How do people in Taiwan relax and release stress? From massages and hot springs to karaoke and pet cafés, there are so many unique and fun ways to unwind. In this episode, Mindy and Joeru explore the most popular ways Taiwanese people紓壓 — and share their own favorites along the way!

In this episode, we cover:
– What the word 紓壓 means and how to use it in daily conversation
– Six common stress-relief activities in Taiwan: 按摩, 洗頭, 泡溫泉, 唱KTV, 手作課程, and 寵物咖啡

🗣 Listener Challenge:
How do people in your country relieve stress? Share your favorite 紓壓方式 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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Thinking of getting a new look? 💇‍♀️✂️ In this fun episode, Mindy and Joeru take you through the most essential hair-related phrases in Mandarin — from getting a trim to going full pink! You’ll learn how to use 我想要 + verb to express what you want at the hair salon, and how to talk about haircuts, washing, perming, and coloring with confidence.

🎯 Today’s Topic:
Useful phrases for getting your hair done in Mandarin — and how to say exactly what you want at the salon!

🗝 Key Sentence:
我想要剪頭髮。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào jiǎn tóufǎ.) – I want to get a haircut.

🗣 Listener Challenge:
你最近有剪頭髮、燙頭髮，還是染頭髮嗎？ Have you had a haircut, a perm, or changed your hair color lately? Tell us in Mandarin — or tag us in a photo of your new look and show off your vocab! We’d love to see it 💬💇‍♀️ → @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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Massages are a big part of wellness culture in Taiwan — from the famous foot massage to Thai stretches and Japanese-style relaxation. In this episode, Joeru shares his own massage experiences: which ones made him almost cry 😅, which ones felt like a workout, and which one was so relaxing he fell asleep!

In this episode, you’ll learn:
– The difference between 指壓 (shiatsu / acupressure) and 油壓 (oil massage)
– What makes Chinese, Thai, and Japanese massages unique
– Fun cultural details about massage traditions in Taiwan and beyond

🗣 Listener Challenge:
Which type of massage would you like to try — 指壓, 油壓, 中式, 泰式, or 日式? Tell us on Instagram @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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Do you love massages… or hate them? 💆‍♀️😖 In this episode, Mindy and Joeru chat about getting a massage in Mandarin — and why their opinions couldn’t be more different! Along the way, you’ll learn essential massage-related vocabulary, from body parts to how to ask for more (or less) pressure. Whether you’re headed to a foot massage shop or just want to understand what 按摩 means, this episode has you covered.

🎯 Today’s Topic:
How to talk about massages in Mandarin — from full-body treatments to sore shoulders and foot reflexology

🗝 Key Sentence:
你喜不喜歡按摩？ (Nǐ xǐ bù xǐhuān ànmó?) – Do you like getting massages?

🗣 Listener Challenge:
你最喜歡按摩哪裡？Which part of your body do you like to get massaged? Tell us in Mandarin and tag us @bitesize.chinese — we’d love to hear from you (or see your post-massage selfie)! 💬✨

🍰 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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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

Powered by Firstory Hosting

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

Powered by Firstory Hosting

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

Powered by Firstory Hosting