Have you ever noticed that Taiwanese people often avoid being too direct in conversation? Instead of saying “no,” you’ll hear phrases like 「再看看」(I’ll take another look) or 「改天再約」(let’s meet another day). In this episode, Mindy and Joeru dive into the cultural reasons behind this communication style — from harmony and face to subtle ways of leaving room for flexibility.

In this episode, we cover:
– What “indirect speech” means in Taiwanese culture
– Everyday examples like 「再聯絡」「我再考慮看看」「應該可以喔」
– Why avoiding “no” and softening your tone is considered polite
– How concepts like harmony, face, and humility shape language choices

🗣 Listener Challenge:
Do you notice yourself using “indirect” language in Mandarin? Share your favorite example with us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese!

🎙️ The Bitesize Chinese Podcast helps you bridge the gap between classroom Mandarin and how people actuallyspeak — with all the quirks, slang, and culture that come with it. Each bi-weekly episode is a bite-sized challenge designed to stretch your skills and bring you from intermediate to almost advanced — one conversation at a time. Tune in, take a bite, and keep growing with us! 🎧💬

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Is it 怕, 害怕, or 可怕? 🤔 In this fun Ghost Month episode, Mindy and Joeru teach you how to talk about fear in Mandarin the right way! Whether you’re afraid of ghosts, worried about being late, or watching a scary movie, you’ll learn the key differences between three important words: 怕, 害怕, and 可怕.

🎯 Today’s Topic:
How to say “I’m scared” vs. “It’s scary” in Mandarin — and when to use each word correctly!

🗝 Key Sentence:
你怕不怕鬼？ (Nǐ pà bú pà guǐ?) – Are you scared of ghosts?

🗣 Listener Challenge:
哪一個是正確的句子？Which one is correct?
1）Mindy 很可怕。
2）Mindy 很害怕。

🌟 Want to learn more?
Come study with us! Bitesize Chinese offers 1-on-1 lessons that are fun, flexible, and personalized just for you. Start with a free consultation — visit our website or DM us on Instagram to book!

🍰 About Bitesize Basics 🍰
Welcome to 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — a podcast series for beginner Mandarin learners (A1)! Each episode teaches one useful grammar point or vocabulary set through fun, practical conversations. Learn with Mindy and Joeru and build your Mandarin step by step! 📱 Follow us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese for this week’s vocabulary recap and practice tips!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Why do people in Taiwan avoid whistling, swimming, or cutting their nails at night during Ghost Month? 👻 In this episode, Mindy explains what Ghost Month (鬼月) is — and shares some of the most interesting taboos Taiwanese people still follow today. From superstitions to safety tips, you’ll learn about culture, beliefs, and beginner-friendly Mandarin along the way.

In this episode, we cover:
– What Ghost Month is and why it’s important in Taiwan
– Taboos about going out, cutting hair, and hanging laundry at night
– What not to do if you don’t want to “invite a ghost”
– Common Ghost Month dos and don’ts — and the logic behind them

🗣 Listener Challenge:
Have you ever heard of Ghost Month? Which taboo surprised you the most? Tell us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Did you know saying “ghost” out loud can bring bad luck? 👻 In this episode, Mindy and Joeru show you softer ways to talk about death and ghosts in Mandarin, especially during Ghost Month (鬼月) in Taiwan. You’ll learn how to avoid sounding too direct, respect cultural taboos, and better understand the hidden meanings behind words like 走了and 不在了.

🎯 Today’s Topic: Euphemisms for “death” and “ghost” in Mandarin — and how tone and context can change everything!

🗝 Key Sentence: 我奶奶去世了。 (Wǒ nǎinai qùshì le.) – My grandma passed away.

🗣 Listener Challenge:
你聽得出來嗎？What’s the difference between 不在 and 不在了？Try using both in a sentence and tag us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese!

🍰 About Bitesize Basics 🍰
Welcome to 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — a podcast series for beginner Mandarin learners (A1)! Each episode teaches one useful grammar point or vocabulary set through fun, practical conversations. Learn with Mindy and Joeru and build your Mandarin step by step! 📱 Follow us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese for this week’s vocabulary recap and practice tips!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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A calm check-in on study habits. Mindy and Joeru unpack common “NG” (no-good) patterns in Mandarin learning and share small tweaks you can try this week. Real examples, clear reasoning, and practical ideas to make everyday conversations feel smoother.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why memorized words vanish when you speak: no real-life link, not enough sentence practice
• Reading–speaking gap: modality mismatch (visual vs. auditory) and character–speech imbalance
• Classroom vs. real life: teachers decode you; strangers usually won’t
• Feeling “stuck”: timelines too short, goals too big, and low teacher–student alignment

🗣 Listener Challenge (make it interactive):
Vote + intention: Comment with one tweak you’ll try this week, then share your result in the comments or tag @bitesize.chinese in your story!
A) Theme vocab + sentence frames
B) Speaking-first (keep characters ~2–3 lessons behind)
C) Daily native input (10 min)
D) Right-size goal

🎙️ The Bitesize Chinese Podcast helps you bridge the gap between classroom Mandarin and how people actuallyspeak — with all the quirks, slang, and culture that come with it. Each bi-weekly episode is a bite-sized challenge designed to stretch your skills and bring you from intermediate to almost advanced — one conversation at a time. Tune in, take a bite, and keep growing with us! 🎧💬

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Want to sound helpful and friendly in Mandarin? In this episode, Mindy and Joeru teach you how to use the sentence pattern 我建議你… (“I suggest you…”) to give advice — from weekend activities to study tips. You’ll learn practical phrases that make your Mandarin more natural and easy to use in daily life.

In this episode, we cover:
– Our key sentence: 我建議你用Podcast練習聽力。
– Using 我建議你… to suggest daily habits and fun activities
– Weekend ideas: hiking, night markets, and Taiwanese snacks
– Study suggestions: practicing listening, speaking, reading, and writing
– Practical phrases: 我建議你每天寫十個漢字。 / 我建議你用字卡練習漢字。
– How to adapt this pattern to give advice in any situation

🗣 Listener Challenge:
What’s your best tip for learning Mandarin? Make a sentence with 我建議你… and share it in the comments — or tag us @bitesize.chinese on Instagram!

🍰 About Bitesize Basics 🍰
Welcome to 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — a podcast series for beginner Mandarin learners (A1)! Each episode teaches one useful grammar point or vocabulary set through fun, practical conversations. Learn with Mindy and Joeru and build your Mandarin step by step!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Is there really “one best way” to learn a language? Joeru shares his real journeys with English, French, Korean, and Japanese — from cram schools to strict speaking drills — and why the most effective method is the one you’ll actually do daily. Expect practical, repeatable tips you can use on your commute, on a walk, or even in the shower.

In this episode, we cover:
– Taiwan context: when English study starts, and how cram schools shape habits
– Why adult learners need different strategies than kids (fluency vs. memorization)
– Speaking-first methods: heavy repetition, teacher-led drills, and pronunciation focus
– Simple routines that work: 重複同一句話 many times while waiting for the bus, walking, or showering
– Personal language paths: trying French/Korean/Japanese for curiosity, travel, and work
– Core principle: methods are personal — experiment, keep what sticks, repeat daily

🗣 Listener Challenge:
Pick one sentence you want to own in your target language. Repeat it 30 times today in three moments (commute/walk/shower). Share your sentence and why you chose it on Instagram and tag @bitesize.chinese!

☕️ About Bitesize Talks:
Welcome to ☕️ 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 ☕️ — a podcast series designed for A1–A2 level Mandarin learners who want a bit more challenge! Join Mindy and Joeru as they share casual, real-life stories in natural Mandarin, helping you grow your confidence one conversation at a time.📱 Follow us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese or Facebook for this week’s key vocabulary and tips!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Let’s turn daily practice into natural Mandarin! In this episode, Mindy and Joeru teach the super useful pattern 每天都 + Verb to talk about your study routine. You’ll learn bite-size phrases for reviewing vocab, practicing characters and listening, reading, and using tools like podcasts, apps, and YouTube—then combine them into clear, confident sentences.

In this episode, we cover:
– Our key sentence: 我每天都複習生詞。
– The routine pattern: 每天都 + 動詞 (Verb) to express daily habits
– Study actions you can plug in: 複習生詞、練習漢字、練習聽力、看中文書／漫畫、跟朋友說中文
– Adding tools & channels: 我每天都聽Podcast練習聽力／用App練習漢字／看YouTube學中文
– Combining purposes: 我每天都看中文影片，學生詞和練習聽力。
– How to personalize your own “daily Mandarin” sentence

🗣 Listener Challenge:
Share your routine with us using this pattern: **我每天都 Verb 1 + Verb 2。**Tag @bitesize.chinese on Instagram and tell us your daily habit!

🍰 About Bitesize Basics 🍰
Welcome to 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — a podcast series for beginner Mandarin learners (A1)! Each episode teaches one useful grammar point or vocabulary set through fun, practical conversations. Learn with Mindy and Joeru and build your Mandarin step by step!📱 Follow us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese for this week’s vocabulary recap and practice tips!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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Are you a drama lover? Let’s talk binge-watching — in Mandarin! In this fun and relatable episode, Mindy and Joeru talks about watching TV series — from everyday phrases to emotional reactions. Plus, they each share one drama they couldn’t stop watching, and why it stuck with them.

In this episode, we cover:
– How streaming changed the way we watch shows
– Must-know Mandarin for binge-watching: 追劇、劇荒、第幾季？
– Two series we loved (and why!): 《The 100》 & 《First Love 初戀》
– How to talk about storylines, visuals, and characters in Chinese

🗣 Listener Challenge:
What’s the last show you watched from start to finish? Try describing it in Mandarin and tag us @bitesize.chinese — we’d love to hear your review!

🎙️ The Bitesize Chinese Podcast helps you bridge the gap between classroom Mandarin and how people actuallyspeak — with all the quirks, slang, and culture that come with it. Each bi-weekly episode is a bite-sized challenge designed to stretch your skills and bring you from intermediate to almost advanced — one conversation at a time. Tune in, take a bite, and keep growing with us! 🎧💬

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

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What Kind of Shows Do You Like? 看你喜歡看什麼劇！**Let’s talk about streaming! 📺 In this episode, you’ll learn how to ask someone what kind of shows they like to watch — and discover fun vocabulary like “K-drama,” “anime,” “reality show,” and “binge-watch” in Mandarin.

In this episode, we cover:
– How to ask: 你喜歡看哪種劇？
– Common types of shows: 美劇、韓劇、日劇、台劇、陸劇
– What “影集” and “電視劇” mean
– Anime vs. animation: 動漫 vs. 動畫
– How to say “reality show” and “binge-watch” in Chinese
– Why 追劇 is a must-know phrase!

🗣 Listener Challenge:
What kind of shows do you like to watch? Try this sentence: 我喜歡看＿＿劇。 Tag us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese and share your answer!

🍰 About Bitesize Basics 🍰
Welcome to 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — a podcast series for beginner Mandarin learners (A1)! Each episode teaches one useful grammar point or vocabulary set through fun, practical conversations. Learn with Mindy and Joeru and build your Mandarin step by step! 📱 Follow us on Instagram @bitesize.chinese for this week’s vocabulary recap and practice tips!

🔅 Buy us a coffee｜贊助我們一杯咖啡
🔅 Leave a comment | 留言給我
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Website
🪷 Bitesize Chinese 一口中文 Instagram
🪷 Learn Chinese with us | 跟我們學中文

Powered by Firstory Hosting