1-16, Pr 9:11-12

Today's Episode:It's the Year of the Horse… but why is Draco Malfoy suddenly China's New Year mascot?

Aida Wang is a top-billing legal recruiter at Just Legal who specialises in private practice placements for bengoshi (Japan-qualified lawyers). With a unique background as a professional translator and interpreter between English and Mandarin Chinese, Aida brings a fresh perspective on bridging communication gaps - not just between languages, but between lawyers and law firms.Aida shares practical advice on deal sheets, career planning, and why speaking to a recruiter from day one of your legal career journey in Japan can change your career trajectory.If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we'd love it if you would leave us a message here!In this episode you'll hear:The critical importance of creating and maintaining a deal sheet from day one of your careerWhy you should speak to a recruiter early in your career, not just when you're actively lookingThe biggest misconception about Japanese bengoshi lawyers How Aida helps candidates and clients create compelling stories to help find a perfect matchAbout AidaAida Wang is a Tokyo-based legal recruiter specialising in Bengoshi (Japan-qualified lawyer) searches for private practice, with a particular focus on supporting  associates and counsels as they navigate the critical transition points in their legal careers.Currently a Principal Consultant at Just Legal, Aida works with both Japanese and international law firms, recruiting Japanese Bengoshi and foreign-qualified attorneys across a wide range of practice areas. She is known for her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach and for offering market insight that goes well beyond simply filling roles. In her first quarter at Just Legal, Aida quickly made her mark as a top biller which is a reflection of her proactive mindset, deep preparation, and ability to truly understand both candidates and clients.Before moving into legal recruitment, Aida spent over a decade working as a Chinese–English freelance translator and interpreter, including roles in media, film, and news translation. This earlier career laid the foundation for what has become a defining theme of her professional life: bridging gaps - between languages, cultures, expectations, and ultimately, legal careers. Her background in interpreting gives her a rare ability to listen carefully, read between the lines, and translate what lawyers want into what the market is really asking for.Aida holds a Bachelor's degree from National Chengchi University in Taiwan, along with a Master's degree in Interpreting and Translation from the University of Bath in the UK. She has also completed Japanese language studies at Keio University. Having lived and worked in Taiwan, the Bahamas, the United States, the UK, and Japan, she brings a genuinely global perspective to her work. She is a native speaker of Mandarin and English, with business-level Japanese, and regularly supports cross-border legal careers in the Japanese market.Through her conversations with Bengoshi across multiple practice areas, Aida frequently hears one recurring challenge: how to develop clients and bring in work before holding a partner title. This insight shapes much of her advisory work with senior associates who are thinking carefully about long-term career sustainability, visibility, and progression within private practice.Outside of work, Aida enjoys cooking and crafting with her eight-year-old son, a creative counterbalance to her professional life that reflects the same curiosity and care she brings to her career.Connect with AidaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsinyuaidawang/ Just Legal: https://www.justsearchgroup.com/justlegal/consultants/aida-wang LinksAfternoon Tea: https://www.afternoon-tea.net/ Connect with Catherine LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair

I started Hacking Chinese to help people learn Mandarin, and your feedback is essential, so please fill out my listener survey. Also, to celebrate the Lunar New Year, I'm offering a hefty discount on three of my courses.#learnchinese #cny #discount #courses #surveyHacking Chinese reader and listener survey: https://forms.gle/FNKLcnDbxoBgULpK9Chinese New Year and New Semester Course Discount: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-new-year-and-new-semester-course-discounts/Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Unlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-ultimate-guide-beginner/Hacking Chinese: A Practical Guide to Learning Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/practical-guide-to-learning-mandarin/The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-water/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at: https://www.hackingchinese.com/Music: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Missing Documents and the Race Against the Clock Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-15-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 公司办公室里气氛紧张，明亮的灯光照射在光滑的办公桌面上，电脑声、键盘声和电话铃声交织在一起。En: The atmosphere in the company office was tense, with bright lights shining on the smooth surfaces of the desks, the sounds of computers, keyboards, and ringing phones all intertwined.Zh: 外面，雪花轻巧地飘落在城市中，为人们期待的元宵节增添了几分节日气氛。En: Outside, snowflakes gently drifted down on the city, adding a touch of festive atmosphere for the eagerly anticipated Yuanxiao Festival.Zh: Lian坐在电脑前，思绪重重。En: Lian sat in front of the computer, deep in thought.Zh: 今天有一个重要的会议，他急需那份机密文件。En: There was an important meeting today, and he urgently needed that confidential document.Zh: 这份文件会是他升职的关键。En: This document would be crucial for his promotion.Zh: 但此时，它却不翼而飞。En: But now, it was nowhere to be found.Zh: Lian环顾四周，看见同事们各自忙碌。En: Lian looked around and saw his colleagues busy with their tasks.Zh: 此刻，他感到自己像被海浪淹没，喘不过气来。En: At that moment, he felt as if he was drowning in a sea wave, unable to catch his breath.Zh: Qiu从旁边走过，脸上没有一丝担忧，反而带着隐约的微笑。En: Qiu walked by, his face showing no signs of worry; instead, there was a faint smile.Zh: 两人虽然是同事，但Qiu向来行事神秘，且总是与他竞争。En: Although they were colleagues, Qiu had always acted mysteriously and often competed with him.Zh: Lian内心不禁怀疑，他是否与这次文件失踪有关。En: Lian couldn't help but suspect that he had something to do with the missing document.Zh: Meilin是另一个值得信任的朋友。En: Meilin was another friend whom he could trust.Zh: 她善于帮助人，总是能够冷静应对突发状况。En: She was good at helping people and always able to calmly handle unexpected situations.Zh: Lian觉得应该寻求她的帮助。En: Lian thought he should seek her help.Zh: 他走向Meilin，低声说道：“文件不见了，En: He walked over to Meilin and said in a low voice, "The document is missing.Zh: 我该怎么办？”En: What should I do?"Zh: Meilin点了点头，露出坚定的神色：“我们一定能找到的。En: Meilin nodded, showing a determined expression: "We will definitely find it.Zh: 先别慌。”En: Don't panic."Zh: 时间一点一滴地流逝，Lian焦虑的心情越来越重。En: As time ticked away, Lian's anxiety grew heavier.Zh: 他决定试探一下Qiu，便走到他的座位旁，轻声问道：“你有没有看到那份文件？”En: He decided to test Qiu, so he went to his desk and quietly asked, "Have you seen that document?"Zh: Qiu耸耸肩，眼神坦然无疑：“没有看到。En: Qiu shrugged, his eyes unassumingly frank: "I haven't seen it.Zh: 你再找找吧。”En: You should keep looking."Zh: Lian快急疯了。En: Lian was almost frantic.Zh: 就在这时，他的目光停留在Qiu附近的一只锁着的抽屉上。En: Just then, his gaze landed on a locked drawer near Qiu.Zh: 一个念头闪过他的脑海：这个抽屉会不会藏着什么？En: A thought flashed through his mind: Could something be hidden in that drawer?Zh: 他返回自己座位，向Meilin表达了心中的怀疑。En: He returned to his desk and shared his suspicions with Meilin.Zh: Meilin沉思片刻，说：“或许我们可以找机会看看。”En: Meilin pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps we should find an opportunity to take a look."Zh: 机会很快就来了。En: The opportunity soon arose.Zh: Qiu去到了洗手间。En: Qiu went to the restroom.Zh: Lian和Meilin迅速来到他的桌子前。En: Lian and Meilin quickly moved to his desk.Zh: 借助她平常细心收集的备用钥匙，他们打开了Qiu的抽屉。En: With the spare keys that she had carefully collected, they opened Qiu's drawer.Zh: 果真，文件安静地躺在那里。En: Sure enough, the document lay there quietly.Zh: Lian如释重负，将文件拿出来，他们迅速将一切恢复原状。En: Lian, relieved, took out the document, and they swiftly restored everything to its original state.Zh: 会议开始前，Lian带上文件走进会议室。En: Before the meeting started, Lian walked into the meeting room with the document.Zh: 面对公司的高层领导，他冷静自如地进行演示，赢得了一片赞许与掌声。En: Facing the company's senior executives, he delivered his presentation calmly and confidently, earning praise and applause.Zh: 最终，Lian不仅成功完成任务，还在这一事件中学会了信任与警惕并存的重要性。En: Ultimately, Lian not only successfully completed the task but also learned the importance of balancing trust and vigilance through this incident.Zh: 他对自己能力的自信心也得到了提升。En: His confidence in his abilities was also strengthened.Zh: 在即将到来的元宵节欢庆中，他的心情如外面的雪花般轻盈而明亮。En: In the upcoming Yuanxiao Festival celebration, his mood was as light and bright as the snowflakes outside. Vocabulary Words:tense: 紧张intertwined: 交织drifted: 飘落festive: 节日confidential: 机密crucial: 关键promotion: 升职eagerly: 期待drowning: 淹没gaze: 目光frantic: 急疯了unassumingly: 坦然pondered: 沉思suspicions: 怀疑opportunity: 机会swiftly: 迅速restored: 恢复relieved: 如释重负executives: 领导presentation: 演示praise: 赞许vigilance: 警惕incident: 事件confidence: 自信anticipation: 期待handled: 应对restore: 恢复balancing: 并存determined: 坚定anxiety: 焦虑

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Liang's Choice: Balancing Career Ambitions and Family Bonds Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-15-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 雪花轻轻飘落城市的屋檐，远处的街道上挂满了红色的灯笼。En: Snowflakes gently drifted onto the roofs of the city, with red lanterns hanging all over the distant streets.Zh: 玻璃墙的办公室里，梁用力揉了揉眼睛，看着桌上的文件。En: In the office with glass walls, Liang rubbed his eyes vigorously as he looked at the documents on the table.Zh: 他知道，这个商业会议对他的事业非常重要。En: He knew that this business meeting was extremely important to his career.Zh: 这是他的机会，他想到。En: "This is my chance," he thought.Zh: 他想在老板面前展现自己的工作能力，以期在新的一年里获得晋升。En: He wanted to showcase his work ability in front of his boss, hoping to get a promotion in the new year.Zh: 然而正值春节，家里的人也在期待着他的归来。En: However, it was chunjie (Spring Festival), and his family was also expecting his return.Zh: 每年这个时候，全家人聚在一起，欢度佳节。En: Every year at this time, the whole family would gather together to celebrate the festive season.Zh: 然而，今年与往年不同。En: However, this year was different from previous years.Zh: 梅琳是梁的同事，也是他的导师。En: Meilin was Liang's colleague and also his mentor.Zh: 梅琳工作多年，习惯了在事业和生活之间取得平衡。En: Having worked for many years, Meilin was used to striking a balance between career and life.Zh: 当梁向她表达苦恼时，梅琳微微一笑，说：“工作重要，家人也重要。En: When Liang expressed his distress to her, Meilin smiled slightly and said, "Work is important, but so is family.Zh: 有些时候，你要做个艰难的决定。En: Sometimes, you have to make a tough decision."Zh: ”雪还在下，会议室内渐渐热闹起来，大家都在紧张地准备着。En: The snow continued to fall as the meeting room gradually became lively, with everyone nervously preparing.Zh: 就在这时，梁的手机突然震动了一下，是家里的信息。En: Just then, Liang's phone suddenly vibrated; it was a message from home.Zh: 他的心跳漏了一拍。En: His heart skipped a beat.Zh: 家里出了一点紧急情况，他需要立刻回去。En: There was a minor emergency at home, and he needed to return immediately.Zh: 内心的画面一闪而过，一个是闪烁的城市霓虹灯和满桌的商业文件；另一个是温暖的家、微笑的家人。En: In his mind, two images flashed by: one was the neon lights of the city and tables full of business documents; the other was a warm home with smiling family members.Zh: 他的心开始左右摇摆。En: His heart began to sway.Zh: 这一刻，他必须做出选择。En: At this moment, he had to make a choice.Zh: “梁，你准备好了吗？En: "Liang, are you ready?"Zh: ”老板的声音把他拉回了现实。En: The boss's voice pulled him back to reality.Zh: 梁将手机放回口袋，拿起文件起身。En: Liang put his phone back in his pocket, picked up the documents, and stood up.Zh: 但他突然停住了，低声对梅琳说：“我想，我知道该选择什么了。En: But he suddenly stopped, and said softly to Meilin, "I think I know what I should choose."Zh: ”梁迅速离开了会议室。En: Liang quickly left the meeting room.Zh: 他走得很快，雪中他的脚步越来越坚定。En: He walked swiftly, his steps in the snow growing more determined.Zh: 他知道即使在事业上，他也不愿失去那份深厚的传统与亲情的牵绊。En: He knew that even in his career, he did not want to lose the deep ties of tradition and family affection.Zh: 回到家里，梁受到了家人的热情欢迎。En: Back at home, Liang was warmly welcomed by his family.Zh: 虽然错过了会议，但他并不后悔这个决定。En: Although he missed the meeting, he did not regret this decision.Zh: 他意识到，事业固然重要，但家庭与文化传统同样值得珍视。En: He realized that while career is important, family and cultural traditions are equally worth cherishing.Zh: 在新的一年里，他隐隐感到内心的强大与平衡。En: In the new year, he vaguely felt a sense of strength and balance within.Zh: 故事最后，在新年的鞭炮声中，梁从与家人团聚的温暖中体会到了一种全新的力量。En: In the end, under the sound of New Year's firecrackers, Liang experienced a newfound strength from reuniting with his family.Zh: 他相信，下一次，他会更好地平衡这份事业和珍贵的传统。En: He believed that next time, he would better balance his career and precious traditions. Vocabulary Words:drifted: 飘落roof: 屋檐vigorously: 用力documents: 文件extremely: 非常showcase: 展现distress: 苦恼mentor: 导师striking: 取得balance: 平衡tough: 艰难emergency: 紧急情况vibrated: 震动flashed: 一闪而过neon: 霓虹灯sway: 摇摆determined: 坚定cherishing: 珍视reuniting: 团聚strength: 力量traditions: 传统affection: 亲情gather: 聚promotion: 晋升festive: 佳节reality: 现实hesitant: 犹豫welcomed: 欢迎cultivate: 培养regret: 后悔

**Special note to our listeners** Love the show? Help us keep the conversation going!Become a paid subscriber through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Your contributions help us continue to make contenton issues related to the Asian-American, immigrant, modern parent experience.THANK YOU to our super awesome listeners who have already signed up!---------------------------------------We welcome Daniel Tam-Claiborne back for a second recording because as Susan would say, there was just too much juice to squeeze in just one episode :) While we talked about his experience growing up as a Chinese-Jewish biracial kid in New York City in the last recording, we fast forward in this one to his experience of becoming a dad. Daniel experienced significant symptoms of postpartum depression after his daughter arrived and he talks us through that often hidden experience that many dads go through after they become parents. He started speaking to his quarter- Chinese daughter in Mandarin as he was coming out of the worst of his postpartum depression and we discuss how he and his wife arrived at the decision to commit to a bilingual upbringing for their child who doesn't easily "read" as Chinese or Chinese American.If you'd like to learn more about Daniel Tam-Claiborne and his work, check out:- His debut novel ⁠Transplants⁠ which was a 2023 PEN America Literary Award Finalist- Website at ⁠www.travelbreedscontent.com

After another torrid week for the prime minister, the focus has shifted from No 10 to Whitehall as the UK's top civil servant is shown the door. Cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald had been in the job for less than 14 months, and his departure — following the resignations of Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff and communications director — has intensified questions about the PM's judgment over key appointments.While Starmer's cabinet appears to have rallied behind him in the short term, the impending release of further documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson's time as UK ambassador to the US looms large. Host Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT's deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, columnist and writer of the Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush and public policy editor Chris Smyth.Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; Stephen @stephenkb and @stephenkb.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; & Chris @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.socialWant more? Keir Starmer faces backlash over ousting of Britain's top civil servantPolitical crises lead to ‘perma-purdah' in WhitehallWestminster fears release of ‘embarrassing' exchanges in Mandelson data dumpKeir Starmer's route to recoveryThe Labour Party has become devoid of purposeSign up here for Stephen's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek views. Get 30 days free.Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix by Sean McGarrity. Original music by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Our email address is politicalfix@ft.comClip from Channel 4 News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.