Hacking Chinese Podcast

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-chinese-reading-resources-beginner-intermediate-advanced/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)

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 are way too many links to specific YouTube channels, playlists and videos to put in the show notes here, so please refer to the written article for the recommendations. Below, I have included links to related articles on Hacking Chinese only.The best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/Learning Chinese implicitly through exposure and seasoning, not through explicit instruction: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-chinese-implicitly-exposure-seasoning-explicit-instruction/Analyse and balance your Chinese learning with Paul Nation’s four strands: https://www.hackingchinese.com/analyse-and-balance-your-chinese-learning-with-paul-nations-four-strands/How to use YouTube and other video platforms to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-use-youtube-and-other-video-platforms-to-learn-chinese/Listen before you read: Improve your listening ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-before-you-read-improve-your-listening-ability/Listen more than once: How the replay button can help you learn more Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-than-once-how-the-replay-button-can-help-you-learn-more-chinese/8 great ways to scaffold your Chinese listening and reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/8-great-ways-scaffold-chinese-learning/Listen more and learn more by building a personal Chinese audio library: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-and-learn-more-by-building-a-personal-chinese-audio-library/The Input Pyramid: Chinese Listening for Any Situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situation/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)

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-listening-fast-and-slow-three-ways-of-slowing-down-mandarin-speech/Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 4: Learning to process spoken Mandarin quickly and effortlessly: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-4-learning-to-process-spoken-mandarin-quickly-and-effortlesslyThe Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-waterLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputLearning the third tone in Mandarin Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone-mandarin-chineseLearning the neutral tone in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-neutral-tone-in-mandarinListen more than once: How the replay button can help you learn more Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-more-than-once-how-the-replay-button-can-help-you-learn-more-chineseUsing Audacity to learn Chinese (speaking and listening): https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-audacity-to-learn-chinese-speaking-and-listeningThe 10 best free C listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learnersBeginner Chinese listening practice: what to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-howThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 articles on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/archive-2Hacking Chinese Resources: http://resources.hackingchinese.com/Hacking Chinese Challenges: https://challenges.hackingchinese.com/Zi.Tools: A powerful free resource for exploring Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/zi-tools-a-powerful-free-resource-for-exploring-chinese-charactersClassroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chineseUsing AI chatbots for low-stress Mandarin speaking practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-ai-chatbots-for-low-stress-mandarin-speaking-practiceLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputThe best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chineseLove and language: Challenges and opportunities in learning Chinese with a partner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/language-learning-with-a-chinese-girlfriend-or-boyfriend16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand7 characteristics of a great chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back: https://www.hackingchinese.com/myths-about-learning-chinese-that-are-holding-you-backWhat a big Rubik’s Cube taught me about Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-a-big-rubiks-cube-taught-me-about-chinese-characters4, 3, 2, 1: Fluency! A great technique to boost your Mandarin speaking ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/4-3-2-1-fluency-a-great-technique-for-boost-your-mandarin-speaking-abilityHow to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-mandarin-speaking-skills-with-a-tutorThe three roads to mastering Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-three-roads-to-mastering-chineseThe Input Pyramid: Chinese Listening for Any Situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situationCourses on Hacking Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/coursesMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-in-the-shower-with-me/Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input/Three factors that decide how much Chinese you learn: https://www.hackingchinese.com/three-factors-decide-much-chinese-learn/Time quality: Studying the right thing at the right time: https://www.hackingchinese.com/time-quality-and-studying-chinese/The time barrel: How to find more time to study Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-time-barrel-you-have-more-time-than-you-think/The forking path: A human approach to learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-forking-path-a-human-approach-to-learning-chinese/The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learners/Free and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-anki/Using memory aids and mnemonics to make Chinese easier: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/Immersion at home or: Why you don’t have to go abroad to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/immersion-at-home-or-why-you-dont-have-to-go-abroad/The new paperless revolution in Chinese reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-new-paperless-revolution-in-chinese-reading/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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://www.hackingchinese.com/reading-is-a-lot-like-spaced-repetition-only-better/WordSwing: https://wordswing.com/Anki: https://apps.ankiweb.net/Mapping the terra incognita of Chinese vocabulary: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mapping-the-terra-incognita-of-vocabularyAn introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learnersSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareFive text games for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/five-text-games-for-chinese-learnersMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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.hackingchinese.com/killing-leeches/Why flashcards are great for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-flashcards-are-great-for-learning-chineseAnki, the best of spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/anki-a-friendly-intelligent-spaced-learning-systemSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareAnki documentation about leeches: .html: https://docs.ankiweb.net/leeches.html?highlight=review+modeSkritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-chinese-review-boosting-your-character-learningDealing with Chinese characters you keep mixing up: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dealing-with-chinese-characters-you-keep-mixing-upAbout cheating, spaced repetition and learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/about-cheating-spaced-repetition-and-learning-chineseThe building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshellSame building blocks, different characters: How component placement changes meaning in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning7 mistakes I made when writing Chinese characters and what I learnt from them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/7-mistakes-i-made-when-writing-chinese-characters-and-what-i-learnt-from-themCultivate your Chinese flashcard garden… or burn it down and start afresh: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cultivate-your-chinese-flashcard-garden-or-burn-it-down-and-start-afreshMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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.hackingchinese.com/anki-a-friendly-intelligent-spaced-learning-systemAn introduction to comprehension-based Chinese teaching and learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-comprehension-based-chinese-teaching-learningSeeing through the illusion of advanced Chinese learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-illusion-of-advanced-learning-and-what-to-do-about-itWhen spaced repetition fails, and what to do about it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/when-spaced-repetition-fails-and-what-to-do-about-itFree and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-ankiReview: Mandarin Companion: Easy to read novels in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/review-mandarin-companion-easy-to-read-novels-in-chineseAn introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learners8 great ways to scaffold your Chinese listening and reading: https://www.hackingchinese.com/8-great-ways-scaffold-chinese-learningMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-approach-to-writing-chinese-characters-by-handThe building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshellMy best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-handDo you have to learn to write Chinese characters by hand? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-it-necessary-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-handHow to improve your Chinese handwriting: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-chinese-handwritingAn introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learnersWhat to read to improve your Chinese and why: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-to-read-to-improve-your-chinese-and-whyLearning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA: Part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-pronounce-mandarin-with-pinyin-zhuyin-and-ipa-part-1How to learn Zhuyin (Bopomofo) in two hours: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-zhuyin-bopomofo-in-two-hoursPhonetic components, part 1: The key to 80% of all Chinese characters: http://www.hackingchinese.com/phonetic-components-part-1-the-key-to-80-of-all-chinese-charactersSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: http://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareSkritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: http://www.hackingchinese.com/boosting-your-character-learning-with-skritterLearning to write Chinese characters through communication: http://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-write-chinese-characters-through-communicationReal communication: What it is, why you want it and how to get it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/real-communication-what-it-is-why-you-want-it-and-how-to-get-itMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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: https://www.hackingchinese.com/cultivate-your-chinese-flashcard-garden-or-burn-it-down-and-start-afresh/Why flashcards are great for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-flashcards-are-great-for-learning-chineseWhy flashcards are terrible for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-flashcards-are-bad-for-learning-chineseWhich words you should learn and where to find them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-words-you-should-learn-in-and-where-to-find-themSpaced repetition software and why you should use it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-softwareWhy manually adding and editing flashcards is good for you: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-manually-adding-and-editing-flashcards-is-good-for-youDo you have to learn to write Chinese characters by hand? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-it-necessary-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-handFree and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-ankiLearning Chinese words: When quantity beats quality: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-importance-of-knowing-many-wordsAnalyse and balance your Chinese learning with Paul Nation’s four strands: https://www.hackingchinese.com/analyse-and-balance-your-chinese-learning-with-paul-nations-four-strandsMeasuring your language learning is a double-edged sword: https://www.hackingchinese.com/measurable-progress-is-a-double-edged-sword6 benefits of learning Chinese through sports: https://www.hackingchinese.com/practising-sports-to-learn-chineseSkritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-chinese-review-boosting-your-character-learningMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-to-become-fluent-in-chineseHow to improve fluency in Chinese by playing word games: https://www.hackingchinese.com/playing-word-games-to-practise-fluencyLearning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-inputHow narrow reading and listening can help you bridge the gap to real Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/narrow-listening-reading-can-help-learn-chineseHone your Chinese writing ability by writing summaries: https://www.hackingchinese.com/hone-your-chinese-writing-ability-by-writing-summariesEn route to spoken fluency via task repetition – the ‘4, 3, 2 technique’ and ‘Market place’ (The Language Gym): https://gianfrancoconti.com/2017/03/04/en-route-to-spoken-fluency-via-task-repetition-the-4-3-2-technique-and-market-placeMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 building blocks of Chinese, part 2: Basic characters, components and radicals: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-2-basic-characters-components-and-radicalsThe building blocks of Chinese, part 3: Compound characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-charactersShould you learn the names of the strokes in Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-the-names-of-the-strokes-in-chinese-charactersKickstart your Chinese character learning with the 100 most common radicals: http://www.hackingchinese.com/kickstart-your-character-learning-with-the-100-most-common-radicalsMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-chinese/You wont learn chinese simply by living abroad: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-wont-learn-chinese-simply-by-living-abroadFree and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-ankiSkritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-review-boosting-your-character-learningWill a Chinese-only rule improve your learning? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-chinese-only-rules-good-for-learningAn introduction to comprehension-based Chinese teaching and learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-comprehension-based-chinese-teaching-learningBeyond tīng bu dǒng, part 6: Why is listening in Chinese so hard? https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-is-listening-in-chinese-so-hardWhich Chinese language course should you take? https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-chinese-language-course-should-you-takeHow I learnt Chinese, part 3: My first year in Taiwan: https://www.hackingchinese.com/i-learnt-chinese-part-3-first-year-taiwanUnlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-ultimate-guide-beginnerImmersion at home or: Why you don’t have to go abroad to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/immersion-at-home-or-why-you-dont-have-to-go-abroadMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-about-chinese-characters/What’s in a name? Hacking Chinese, 揭密中文: https://www.hackingchinese.com/whats-name-hacking-chineseLargest rotating puzzle cube mosaic: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/473622-largest-rubiks-cube-mosaic-imageAre simplified characters really simpler to learn? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-simplified-characters-really-simpler-to-learnBeyond tīng bu dǒng, part 2: From sound to meaning in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-2-from-sound-to-meaning-in-mandarinBeyond ting bu dong part 3 using what you already know to aid listening comprehension in chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-3-using-what-you-already-know-to-aid-listening-comprehension-in-chineseEscape: A text adventure game for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/escape-text-adventure-game-chinese-learners36 samples of Chinese handwriting from students and native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/36-samples-of-chines-handwriting-from-students-and-native-speakersMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 beginner student of Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/three-things-i-wish-i-had-known-as-a-beginner-student-of-chinese-the-time-machine-part-1/Which words you should learn and where to find them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-words-you-should-learn-in-and-where-to-find-them/Should you learn Chinese vocabulary from lists? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-chinese-vocabulary-from-lists/Duang - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuangMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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/Should you learn to speak Chinese before you learn Chinese characters? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-to-speak-chinese-before-you-learn-chinese-characters/The building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/Handwriting Chinese characters: The minimum requirements: https://www.hackingchinese.com/handwriting-chinese-characters-the-minimum-requirements/16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand/All the resources you need to learn and teach Chinese stroke order: https://www.hackingchinese.com/everything-you-need-to-learn-chinese-stroke-order/How to improve your Chinese handwriting: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-improve-your-chinese-handwriting/The building blocks of Chinese: Mastering compound characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-characters/The real challenge with learning Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-real-challenge-when-learning-characters/Pleco Software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/go/pleco/Anki, the best of spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/anki-a-friendly-intelligent-spaced-learning-systemSkritter Review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-chinese-review-boosting-your-character-learning/About cheating, spaced repetition and learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/about-cheating-spaced-repetition-and-learning-chinese/Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/25 books I read in Chinese last year: https://www.hackingchinese.com/25-books-i-read-in-chinese-last-year/How I learnt Chinese, part 6: Graduate program in Taiwan: https://www.hackingchinese.com/i-learnt-chinese-part-6-graduate-program-taiwan/Remember how to write Chinese characters with less effort: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-minimum-effort-approach-to-writing-chinese-characters-by-handMore information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 version of episode 3, originally published in 2020.How to learn Chinese characters as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-characters-as-a-beginner/Should you learn the names of the strokes in Chinese characters? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-the-names-of-the-strokes-in-chinese-characters/Real communication: What it is, why you want it and how to get it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/real-communication-what-it-is-why-you-want-it-and-how-to-get-it/The building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/Why you should think of characters in terms of functional components: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-you-should-think-of-characters-in-terms-of-functional-components/Should you learn the pronunciation of radicals? https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-pronunciation-of-radicals/Learning Chinese characters through pictures: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-characters-through-pictures/Phonetic components, part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/phonetic-components-part-1-the-key-to-80-of-all-chinese-characters/5 levels of understanding Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/5-levels-of-understanding-chinese-characters-superficial-forms-to-deep-structure/An introduction to spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-software/Handwriting Chinese characters: The minimum requirements: https://www.hackingchinese.com/handwriting-chinese-characters-the-minimum-requirements/A minimum effort approach to writing Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/a-minimum-effort-approach-to-writing-chinese-characters-by-hand/Learn to read Chinese with ease: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-to-read-chinese-with-ease/Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/Should you learn to speak Chinese before you learn Chinese characters?: https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-to-speak-chinese-before-you-learn-chinese-characters/Simplified and traditional Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/simplified-and-traditional-chinese/Are simplified characters really simpler to learn? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-simplified-characters-really-simpler-to-learn/Skritter review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-review-boosting-your-character-learning/Pleco: http://hackingchinese.com/plecoOutlier Linguistics character dictionary review: https://www.hackingchinese.com/review-the-outlier-linguistics-dictionary-of-chinese-characters-with-discount-code/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 placement changes meaning in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-characters-components-different-meanings/The building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/Memory aids and mnemonics to enhance learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/memory-aids-and-mnemonics-to-enhance-learning/How to best use flashcards to learn Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-best-use-flashcards-to-learn-chinese/An introduction to spaced repetition software: https://www.hackingchinese.com/an-introduction-to-spaced-repetition-software/Why spaced repetition software is uniquely well suited to learning Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-spaced-repetition-software-is-uniquely-well-suited-to-learning-chinese-characters/My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/Shapeshifting Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/shapeshifting-chinese-characters/Don’t use mnemonics to remember things you don’t need to remember: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-use-mnemonics-for-everything/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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 comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input/Learning to unicycle, learning anatomy and learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-to-unicycle-learning-anatomy-and-learning-chinese/Learning the third tone in Mandarin Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone-mandarin-chinese/Learn Chinese implicitly through exposure with a seasoning of explicit instruction: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-chinese-implicitly-exposure-seasoning-explicit-instruction/The building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-building-blocks-of-chinese-part-1-chinese-characters-and-words-in-a-nutshell/Learning Chinese characters through pictures: A warning and a how-to: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-characters-through-pictures/Phonetic components, part 1: The key to 80% of all Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/phonetic-components-part-1-the-key-to-80-of-all-chinese-characters/Kickstart your learning with the Skritter Character Course: https://www.hackingchinese.com/kickstart-your-learning-with-the-skritter-character-course/Are there any shortcuts for learning Chinese? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-there-any-shortcuts-for-learning-chinese/ Beyond tīng bu dǒng, part 4: Learning to process spoken Mandarin quickly and effortlessly: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beyond-ting-bu-dong-part-4-learning-to-process-spoken-mandarin-quickly-and-effortlessly/Which words you should learn and where to find them: https://www.hackingchinese.com/which-words-you-should-learn-in-and-where-to-find-them/The importance of knowing many words: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-importance-of-knowing-many-words/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/ An introduction to extensive reading for Chinese learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-extensive-reading-chinese-learners/20 Actually Useful Chengyu (Carl Gene Fordham) https://carlgene.com/blog/2010/07/20-actually-useful-chengyu-%E6%88%90%E8%AF%AD/Chengyu, a magic key to Chinese language and culture, or a waste of time? https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-right-chengyu-the-right-way/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)

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-speaking-skills-with-a-tutor/The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-chinese-listening-resources-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-learners/The best resources for learning Chinese through listening in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/guides/chinese-listening-resources/Beginner Chinese listening practice: the best resources and tools: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice/The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese in 2025: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese/Unlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Course for Beginners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-the-ultimate-course-for-beginners/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/Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/Is taking a Chinese course that’s too hard good for your learning? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-taking-a-chinese-course-thats-too-hard-good-for-your-learning/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/Learning too many words at once: Consequences and solutions: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-too-many-words-at-once-consequences-and-solutions/Don’t try to improve everything at once: Focus on one thing at a time instead: https://www.hackingchinese.com/dont-try-to-improve-everything-at-once-focus-on-one-thing-at-a-time-instead/Will a Chinese-only rule improve your speaking ability?https://www.hackingchinese.com/will-chinese-only-rule-improve-your-speaking-ability/Learning Chinese through comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-through-comprehensible-input/Why you should preview before every Chinese lesson: https://www.hackingchinese.com/preview-every-chinese-lesson/How I learnt Chinese, part 4: My second year in Taiwan: https://www.hackingchinese.com/i-learnt-chinese-part-4%EF%BC%9A-second-year-taiwan/More information and inspiration about learning and teaching Chinese can be found at https://www.hackingchinese.comMusic: "Traxis 1 ~ F. Benjamin" by Traxis, 2020 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0)