Hacking Chinese Podcast
A podcast about how to learn Mandarin. In-depth discussions about how to overcome challenges, solve problems and get the most out of your learning. For more information and inspiration, visit https://www.hackingchinese.com!
Episodes
305 - When spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it
Spaced repetition software is designed to delay reviews as long as possible without letting you forget. For learning Chinese, though, barely remembering something is not enough.#learnchinese #vocabulary #srs #flashcardsLink to the article this podcast episode is based on: When spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/when-spaced-repetition-fails-and-what-to-
304 - How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that can be used to memorise everything from decks of cards to speeches, but how do you use them to learn Chinese?#learnchinese #mnemonics #memory #vocabularyLink to article: How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Remembering is a skill you can learn: ht
303 - Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí)
Chinese chess, or 象棋 (xiàngqí), is more than a classic strategy game. It’s a fun, practical way into Chinese language and culture.#learnchinese #xiangqi #chinesechessLink to article: Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí): https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-chinese-by-playing-chinese-chess-xiangqi/Learn Chinese by playing Mahjong 麻將 (májiàng): https://www.hackingchinese.com/learnin
302 - The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026
Podcasts let you create your own Chinese immersion experience, with level-appropriate stories and authentic conversations. Learn flexibly on the go with the best podcasts for beginners, intermediate and advanced students!#learnchinese #podcasts #listening #beginner #intermediate #advanced Link to article: The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podca
301 - Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning
Measuring your Chinese progress is a double-edged sword: it can keep you motivated, but it can also tempt you to chase numbers that don’t reflect real progress.#learnchinese #progress #motivation #measure #benchmarkLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/measurable-progres
300 - Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea
Learning Mandarin pronunciation is not easy, so some people try to use English words to learn or teach the sounds. This is a really bad idea.#learnchinese #pronunciation #english #soundsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Why learning Chinese pronunciation by using English words is a really bad idea: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-learning-chinese-pronunciation-by-using-english-words-is-a-real
299 - How to not memorise Chinese characters: The anatomy of bad mnemonics
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that help you remember everything from PIN codes to Chinese characters. Good mnemonics make learning easier, but bad ones can distract you or even hold you back.#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #mnemonics #memory #vocabularyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: How to not memorise Chinese characters: The anatomy of bad mnemonics: https://www.hackingchinese.com/
298 - The best time to start learning Chinese is now: A guide for expats
The best time to start learning Chinese might be behind you, but the second-best time is now. If you’ve been surrounded by Mandarin for years and keep putting off learning the language, this guide is for you!#learnchinese #expat #china #bubble #immersionLink to article on Hacking Chinese: The best time to start learning Chinese is now: A guide for expats: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-ti
297 - Improve your Chinese conversations by listening to the listener
The obvious way to learn Mandarin is to listen to a person speaking the language. The less obvious way is to listen to the person who isn’t speaking in a conversation. What can you learn by listening to the listener?#learnchinese #listening #conversations #responsesLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Improve your Chinese conversations by listening to the listener: https://www.hackingchinese.com/li
296 - Chinese is fascinating and exciting, not weird and stupid
When learning a foreign language, some things might appear weird or even stupid. But does a negative attitude towards Chinese make it harder to learn? And if it does, how can you adopt a more positive approach?#learnchinese #attitude #motivation #stupidLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese is fascinating and exciting, not weird and stupid: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-is-fascinatin
295 - Which Chinese language course should you take?
The answer to the question of which Chinese language course you should choose is that it depends. But what does it depend on, and how do you make the right decision about which course to take?#learnchinese #course #class #learningLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Which Chinese language course should you take? https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-chinese-language-course-should-you-take/Take respo
294 - The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
Listening is the most important skill of all, because it accelerates all other learning and is crucial for social integration. What are the best free Chinese listening resources out there for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners?Link to article: The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-fr
293 - Remembering is a skill you can learn: Mnemonics for Chinese learners
Remembering is not a fixed, innate ability; it's a skill you can learn. In fact, there are many proven and easy ways to improve your memory! #learnchinese #memory #mnemonics #vocabularyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Remembering is a skill you can learn: Mnemonics for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/remembering-is-a-skill-you-can-learn/Feats of memory anyone can do (Joshua
292 - A practical guide to your ideal Mandarin self: Build motivation that lasts
Motivation is not a personality trait that you either have or lack. It is a system you can design. Picture your future Mandarin self, make study sustainable, and let steady action close the gap.#learnchinese #motivation #l2mss #dörnyeiLink to article on Hacking Chinese: A practical guide to your ideal Mandarin self: Build motivation that lasts: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-practical-guide-to-y
291 - Are mnemonics too slow for Chinese learners?
Mnemonics are clever memory devices designed to make it easier to remember things, but considering that they take time both to create and retrieve, are they really that useful for learning Chinese?#learnchinese #mnemonics #characters #memory #vocabularyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Are mnemonics too slow for Chinese learners? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-mnemonics-too-slow-for-chinese-
290 - Spaced repetition: What it is and how to use it to learn Chinese
Are you tired of learning Chinese characters and words only to forget them a day, a week or a month later? What if there were a simple method that would allow you to remember almost everything you learn, and that didn't take too much time and energy to use? There is: spaced repetition!#learnchinese #srs #vocabulary #flashcards #memoryLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Spaced repetition: What
289 - Reader and listener survey + Lunar New Year discount
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: h
288 - New book: Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection
I have published a book! It's called Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection and contains articles I wrote in 2024, the Year of the Dragon. The articles cover a wide variety of topics, but tones, listening comprehension and motivation are the most prominent.#learnchinese #anthology #hackingchinese #dragonLink to article on Hacking Chinese: New book: Hacking Chinese: the Dragon Collection: https
287 - Ep 287 - How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing
Feedback is important for learning, because it can show you how to not use the language and highlight things you hadn't noticed before. But getting honest feedback on your Chinese is harder than you might think.#learnchinese #feedback #correction #speaking #writingLink to article on Hacking Chinese: How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing: https://www.hackingchine
286 - Chinese reading practice for beginners: 7 resources to improve your Mandarin
The best way to learn to read Chinese is to read texts you can understand without constantly using a dictionary. As a beginner, those texts aren’t always easy to find, but let’s look at the best reading resources I know for beginners.#learnchinese #beginner #reading #resourcesLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese reading practice for beginners: 7 resources to improve your Mandarin: https://
285 - Chinese subtitles and transcripts: Reading before, while or after listening
Subtitles and transcripts can help you understand spoken Chinese, but do they also help you become a better listener? Should you read along, read first, or save the text for after you’ve listened?#learnchinese #listening #reading #subtitles #transcriptsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese subtitles and transcripts: Reading before, while or after listening: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chi
284 - Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech
Spoken Mandarin can feel like an onslaught of similar sounds, half-recognised tones and unknown words. To add insult to injury, it's often too fast! Should you slow it down? If so, how?#learnchinese #listening #speed #rateofspeech #fast #slowLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-l
283 - Best of Hacking Chinese 2025
2025 has come to an end. Which were the most popular articles on Hacking Chinese last year? The most popular podcast episodes? It's time to summarise the year that was and highlight the things you really shouldn’t miss!#learnchinese #2025 #bestof #hackingchineseLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Best of Hacking Chinese 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-of-hacking-chinese-2025/All arti
282 - Diversify how you study Chinese to learn more
How is it possible to spend 80 hours a week learning Chinese? And what can you learn from that, even if you're busy juggling work, family and other commitments?#learnchinese #immersion #busylifeLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Diversify how you study Chinese to learn more: https://www.hackingchinese.com/diversified-learning-is-smart-learning/Learning Chinese in the shower with me: https://w
281 - Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better
You can build vocabulary in Chinese with flashcard apps and spaced repetition, but reading is more effective and more enjoyable. It helps you recognise words, understand how they work in context and build your sense of how the language works.#learnchinese #reading #vocabulary #srs #flashcards #wordswingLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better: https:
280 -Chinese characters and words that refuse to stick: Killing leeches
How long does it take to learn a Chinese character or word? It varies, but some vocabulary just refuses to stick, no matter what you do. These are called leeches, and if you don't deal with them, they'll suck you dry.#learnchinese #leeches #vocabulary #flashcards #srsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Chinese characters and words that refuse to stick: Killing leeches: https://www.hackingc
279 - Learning Chinese words: When quantity beats quality
Everybody knows that knowing many words is important, but how important is it? And how should you expand your vocabulary in Chinese?#learnchinese #vocabulary #words #charactersLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Learning Chinese words: When quantity beats quality: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-importance-of-knowing-many-words/Anki, the best of spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingch
278 - A minimum-effort approach to writing Chinese characters by hand
Chinese characters are beautiful and fascinating, but learning to write them by hand is time-consuming. If you want to learn to write Chinese characters by hand with the least possible time investment, what's the best approach?#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #handwriting #strategyA minimum-effort approach to writing Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-minimum-effort-a
277 - Cultivate your Chinese flashcard garden... or burn it down and start afresh
Flashcards are powerful, but what if your deck feels more like an overgrown thicket than a carefully cultivated garden? Do you clear away the weeds and bring it back under control, or burn it all down and start afresh?#learnchinese #vocabulary #flashcards #srs #characters #wordsLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: Cultivate your Chinese flashcard garden... or burn it down and start afresh: http
276 - 4, 3, 2, 1: Fluency! A great technique to boost your Mandarin speaking ability
Do you want to speak Mandarin fluently, no matter what your level is? Use the 4/3/2 technique to build confidence and flow!#learnchinese #fluency #fluent #432 #speaking #paulnationLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: How to talk about Chinese characters in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/talk-chinese-characters-chinese/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-
275 - How to talk about Chinese characters in Chinese
How do native speakers talk about Chinese characters?The writing system is not phonetic, so you can't spell out words, but it is still possible to talk about Chinese characters.Let's explore how!#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #spokenLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: How to talk about Chinese characters in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/talk-chinese-characters-chinese/The b
274 - Why not going to China now could actually be good for your Chinese
Going abroad to learn Chinese in an immersion environment can be great, but unless you plan to stay for years, you might be better off delaying your trip.#learnchinese #immersion #travel #abroad #homeLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: Why not going to China now could actually be good for your Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-not-going-to-china-now-could-actually-be-good-for-your-ch
273 - What a big Rubik’s Cube taught me about Chinese characters
How small can Chinese characters be while still being legible? How much information do they contain per unit area? And what can a big Rubik’s cube teach us about Chinese characters?#learnchinese #hanzi #characters #pixelfont #rubikscubeLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: What a big Rubik’s Cube taught me about Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-a-big-rubiks-cube-taught-me-
272 - Learning (or not learning) Chinese slang
Slang and swearing often top the list of what people want to learn in a foreign language. But is this curiosity actually helpful for learners, or just a fun distraction?#learnchinese #slang #vocabulary #swearingLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: Learning (or not learning) Chinese slang: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-not-learning-chinese-slang/3 things I wish I had known as a beginne
271 - 7 ways to learn to write Chinese characters
Learning to write characters is an integral part of learning Chinese, but how do you practise writing them? Do you type? Write on paper? Or… on the canvas of your mind?#learnchinese #chinesecharacters #hanzi #writing #vocabulary #typingLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: 7 ways to learn to write Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/7-ways-of-learning-to-write-chinese-characters/S
270 - How to not teach Chinese characters to beginners: A 12-step approach
I started learning Chinese well over a decade ago, and I have encountered many great teachers. But I have also seen truly terrible teaching, especially when it comes to Chinese characters.#learnchinese #characters #hanzi #teachingLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-not-teach-chinese-characters-to-beginners-a-12-step-approach/Note: This is an updated versio
269 - Same building blocks, different characters: How component placement changes meaning in Chinese
Chinese character components are usually placed in predictable ways, so if you remember the components, you can often write the character. But not always. Some characters share components but differ only in how they're arranged.#learnchinese #charcaters #hanzi #compounds #components #compositionLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: Same building blocks, different characters: How component pl
268 - 16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back
Believing the wrong things about learning Chinese can waste time and lead you astray. Let's explore 8 more myths that might be holding you back!#learnchinese #myths #hanzi #input #studyLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: 16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/myths-about-learning-chinese-that-are-holding-you-back/Learning Chinese through c
267 - How to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor
Most Chinese learners want one thing above all: to speak better. Many turn to a teacher for guidance, but that is only the first step. True progress depends on how you work with that teacher.#learnchinese #tutor #teacher #speaking #lessonsLink to the article on Hacking Chinese: How to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-mandarin-sp
266 - What important words are missing from HSK?
HSK is the most widely used proficiency test for Chinese, and many learners aim to master the vocabulary at each level. Yet some of the most important words are missing from the HSK.#learnchinese #hsk #vocabularyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-important-words-are-missing-from-hsk/Note: This is a rerecorded version of episode 2 originally published in 2020.Ha
265 - 5 common challenges in Mandarin listening comprehension and how to overcome them
Can you ask questions in Mandarin but struggle to understand the answers? Do you feel that you know the words, but people just speak too fast? And why do words in Chinese sound so similar?#learnchinese #listening #fluent #comprehension #courseLink The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-lik
264 - Learning Chinese through comprehensible input
Can you really learn Mandarin through listening and reading alone? What is comprehensible input, and how do you get enough of it?And how do speaking, writing, grammar, and flashcards fit in?#learnchinese #comprehensibleinput #ci #input #reading #listeningLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible
263 - Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese
The fastest way to learn to communicate in Chinese is to learn classroom expressions first. Master essential phrases that help you learn Mandarin without relying on English!#learnchinese #classroom #teaching #expressions #phrases #vocabularyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandar
262 - Getting the most from Hacking Chinese in 2025: Back-to-school course discount, 2025
There are over 500 articles and more than 1 million words on Hacking Chinese. How are you supposed to absorb all that information and inspiration as a student? Let’s discuss how to get the most out of my website and podcast! Back-to-school course discount, 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/back-to-school-hacking-chinese-course-discount/Use the code “kai1xue2” before the end of August 20!Tags: #
261 - Should you learn to speak Chinese before you learn Chinese characters?
Should you learn Chinese characters from the start, or focus on speaking first? There are good arguments for both approaches, but one makes more sense for most students.Please note: This is a rerecorded version of episode 1. That means that it's both episode 1 and episode 261.#learnchinese #mandarin #hanzi #spoken #writtenLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Should you learn to speak Chinese before
260 - 16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand
Does handwriting still have a place in modern Chinese learning? Let's explore 8 more popular arguments in favour of writing characters by hand to see if they hold up to scrutiny.#learnchinese #handwriting #hanzi #chinesecharactersLink to article on Hacking Chinese: 16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characte
259 - Using AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice
You don’t need to be fluent to speak Mandarin with AI. These beginner-friendly chatbot activities offer low-pressure practice that builds confidence, comprehension, and conversation skills.#learnchinese #ai #chatbot #chatgpt #speaking #inputLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Using AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-ai-chatbots-for-low-stres
258 - How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide
A great tutor can accelerate your learning, but finding the right one isn’t easy. To get the best results, you need to be patient and try many options. Here is how!#learnchinese #tutor #teacher #online #offlineLink to article on Hacking Chinese: How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-find-the-perfect-mandarin-tutor-for-you-a-complete
257 - Student Q&A: July, 2025: AI feedback, input methods and topics for writing
How do you get good feedback on your Chinese writing using AI? What’s the best input method for students? And how do you find interesting topics to write about?#learnchinese #writing #ai #typing #topicLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Student Q&A: July, 2025: AI feedback, input methods and topics for writing: https://www.hackingchinese.com/student-qa-july-2025-ai-feedback-input-methods-and-t
256 - 8 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand
Does handwriting still have a place in modern Chinese learning? Let's explore 8 popular arguments in favour of writing characters by hand, each critically examined to see which ones truly stand up to scrutiny.#learnchinese #handwriting #hanzi #chinesecharactersLink to article on Hacking Chinese: 8 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-l
255 - 7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher
A great tutor can transform your Chinese learning, but how do you know if a tutor is good? Let's explore the key qualities that make a tutor truly effective!#learnchinese #tutor #teacherLink to article on Hacking Chinese: 7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher/Take responsibility
254 - How to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions
Having a tutor can be great for learning Chinese, but how much progress you make depends as much on you as on the tutor. Come prepared, stay engaged, and make the most of each session!#learnchinese #tutor #teacher #studentLink to article on Hacking Chinese: How to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-chinese-tutoring-ses
253 - 8 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back
Believing the wrong things about learning Chinese can waste time and lead you astray. Let's explore eight myths that might be holding you back!#learnchinese #myths #hanzi #pronunciation #studyLink to article on Hacking Chinese: 8 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/myths-about-learning-chinese-that-are-holding-you-back/6 things in Chinese that
252 - Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 7: How to navigate different types of listening in Mandarin
Listening is essential when learning Mandarin, but not all listening situations are the same. By recognising different types of listening, you can improve your chances of successfully navigating spoken Mandarin.#learnchinese #listening #conversations #comprehensionThe best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/The best YouTube channels
251 - Student Q&A: June, 2025: Beginner listening, group conversations, and Chinese news
How do you get started with listening in Mandarin? What makes group conversations so challenging? And is it true that news broadcasts in Chinese are harder than in other languages?#learnchinese #listening #beginner #news #conversationsChinese listening challenge, June 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-listening-challenge/The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish
250 - Will Hacking Chinese help you learn Mandarin?
Is learning how to learn worth your time, or should you just engage directly with Chinese instead? The answer depends, but the longer your perspective, the more important it becomes to tweak your method!#learnchinese #how-to #progress #hackingchinese #efficiencyLink to written article on Hacking Chinese: Will reading or listening to Hacking Chinese help you learn Mandarin? https://www.hackingchine
249 - Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters
Zi.Tools is a great free resource for exploring Chinese characters. See what it offers and how you can use it to boost your learning!#learnchinese #chinesecharacters #hanzi #etymology #analysis #dictionaryLink to written article on Hacking Chinese: Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zi-tools-a-powerful-free-resource-for-exploring-chi
248 - Student Q&A: May, 2025: Learning Chinese characters and words with flashcard apps
Should you focus on learning many words superficially or few words well? How do you stay motivated when flashcards get boring? And how can you tell if you really know a word?#learnchinese #vocabulary #flashcards #skritter #q&aLink to written article on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/student-qa-may-2025-learning-chinese-characters-and-words-with-flashcard-apps/Link to vocabular
247 - 7 kinds of tone problems in Mandarin and what to do about them
Tones in Mandarin are tricky, and students face many different kinds of problems. Identifying the type of problem is important for fixing it.#learnchinese #tones #pronunciation #challenges #speaking #listeningLink to article: 7 kinds of tone problems in Mandarin and what to do about them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/7-kinds-tone-problems/Learning tones in Mandarin is not optional: https://www.h
246 - Why using a good dictionary can be bad for your Chinese reading ability
Digital dictionaries make reading Chinese easier, but they might also prevent you from learning essential strategies. Let's have a look at why using a good dictionary can be bad for your reading ability!#learnchinese #reading #dictionary #digital #strategiesLink to article: Why using a good dictionary can be bad for your Chinese reading ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-using-a-good-
245 - The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
Reading is the best way to expand vocabulary and learn about new things, but how should you approach reading in Chinese? And what are the best free reading resources out there?#learnchinese #reading #resources #free #beginner #intermediate #advancedLink: The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/10-best-free-chines
244 - Student Q&A: April, 2025: Reading with Pinyin, Chinese texts on your phone, and deciphering handwriting
Should you read Chinese with or without Pinyin? What are the pros and cons of reading on your phone? And how do you learn to read Chinese people’s handwriting?#learnchinese #reading #yinyin #handwriting #flashcardsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Student Q&A: April, 2025: Reading with Pinyin, Chinese texts on your phone, and deciphering handwriting: https://www.hackingchinese.com/student-qa
243 - How to use mnemonics to learn Mandarin tones and pronunciation
Memory is a skill that can be practised, learnt, and mastered. By using the right method, remembering even abstract things like tones and pronunciation in Mandarin becomes possible, even easy!#learnchinese #mnemonics #tones #pronunciationLink to article on Hacking Chinese: How to use mnemonics to learn Mandarin tones and pronunciation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/extending-mnemonics-inspiration
242 - Don’t be a tourist if you want to learn Chinese
Living and travelling abroad can help you learn Chinese, but your attitude matters. To truly learn, stop being a tourist!#learnchinese #tourist #travel #expat #languagelearningLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Don't be a tourist if you want to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-be-a-tourist/You won’t learn Chinese simply by living abroad: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-wo
241 - Cramming vs. spaced repetition: When to use which method to learn Chinese
Should you cram or use spaced repetition to learn Chinese? Discover when each method works best and why spaced repetition is key to long-term success.#learnchinese #review #vocabulary #cramming #srs #flashcardsLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Cramming vs. spaced repetition: When to use which method to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cramming-vs-spaced-repetition-when-to-use-which-
240 - The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese
Videos are ideal for learning Chinese, because the visual element enhances comprehension and engagement. But what videos should you watch? What are the best YouTube channels?#learnchinese #youtube #video #immersion #listeningLink to article on Hacking Chinese: The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese/There
239 - Student Q&A: March, 2025: Chinese slang, leaving expat bubbles, and competing with other learners
Is learning Chinese slang worth your time? What do you do when someone with less study time speaks better than you? And how can you escape the expat bubble and start learning Mandarin?#learnchinese #q&a #speaking #slang #expat #progressChinese speaking challenge, March 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-speaking-challenge/Student Q&A: March, 2025: Chinese slang, leaving expat bub
238 - Learning Chinese by playing board games
Board games are more than just fun, they’re a powerful way to learn Chinese, boosting vocabulary, fluency, and communication skills!#learnchinese #boardgames #game #fluency #communicationLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Learning Chinese by playing board games: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-playing-board-games/How to use computer games to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchine
237 - Love and language: Challenges and opportunities in learning Chinese with a partner
Some say that dating a native speaker is the ultimate shortcut to fluency. “You’ll learn effortlessly with a teacher always by your side!” But is learning Chinese with a partner really the silver bullet it’s often made out to be?#learnchinese #partner #boyfriend #girlfriend #wife #husbandLink to article on Hacking Chinese: Love and language: Challenges and opportunities in learning Chinese with a
236 - The Input Pyramid: Chinese Listening for Any Situation
Most students of Chinese find listening comprehension a challenge. To truly become a fluent listener, use the Input Pyramid to rethink and upgrade your listening practice!#learnchinese #listening #input #fluentLink to article on Hacking Chinese:https://www.hackingchinese.com/course-fluent-listener-mandarin-listening-comprehensionLink to a video introduction to the course:https://youtu.be/jljUemN-V
235 - Student Q&A: February, 2025: Improving listening ability quickly, using transcripts, and understanding rapid Mandarin
How do you improve listening ability as quickly as possible? Are there any strategies to deal with rapid speech? And how many times should you listen before using a transcript?
#learnchinese #improvement #strategies #rapidspeech #transcripts
Chinese listening challenge, February 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-listening-challenge/
The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a
234 - Reader and listener survey + Lunar New Year discount
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 #survey
Hacking Chinese reader and listener survey: https://www.hackingchinese.com/hacking-chinese-reader-and-listener-survey/
Chinese New Ye
233 - The three roads to mastering Chinese
You’d think that there are many roads to mastering Chinese, but in truth, there are only three.
#learnchinese #mastery #fluency #work #social #hobby #motivation
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: The three roads to mastering Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-three-roads-to-mastering-chinese/
How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/
232 - Best of Hacking Chinese 2024
Another year has come to an end. Which were the most popular articles on Hacking Chinese in 2024 The most popular podcast episodes? It's time to summarise the year that was and highlight the things you really shouldn’t miss!
#learnchinese #bestof #summary #articles #podcast
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Best of Hacking Chinese 2024: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-of-hacking-chinese-2024
231 - Student Q&A, January 2025: Chinese that reads like English, feedback from AI, and writing formal Chinese
What do you do if your teacher says that your text reads like English written with Chinese words? How can you get good feedback on your Chinese writing from ChatGPT? And how can you learn to write in a professional or academic setting?
#learnchinese #translation #chatgpt #ai #feedback #academia #professional
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Don’t use mnemonics for everything when learning Chine
230 - What native speakers know about Chinese (and what they don't)
You say something in Mandarin, a native speaker corrects you, and you adjust. The next day, another native speaker tells you to revert to your original phrasing. What's going on?
#learnchinese #nativespeaker #explicit #implicit #feedback
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: What native speakers know about Chinese (and what they don’t): https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-native-speakers-know-and-wh
229 - Don’t use mnemonics for everything when learning Chinese
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques you can use to learn and remember more, but this doesn't mean that you should always use them. If you do, you will end up spending more time on mnemonics than you do engaging with the Chinese language.
#learnchinese #characters #mnemonics #memory
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Don’t use mnemonics for everything when learning Chinese: https://www.hackingc
228 - Benchmarking progress in Chinese to stay motivated
The more Chinese you learn, the less noticeable your progress becomes. Benchmarking can make your improvements more visible and help you stay motivated!
#learnchinese #benchmarking #progress #proficiency
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Benchmarking progress in Chinese to stay motivated: https://www.hackingchinese.com/benchmarking-progress/
How to learn Chinese in the long term with intrinsic m
227 - Can English learning materials help you learn Chinese?
You step into a bookshop, exploring the Chinese section, only to find a few textbooks and a 'Learn Chinese in Your Car.' But in the English section, shelves overflow with resources for Chinese speakers. And you wonder: could these books help you learn Chinese?
#learnchinese #english #esl #resources #books
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Can English learning materials help you learn Chinese? ht
226 - Student Q&A, December 2024: Learning similar Chinese characters, polyphonic characters, and flashcards vs. reading for building vocabulary
How can you remember the difference between similar Chinese characters? Are flashcards better than reading for building vocabulary? And how do you learn polyphonic characters?
#learnchinese #vocabulary #characters #reading #flashcards
Link to article on Hacking Chinese: Student Q&A, December 2024: Learning similar Chinese characters, polyphonic characters, and flashcards vs. reading for buildi
