A big welcome to our newest patron, John! Thank you for joining the Chinese Around You Patreon — your support keeps every episode free for learners everywhere.

Ever walked into a Chinese shop just to look around and within 2 seconds a staff member is following you down every aisle, asking "Do you like this? This is very popular!"? You're not being rude by wanting space, and you're not alone.

In today's episode, we solve the most awkward shopping moment in China with just 2 simple phrases. You'll learn how to politely say "I'm just browsing" so staff leave you alone, and how to ask to try anything — clothes, shoes, snacks, even makeup with one sentence. No textbook words, no long grammar, just street-ready Chinese you can use the second you walk into a shop.

By the end of this episode, you'll shop anywhere in China with zero pressure. Listen till the end for the 4 lines you'll never forget.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

You know that Chinese friend who's always polite, always remembers the small things you say, but somehow keeps their distance in groups? They might actually be into you. Here are 5 crush behaviors only Chinese people do, see if they match.

Thanks for being here. This podcast is where stories, language, and connection meet. Whether you’re here to learn Chinese, find calm, or feel less alone—you belong. I’m so grateful you’re listening.

I started this because I believe Chinese is a language for everyone, no matter your budget, your level, or where you’re tuning in from. That’s why every episode has content for beginners, advanced learners, and everyone in between: learning should be open, not exclusive.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

You walk into a shop just to look around, yet shop assistants keep trailing you, constantly recommending products and pushing you to buy. You hate the awkward atmosphere but don’t know how to politely send them away. You also struggle to ask for trying on clothes, tasting snacks or testing goods naturally, only able to gesture silently. Master these short lines, and you can wander shops freely without being disturbed, plus ask to try any item confidently.

Thanks for being here. This podcast is where stories, language, and connection meet. Whether you’re here to learn Chinese, find calm, or feel less alone—you belong. I’m so grateful you’re listening.

I started this because I believe Chinese is a language for everyone, no matter your budget, your level, or where you’re tuning in from. That’s why every episode has content for beginners, advanced learners, and everyone in between: learning should be open, not exclusive.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

I haven't seen comments on these vocab episodes yet, and I honestly don't know if you're loving them or if they're just not your thing. If you want this series to continue beyond HSK 1, let me know in the comments. Even a quick “keep going” or “yes” counts. If this podcast gets 10 comments, I'll take that as a green light and start working on the next HSK level right away. No pressure, just if you want more.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

Thanks for being here. This podcast is where stories, language, and connection meet. Whether you’re here to learn Chinese, find calm, or feel less alone—you belong. I’m so grateful you’re listening.

I started this because I believe Chinese is a language for everyone, no matter your budget, your level, or where you’re tuning in from. That’s why every episode has content for beginners, advanced learners, and everyone in between: learning should be open, not exclusive.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

I haven't seen comments on these vocab episodes yet, and I honestly don't know if you're loving them or if they're just not your thing. If you want this series to continue beyond HSK 1, let me know in the comments. Even a quick “keep going” or “yes” counts. If this podcast gets 10 comments, I'll take that as a green light and start working on the next HSK level right away. No pressure, just if you want more.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

This episode is for everyone, all levels welcome. A good Chinese name can be a great conversation starter. A bad one can be… unforgettable for the wrong reasons. In this episode, we talk about how Chinese names are structured, three easy ways to make your own, and the funny things that can happen when you don't check with a native speaker first.

🎁 I'll make a Chinese name for you personally for free

Leave a comment or review on whatever platform you're listening on. Tell me a little about why you listen to Chinese Around You, and include two things: your English name (or the one you'd like me to base your Chinese name on), and the feeling you want your name to have — cute, wise, brave, peaceful… anything that feels like you. Then just sign with your first name.

I'll read through every single one. And in a future episode, I'll go through the names one by one and create Chinese names just for you.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

Halfway there, and this episode might just save you from getting lost in China.

Week 5 of our 10‑week speed run is live, and today you’re locking down the words you’ll use every time you step outside: places, directions, and talking about where you live. Think where is the hospital?, how do I get to the supermarket?, I live here, and all the little positional words like in, on, under, behind that glue real sentences together. Around 30 essential New HSK 1 words, all with pinyin, English, and clear example sentences you can use right now.

Which HSK level should I record next? After we finish these 300 words of New HSK 1, I want you to choose the next level of this series. Drop a comment and tell me: New HSK 2? New HSK 3? New HSK 9? The level with the most shouts gets made first. I’ll read every single comment.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

You've definitely seen those viral videos. The ones that say Shenzhen is the world's most advanced city, where robots walk on every street, deliver your food, and serve you in restaurants. Millions of people have watched them, and everyone is asking the same question: is it real?

Thanks for being here. This podcast is where stories, language, and connection meet. Whether you’re here to learn Chinese, find calm, or feel less alone—you belong. I’m so grateful you’re listening.

I started this because I believe Chinese is a language for everyone, no matter your budget, your level, or where you’re tuning in from. That’s why every episode has content for beginners, advanced learners, and everyone in between: learning should be open, not exclusive.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية 

We’re already at Week 4 — almost halfway through our 10‑week speed run to cover all 300 New HSK 1 words, built from the latest HSK 3.0 syllabus. Whether you’re studying for the exam or just want a solid foundation, this series is your shortcut. (Missed the earlier episodes? No stress, you can jump in right here. Every episode works on its own.)

Today is all about food, drinks, and ordering. You’ll learn around 30 words you’ll use every time you sit down to eat or grab a drink — like 饭 (rice), 茶 (tea), 好吃 (delicious), and simple phrases for ordering at a restaurant. Every word comes with pinyin, English, and example sentences you can use straight away.

The full vocabulary list for this episode is on Patreon, together with complete transcripts for all past episodes, episode‑based exercises, and bonus audio. Everything is there to help you keep building your Chinese.

Make sure you follow our podcast & subscribe our Patreon so you don’t miss a single word.

🌏 Want to learn with this episode?

• Full downloadable transcript (Hanzi + Pinyin + English + Learning Tips!)
• Bonus episodes
• Episode-based Exercises Pack (vocabulary, grammar, listening & speaking practice)
• 👉 Get Full Transcripts, Bonus Episodes & Exercise: https://www.patreon.com/ChineseAroundYou

📚 Want to learn Chinese with me?

• I also offer 1-on-1 lessons and small group classes where we practice real, natural Chinese together in a relaxed and supportive space.
• 👉 You can find my classes here: https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/5041997

⭐️ More Ways to Connect:

• 📧 Got Ideas? Want to Chat? [email protected]
• 📱 Rate & Review: If you enjoy the podcast, please take 2 seconds to rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in your app! It helps others find this community.

---

Keywords: 学习中文, 汉语课程, 中文口语练习, 普通话发音, 中国文化, Learn Chinese, Mandarin lessons, Chinese vocabulary, HSK exam, Chinese for beginners, 中国語を学ぶ, Aprender chino, Apprendre le chinois, Chinesisch lernen, Imparare il cinese, 중국어 배우기, Aprender chinês, Учить китайский, Belajar bahasa Mandarin, เรียนภาษาจีน, تعلم الصينية