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!

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-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)

04-14
12:17

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 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)

03-10
12:46

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 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)

10-06
10:15

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 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)

09-29
13:59

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 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)

09-22
25:23

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-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)

09-15
21:44

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.Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Using the HSK as a roadmap to learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-the-hsk-as-a-roadmap-to-learning-chinese/Should you learn Chinese vocabulary from lists? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-learn-chinese-vocabulary-from-lists/The most common Chinese words, characters and components for language learners and teachers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-most-common-chinese-words-characters-and-components-for-language-learners-and-teachers/Filling gaps in your Chinese vocabulary: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mapping-the-terra-incognita-of-vocabulary/Skritter Review: Boosting your Chinese character learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/skritter-review-boosting-your-character-learning/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)

09-08
18:18

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-like-a-fish-in-water/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-itAnalyse 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-strandsBeyond 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-effortlesslyBeyond tīng bu dǒng, part 6: Why is listening in Chinese so hard?: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-is-listening-in-chinese-so-hardMore 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)

09-01
15:23

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-input/Are authentic texts good for learning Chinese or is graded content better? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-authentic-texts-good-for-learning-chinese-or-is-graded-content-better/Learning the third tone in Mandarin: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-the-third-tone-mandarin-chinese/20 tips and tricks to improve your Chinese writing ability: https://www.hackingchinese.com/20-tips-and-tricks-to-improve-your-chinese-writing-ability/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/Playing word games to practise fluency: https://www.hackingchinese.com/playing-word-games-to-practise-fluency/Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reading-is-a-lot-like-spaced-repetition-only-better/Why flashcards are great for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-flashcards-are-great-for-learning-chinese/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/An introduction to comprehension-based Chinese teaching and learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-comprehension-based-chinese-teaching-learning/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)

08-25
20:58

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-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/Unlocking Chinese: The ultimate course for beginners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-ultimate-guide-beginner/Will a Chinese-only rule improve your learning? https://www.hackingchinese.com/are-chinese-only-rules-good-for-learning/Why you should learn Chinese in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-you-should-learn-chinese-in-chinese/Categories in the list:Ensuring comprehension and seeking clarification: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section1Lesson and learning activity flow: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section2Feedback and encouragement: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section3Talking about the Chinese Language in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section4Online and technology-related phrases: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section5Formal education-specific phrases: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#section6Everything in traditional characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/classroom-mandarin-essential-expressions-for-learning-chinese-in-chinese/#tradMore 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)

08-18
10:42

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: #learnchinese #course #howto #guidance #discount #backtoschoolLink to Hacking Chinese Pronunciation: Speaking with Confidence (for all learners): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/mandarin-chinese-pronunciation-course/Link to Unlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Course for Beginners (get off to a good start or make sure you haven’t missed anything): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/unlocking-chinese-ultimate-guide-beginner/Link to Hacking Chinese: A Practical Guide to Learning Mandarin (for all learners): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/practical-guide-to-learning-mandarin/Link to The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water (for all learners, opens in late August): https://www.hackingchinese.com/courses/the-fluent-listener-navigating-mandarin-like-a-fish-in-water/Link to video version of the introduction to The Fluent Listener: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljUemN-VckListen to this and other episodes on your favourite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube: https://www.hackingchinese.com/podcastMore 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)

08-11
25:47

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-characters-by-hand/Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/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)

07-28
20:19

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-stress-mandarin-speaking-practice/The new HSK 3.0: What you need to know: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-new-hsk-3-0-what-you-need-to-know/Beginner Chinese listening practice: What to listen to and how: https://www.hackingchinese.com/beginner-chinese-listening-practice-what-to-listen-to-and-how/The best Chinese reading practice for beginners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/best-chinese-reading-practice-for-beginners/The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: 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-ultimate-guide-beginner/Using speech recognition to improve Chinese pronunciation, part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-speech-recognition-to-improve-chinese-pronunciation-part-1/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/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)

07-21
13:53

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-guide/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-sessions/7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: https://www.hackingchinese.com/characteristics-of-a-great-chinese-tutor-or-private-teacher/Improving your Chinese pronunciation by mimicking native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/mimicking-native-speakers-way-learning-chinese/The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese/The best podcasts for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-podcasts-for-learning-chinese/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)

07-14
12:00

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-topics-for-writing/Question 1: AI feedbackImproving your spoken and written Chinese by focusing on the process: https://www.hackingchinese.com/improving-your-spoken-and-written-chinese-by-focusing-on-the-process/Question 2: Input methodsChinese input methods: A guide for second language learners: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-input-methods-a-guide-for-second-language-learners/Using speech recognition to improve Chinese pronunciation, part 1: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-speech-recognition-to-improve-chinese-pronunciation-part-1/Question 3: Topics for writingHone your Chinese writing ability by writing summaries: https://www.hackingchinese.com/hone-your-chinese-writing-ability-by-writing-summaries/12 ways chatting online will improve your Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chat-your-way-to-better-chineseThe Complete Book of Questions (Garry Poole): https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/1827/the_complete_book_of_questions_1001.pdfRandom Questions to Ask People (TeamBuilding.com): https://teambuilding.com/blog/random-questionsMore 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)

07-07
17:17

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-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand/My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/How to get good grades when studying Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/studying-chinese-when-your-grades-matter/How to talk about Chinese characters in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/talk-chinese-characters-chinese/36 samples of Chinese handwriting from students and native speakers: https://www.hackingchinese.com/36-samples-of-chines-handwriting-from-students-and-native-speakers/Learning to read handwritten Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-read-handwritten-chinese/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/How I learnt Chinese, part 6: Graduate program in Taiwan: https://www.hackingchinese.com/i-learnt-chinese-part-6-graduate-program-taiwan/Learning styles: Use with caution! https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-styles-use-with-caution/The persistence of comprehension (The Hexacoto): https://hexacoto.com/2014/03/12/the-persistence-of-comprehension/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)

06-30
24:02

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 for your own learning now: https://www.hackingchinese.com/take-responsibility-for-your-own-learning/What your Chinese course will not teach you: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-course-will-not-teach/The Hacking Chinese Podcast: https://www.hackingchinese.com/podcast/The virtues of language exchanges: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-virtues-of-language-exchanges/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-sessions/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/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/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/Learning Chinese comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input/Preview every Chinese lesson: https://www.hackingchinese.com/preview-every-chinese-lesson/Time quality and studying Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/time-quality-and-studying-chinese/How to learn Chinese in the long term with intrinsic motivation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-in-the-long-term-with-intrinsic-motivation/Learn Chinese faster by leaving your comfort zone: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learn-chinese-faster-leaving-comfort-zone/How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-art-of-being-corrected/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)

06-23
17:22

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-sessions/Take responsibility for your own learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/take-responsibility-for-your-own-learning/What your Chinese course will not teach you: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-course-will-not-teach/The virtues of language exchanges: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-virtues-of-language-exchanges/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-sessions/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/Learning Chinese comprehensible input: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-comprehensible-input/Preview every Chinese lesson: https://www.hackingchinese.com/preview-every-chinese-lesson/Time quality and studying Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/time-quality-and-studying-chinese/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)

06-16
17:11

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 are harder to learn than they seem: https://www.hackingchinese.com/6-things-in-chinese-that-are-harder-to-learn-than-they-seem/Chinese is possible to learn as an adult: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-might-be-too-lazy-to-learn-chinese-but-youre-not-too-old/Is Chinese difficult to learn? https://www.hackingchinese.com/is-chinese-difficult-to-learn/How long have you studied Chinese: 200 years or 58,992 hours? https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-long-have-you-studied-chinese-290-years-or-58-992-hours/How to become fluent in Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-become-fluent-in-chinese/Learning Chinese is useful no matter how much or how little you learn: https://www.hackingchinese.com/long-study-chinese-make-useful/Chinese courses won’t teach you everything: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-course-will-not-teach/Using the HSK as a roadmap to learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/using-the-hsk-as-a-roadmap-to-learning-chinese/Should you throw away your Chinese textbook? https://www.hackingchinese.com/should-you-throw-away-your-chinese-textbook/Take responsibility for your own learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/take-responsibility-for-your-own-learning/⁠Immersion at home or why you don’t have to go abroad: https://www.hackingchinese.com/immersion-at-home-or-why-you-dont-have-to-go-abroad/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 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/You won’t learn Chinese simply by living abroad: https://www.hackingchinese.com/you-wont-learn-chinese-simply-by-living-abroad/Love and language: Challenges and opportunities in learning Chinese with a partner.: https://www.hackingchinese.com/language-learning-with-a-chinese-girlfriend-or-boyfriend/The Hacking Chinese guide to Mandarin tones: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-hacking-chinese-guide-to-mandarin-tones/The importance of tones is inversely proportional to the predictability of what you say: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-importance-of-tones-is-inversely-proportional-to-the-predictability-of-what-you-say/Tone errors in Mandarin that actually can cause confusion: https://www.hackingchinese.com/tone-errors-in-mandarin-that-actually-can-cause-confusion/What native speakers know and what they don’t: https://www.hackingchinese.com/what-native-speakers-know-and-what-they-dont/Standardised pronunciation in Chinese and why you want it: https://www.hackingchinese.com/standardised-pronunciation-in-chinese-and-why-you-want-it/How to learn Chinese characters as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-characters-as-a-beginner/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/My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/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)

06-09
28:48

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 for learning Chinese: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-best-youtube-channels-for-learning-chinese/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/Listening strategies: Diversify your listening practice: https://www.hackingchinese.com/listening-strategies-diversify-your-listening-practice/Learning Chinese through audiobooks: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-through-audio-books/Learning Chinese as an introverted student: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-chinese-as-an-introverted-student/The virtues of language exchanges: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-virtues-of-language-exchanges/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)

06-02
16:38

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