Chinese Bites — with Janine｜HSK 2️⃣

After our quiet walk in the park, we start thinking about dinner.Should we eat noodles… or rice… or maybe something else?In this episode, you’ll learn how to say first… then…,how to choose between options using 还是,and how to use 带 to mean “bring” or “take someone.”Perfect for daily life and eating out! 🍜🌆天色越来越暗了，我们走到公园门口。我说：“我有点儿饿了，我们先找一家店，再决定吃什么吧。”他点点头，说：“好，你想吃面，还是吃米饭？”我笑着说：“都可以，你来带路吧。”他笑了：“那跟我来，我知道一家很好吃的小店。”Tiānsè yuèláiyuè àn le, wǒmen zǒu dào gōngyuán ménkǒu.Wǒ shuō: “Wǒ yǒudiǎnr è le, wǒmen xiān zhǎo yì jiā diàn, zài juédìng chī shénme ba.”Tā diǎn diǎn tóu, shuō: “Hǎo, nǐ xiǎng chī miàn, háishi chī mǐfàn?”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Dōu kěyǐ, nǐ lái dài lù ba.”Tā xiào le: “Nà gēn wǒ lái, wǒ zhīdào yì jiā hěn hǎochī de xiǎodiàn.”As the sky grew darker, we reached the entrance of the park.I told him I was getting a bit hungry and suggested that we first find a place to eat,then decide what to order once we got there.He nodded and asked whether I preferred noodles or rice.I smiled and said that anything was fine,and asked him to lead the way.He laughed and told me to follow him—he knew a small restaurant nearby that was really good.

During our walk in the park, we suddenly notice something unusual…Why is it so quiet today?In this episode, we’ll learn to express reactions with 这么,possibility with 可能,and unexpected discoveries with 原来.Perfect for storytelling and real-life conversations! 🌿👀我们一边走一边聊天的时候，我突然说：“咦，今天人怎么这么少？”他看了看四周，说：“可能前面在修路吧。”我们继续往前走，看到一块牌子，我笑了：“原来公园的一半今天不开放。”他也笑了：“难怪这么安静。”Wǒmen yìbiān zǒu yìbiān liáotiān de shíhou, wǒ tūrán shuō:“Yí, jīntiān rén zěnme zhème shǎo?”Tā kàn le kàn sìzhōu, shuō: “Kěnéng qiánmiàn zài xiū lù ba.”Wǒmen jìxù wǎng qián zǒu, kàndào yí kuài páizi, wǒ xiào le:“Yuánlái gōngyuán de yíbàn jīntiān bù kāifàng.”Tā yě xiào le: “Nánguài zhème ānjìng.”I said, “Why are there so few people today?”He said, “Maybe the road ahead is under construction.”Then we saw a sign: “Oh, so that’s why — half the park is closed today.”这么 — expressing strong degree可能 — expressing possibility原来 — expressing sudden realization

Hello, 大家好！我是 Janine 👋In this episode, our walk continues —and my friend asks why I like the park so much.We’ll learn how to express reasons and purpose他看着湖边的风景，问我：“你为什么喜欢这里？”我笑着说：“因为这里很安静，所以我可以放松一下。”他点点头说：“我也是，我每天来这里走一走，为了休息一下。”我们一边走一边聊天，时间过得很快。Tā kàn zhe hú biān de fēngjǐng, wèn wǒ: “Nǐ wèishénme xǐhuan zhèlǐ?”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Yīnwèi zhèlǐ hěn ānjìng, suǒyǐ wǒ kěyǐ fàngsōng yíxià.”Tā diǎn diǎn tóu shuō: “Wǒ yě shì, wǒ měitiān lái zhèlǐ zǒu yi zǒu, wèile xiūxí yíxià.”Wǒmen yìbiān zǒu yìbiān liáotiān, shíjiān guò de hěn kuài.He asked, “Why do you like it here?”I said, “Because it’s quiet, so I can relax.”He said, “I come here every day to rest a little.”We walked and chatted at the same time.因为…所以… — cause and effect为了 — purpose一边…一边… — simultaneous actions

In today’s episode, we continue our walk in the parkand talk about peaceful places, changing feelings,and actions happening in the background.我们走到公园的湖边，他问我：“你喜欢这里吗？”我点点头说：“喜欢，这里安静多了。”他笑着说：“我也是，我越来越喜欢这种安静的地方。”我们继续走着，风也越来越凉。Wǒmen zǒu dào gōngyuán de hú biān, tā wèn wǒ: “Nǐ xǐhuan zhèlǐ ma?”Wǒ diǎn diǎn tóu shuō: “Xǐhuan, zhèlǐ ānjìng duō le.”Tā xiào zhe shuō: “Wǒ yě shì, wǒ yuè lái yuè xǐhuan zhè zhǒng ānjìng de dìfang.”Wǒmen jìxù zǒu zhe, fēng yě yuè lái yuè liáng.English:We walked to the lake. He asked, “Do you like it here?”I said, “Yes — it’s much quieter here.”He said, “I like this kind of place more and more.”We kept walking, and the wind grew cooler and cooler.多了 — much more走着 — ongoing action越来越 — more and more

In this episode, I go for a walk with my new friend.We explore the park, talk about directions, distance,and even a small “almost happened” moment!我们走到公园门口的时候，我问他：“这里离你家远吗？”笑着说：“不远，就在前面，往右走五分钟。”我们边走边聊天，差点儿错过了一个红灯。我笑着说：“幸好我们停下来了！”Wǒmen zǒu dào gōngyuán ménkǒu de shíhou, wǒ wèn tā: “Zhèlǐ lí nǐ jiā yuǎn ma?”Tā xiào zhe shuō: “Bù yuǎn, jiù zài qiánmiàn, wǎng yòu zǒu wǔ fēnzhōng.”Wǒmen biān zǒu biān liáotiān, chàdiǎnr cuòguò le yí gè hóngdēng.Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Xìnghǎo wǒmen tíng xià lái le!”English:As we reached the park entrance, I asked,“Is this far from your home?”He said, “Not far — just five minutes to the right.”We were chatting while walking and almost missed a red light.离 (lí) — distance from往 (wǎng) — toward差点儿 (chàdiǎnr) — almost

In today’s episode, my new friend at the café asks if I want to go out together!You’ll learn how to invite someone politely using 要不要,suggest doing something 一起,soften your tone with 吧,and express “after / later” using 以后. 🌇💬我们喝完咖啡以后，他看着我，说：“你要不要去外面走走？天气很好。”我有点儿意外，但觉得这样也不错。所以我说：“好啊，我们一起去吧！”他笑了笑，说：“那走吧。”Wǒmen hē wán kāfēi yǐhòu, tā kàn zhe wǒ, shuō:“Nǐ yào bu yào qù wàimiàn zǒu zǒu? Tiānqì hěn hǎo.”Wǒ yǒu diǎnr yìwài, dàn juéde zhèyàng yě búcuò.Suǒyǐ wǒ shuō: “Hǎo a, wǒmen yìqǐ qù ba!”Tā xiào le xiào, shuō: “Nà zǒu ba.”After we finished our coffee, he asked:“Do you want to go for a walk outside? The weather is nice.”I said, “Sure, let’s go together.”要不要 (yào bu yào) — Do you want to…?一起 (yìqǐ) — together吧 (ba) — soft suggestion以后 (yǐhòu) — after / later

I met a new friend at the café, and we started chatting!Today, we’ll learn how to express ability with 会,possibility or permission with 能,and how to talk about “a little while” using 一会儿.Very useful for natural daily conversations! ☕😊我们一起等咖啡的时候，他问我：“你会说中文吗？”我笑着说：“会一点儿，你呢？”他回答：“我不会，但是我能听懂一点点。”他又问：“等一下你有什么计划？要回家吗？”我想了想，说：“我想先坐一会儿，再回家。”Wǒmen yìqǐ děng kāfēi de shíhou, tā wèn wǒ: “Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Huì yìdiǎnr, nǐ ne?”Tā huídá: “Wǒ bú huì, dànshì wǒ néng tīng dǒng yì diǎndiǎn.”Tā yòu wèn: “Děng yíxià nǐ yǒu shénme jìhuà? Yào huí jiā ma?”Wǒ xiǎng le xiǎng, shuō: “Wǒ xiǎng xiān zuò yíhuìr, zài huí jiā.”While we were waiting for the coffee, he asked, “Can you speak Chinese?”I said, “A little.”He said, “I can’t, but I can understand a little bit.”Then he asked, “Are you going home later?”I said, “I want to sit for a little while before going home.”会 (huì) — learned ability能 (néng) — possibility / allowed一会儿 (yíhuìr) — a short while / a moment

After a busy day at work, I went to relax at a quiet café. ☕In this episode, you’ll learn how to use 好像 to say “seems like”,make soft suggestions with 还是…吧,and express “for someone / to someone” using 给.Perfect for warm, real-life conversations. 🌇💬下班以后，我去了咖啡店。咖啡店里很好听的音乐，我坐在窗边看手机。正在放松的时候，一个男生走过来。他看了看我的杯子，说：“你的咖啡好像凉了，还是我给你买一杯新的吧。”我有点儿惊讶，但也笑着说：“好啊，谢谢！”Xià bān yǐ hòu, wǒ qù le kā fēi diàn.Kā fēi diàn lǐ yǒu hěn hǎo tīng de yīn yuè, wǒ zuò zài chuāng biān kàn shǒu jī.Zhèng zài fàng sōng de shí hou, yí gè nán shēng zǒu guò lái.Tā kàn le kan wǒ de bēi zi, shuō: “Nǐ de kā fēi hǎo xiàng liáng le, hái shì wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi yì bēi xīn de ba.”Wǒ yǒu diǎnr jīng yà, dàn yě xiào zhe shuō: “Hǎo a, xiè xie！”(After work, I went to the café.Soft music was playing, and I sat by the window looking at my phone.While relaxing, a guy walked over and said,“Your coffee seems cold — let me buy you a new one.”I was surprised, but smiled and said, “Sure, thank you!”)① 好像 (hǎo xiàng) — seems / looks like② 还是…吧 (hái shì…ba) — soft suggestion③ 给 (gěi) — for / to (someone)

In this episode, I head to work after a happy morning surprise! You’ll learn how to describe multitasking with 一边…一边…, talk about what’s happening with 正在, and express feelings caused by others with 让. 💻☕到了公司，我一边喝咖啡，一边回复邮件。同事走过来笑着说：“你今天看起来心情很好呀！”我说：“对啊，我正在想那只可爱的猫！”她笑了笑，说：“猫真的让人开心。”Dào le gōng sī, wǒ yì biān hē kā fēi, yì biān huí fù yóu jiàn.Tóng shì zǒu guò lái xiào zhe shuō: “Nǐ jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái xīn qíng hěn hǎo ya!”Wǒ shuō: “Duì a, wǒ zhèng zài xiǎng nà zhī kě ài de māo!”Tā xiào le xiào, shuō: “Māo zhēn de ràng rén kāi xīn.”(When I arrived at the office, I drank coffee while replying to emails.A colleague walked over and said, “You look really happy today!”I said, “Yeah, I’m thinking about that cute cat.”She laughed and said, “Cats really make people happy.”)一边…一边… — doing two actions at once正在 — in the middle of (doing something)让 — to make / to cause (someone to feel something)

After a late-night chat, I woke up the next morning to a happy surprise! ☀️ In this episode, we’ll learn how to express emotion with 真, talk about quick or immediate actions with 一……就……, and express surprise with 没想到. 💌第二天早上，我一醒来就看到一条消息。是同事发的，她说：“早上好！谢谢你昨晚关心我～”我心里觉得真开心！没想到她还给我发了一张可爱的猫咪照片。我笑着说：“这只猫太可爱了！”Dì èr tiān zǎo shang, wǒ yī xǐng lái jiù kàn dào yì tiáo xiāo xī.Shì tóng shì fā de, tā shuō: “Zǎo shang hǎo! Xiè xie nǐ zuó wǎn guān xīn wǒ～”Wǒ xīn lǐ jué de zhēn kāi xīn!Méi xiǎng dào tā hái gěi wǒ fā le yì zhāng kě ài de māo mī zhào piàn.Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Zhè zhī māo tài kě ài le！”(The next morning, as soon as I woke up, I saw a message.It was from my colleague — she said, “Good morning! Thank you for caring about me last night.”I felt really happy!I didn’t expect she’d even send me a cute cat photo.I smiled and said, “This cat is so cute!”)真 — really / truly一……就…… — as soon as / right after没想到 — didn’t expect

It’s late at night, and my colleague just texted me — ‘You still awake?’ 😅 In this episode, we’ll learn how to express surprise with 这么 and 那么, talk about things you haven’t done yet with 还没, and explain reasons using 因为…所以…. 🌙📱我看了看时间，已经十一点了。我回她：“你还没睡啊？这么晚！”她说：“对啊，因为我刚刚在做工作。”我笑着说：“那早点儿休息吧，明天见！”Wǒ kàn le kan shí jiān, yǐ jīng shí yī diǎn le.Wǒ huí tā: “Nǐ hái méi shuì a? Zhème wǎn!”Tā shuō: “Duì a, yīn wèi wǒ gāng gāng zài zuò gōng zuò.”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Nà zǎo diǎnr xiū xi ba, míng tiān jiàn!”(I looked at the time — it was already 11 p.m.I replied, “You haven’t gone to bed yet? So late!”She said, “Yeah, because I was just working.”I smiled and said, “Then rest early, see you tomorrow!”)这么 / 那么 — so / that (much)还没 — not yet因为…所以… — because… so…

In this episode, I just got home when something unexpected popped up on my phone! You’ll learn how to talk about recent actions with 刚刚, describe what’s still happening with 还在, express feelings with 觉得, and use 早点儿 naturally in daily life. 💬📱我刚刚洗完澡，正准备睡觉。手机响了，是我同事的消息。她说：“你还在看书吗？”我回她：“没有，我觉得今天太累了，准备早点儿睡。”Wǒ gāng gāng xǐ wán zǎo, zhèng zhǔn bèi shuì jiào.Shǒu jī xiǎng le, shì wǒ tóng shì de xiāo xī.Tā shuō: “Nǐ hái zài kàn shū ma?”Wǒ huí tā: “Méiyǒu, wǒ jué de jīn tiān tài lèi le, zhǔn bèi zǎo diǎnr shuì.”(I had just finished taking a shower and was getting ready for bed.My phone rang — it was a message from my colleague.She asked, “Are you still reading?”I replied, “No, I feel too tired today and plan to sleep a bit early.”)刚刚 / 刚才 — just now / a moment ago还在 — still doing something觉得 — to feel / to think早点儿 — a bit earlier / earlier than usual

In this episode, we’ll talk about daily routines — how to describe what you do every day in order using 先…再…, how to talk about future or past actions with 以后, and how to use 已经 to say ‘already.’ ☀️🕐每天早上，我七点起床。我先洗脸刷牙，再吃早饭。八点上班，下班以后去健身房。晚上回到家，我已经很累了，但还会看一会儿书。Měi tiān zǎo shang, wǒ qī diǎn qǐ chuáng.Wǒ xiān xǐ liǎn shuā yá, zài chī zǎo fàn.Bā diǎn shàng bān, xià bān yǐ hòu qù jiàn shēn fáng.Wǎn shang huí dào jiā, wǒ yǐ jīng hěn lèi le, dàn hái huì kàn yí huìr shū.先…再… — first… then…以后 — after / later / in the future已经 — already / 还没 - not yet

In this episode, something surprising happens on the subway! You’ll learn how to describe actions in progress with 正在, use 的时候 to talk about when something happened, and add excitement to your stories with 忽然. 🚇☕晚上，我坐地铁回家。我正在看手机的时候，忽然听到一个小孩子在哭。旁边的人都看过去，一个妈妈在安慰她的孩子。我笑了笑，心里想：“好可爱啊。”Wǎn shang, wǒ zuò dì tiě huí jiā.Wǒ zhèng zài kàn shǒu jī de shí hou, hū rán tīng dào yí gè xiǎo hái zài kū.Páng biān de rén dōu kàn guò qù, yí gè mā ma zài ān wèi tā de hái zi.Wǒ xiào le xiào, xīn lǐ xiǎng: “Hǎo kě ài a.”正在 — in the middle of (doing something)的时候 — when / at the time of忽然 — suddenly

In this episode, over dinner with a friend, we’ll talk about family — how to describe family members, compare people using 比, express contrast with 虽然…但是…, and talk about family habits with 每…都…. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🍲晚饭的时候，我们聊到了家人。她给我看了一张照片，说：“这是我妹妹，她比我高。”我笑着说：“你们长得很像！虽然我家人不多，但是我们很亲。”她点点头说：“我们家每个周末都一起吃饭。”Wǎn fàn de shí hou, wǒ men liáo dào le jiā rén.Tā gěi wǒ kàn le yì zhāng zhào piàn, shuō: “Zhè shì wǒ mèi mei, tā bǐ wǒ gāo.”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Nǐ men zhǎng de hěn xiàng! Suī rán wǒ jiā rén bù duō, dàn shì wǒ men hěn qīn.”Tā diǎn diǎn tóu shuō: “Wǒ men jiā měi gè zhōu mò dōu yì qǐ chī fàn.”比 — to compare (A 比 B + adjective)虽然…但是… — although... but...每…都… — every... all...

In this episode, we’ll finally have dinner with a friend! You’ll learn how to make invitations, ask questions politely with 要不要 and 想不想, and use 还是 to offer choices naturally in Chinese. 🍲🥢星期五下班后，我给同事发消息。我说：“今晚一起吃晚饭吧？你想吃中国菜还是日本菜？”她回我：“我想吃日本菜！要不要去那家新开的餐厅？”我说：“好啊，我听说那里的寿司很好吃！”Xīng qī wǔ xià bān hòu, wǒ gěi tóng shì fā xiāo xī.Wǒ shuō: “Jīn wǎn yì qǐ chī wǎn fàn ba? Nǐ xiǎng chī Zhōng guó cài hái shì Rì běn cài?”Tā huí wǒ: “Wǒ xiǎng chī Rì běn cài! Yào bù yào qù nà jiā xīn kāi de cān tīng?”Wǒ shuō: “Hǎo a, wǒ tīng shuō nà lǐ de shòu sī hěn hǎo chī!”一起 — together还是 — or (used in questions)要不要 / 想不想 — would you like to / do you want to

In this episode, we’ll make weekend plans with a friend! You’ll learn how to express future intentions using 要, 打算, and 想 — and sound natural when talking about your upcoming plans in Chinese. 🌞☕星期五下午，下班前，新同事问我：“你周末打算做什么？”我说：“我打算去公园散步，还要去超市买东西。”她说：“我也想去公园，我们一起去吧！”我笑着说：“好啊，周六见！”Xīng qī wǔ xià wǔ, xià bān qián, xīn tóng shì wèn wǒ: “Nǐ zhōu mò dǎ suàn zuò shén me?”Wǒ shuō: “Wǒ dǎ suàn qù gōng yuán sàn bù, hái yào qù chāo shì mǎi dōng xi.”Tā shuō: “Wǒ yě xiǎng qù gōng yuán, wǒ men yì qǐ qù ba!”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Hǎo a, zhōu liù jiàn!”打算 — plan to / intend to要 — will / going to / need to想 — want to / would like to

In this episode, something funny happens at work after lunch! You’ll learn how to ask What happened?, talk about recent events using 刚才, and express forgetting something naturally in Chinese. Perfect for everyday storytelling! 🏢☕午饭后，我们回到公司。老板问我：“刚才发生了什么？你们去哪儿了？”我笑着说：“我们去吃午饭了，我忘了带手机！”老板也笑了：“没事，下次别忘了！”Wǔ fàn hòu, wǒ men huí dào gōng sī.Lǎo bǎn wèn wǒ: “Gāng cái fā shēng le shén me? Nǐ men qù nǎr le?”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Wǒ men qù chī wǔ fàn le, wǒ wàng le dài shǒu jī!”Lǎo bǎn yě xiào le: “Méi shì, xià cì bié wàng le!”发生了什么 — what happened刚才 — just now / a moment ago忘了 — forgot

In this episode, we’ll have lunch with a new colleague! You’ll learn how to say I like…, invite someone to eat together, and use the word 吧 to sound friendly and natural in Chinese. Perfect for small talk and making new friends over lunch! 🍜🥟中午，我和新同事一起去吃午饭。我问她：“你喜欢吃什么？”她说：“我喜欢吃中国菜。一起去那家饭店吧！”我笑着说：“好啊，我也喜欢！”Zhōng wǔ, wǒ hé xīn tóng shì yì qǐ qù chī wǔ fàn.Wǒ wèn tā: “Nǐ xǐ huan chī shén me?”Tā shuō: “Wǒ xǐ huan chī Zhōng guó cài. Yì qǐ qù nà jiā fàn diàn ba!”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Hǎo a, wǒ yě xǐ huan!”喜欢 — to like (used with verbs or nouns)一起 — together (goes before the verb)吧 — softens suggestions (like “let’s”)

In this episode, we’ll learn how to ask Where do you live? in Chinese, how to talk about locations like ‘near’ or ‘far’, and how to describe places naturally. Perfect for everyday small talk in Chinese! 🏙️☕在咖啡店，我遇到了一个新同事。我问她：“你住在哪儿？”她说：“我住在公司附近。”我笑着说：“真好！我家离公司很远，每天都要坐地铁。”Zài kā fēi diàn, wǒ yù dào le yí gè xīn tóng shì.Wǒ wèn tā: “Nǐ zhù zài nǎr?”Tā shuō: “Wǒ zhù zài gōng sī fù jìn.”Wǒ xiào zhe shuō: “Zhēn hǎo! Wǒ jiā lí gōng sī hěn yuǎn, měi tiān dōu yào zuò dì tiě.”住在… — live in / live at在…附近 — near / around离…很远 / 很近 — far from / close to