Chinese Learning Podcast | HSK 4 (Season 1)

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Chinese University Dorm Life & Campus Culture | Learn 按照 (ànzhào) | HSK4

How do you say “according to”, “based on”, or “follow the plan” in Chinese?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 按照 (ànzhào), an essential word for talking about rules, plans, schedules, instructions, and requirements.

You’ll discover how to use 按照 naturally in everyday Chinese to explain what you should do according to a plan, follow specific instructions, or act based on certain rules.

But that’s not all

We’ll also explore Chinese university dorm life and campus culture.

Why do so many Chinese university students live in campus dormitories? What is daily life like when your bedroom, classrooms, cafeteria, library, and clubs are all part of the same university environment?

Discover how dorm life shapes students’ routines, friendships, independence, and university experience in China.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 按照 to mean “according to” or “based on”
✅ How to talk about rules, plans, schedules, and instructions
✅ Practical HSK4 examples from everyday conversations
✅ How to use 按照 naturally in different situations
✅ What life in Chinese university dormitories is really like
✅ How campus activities and student clubs shape university life in China

Practice Challenge:
Write a sentence using 按照 and share it in the comments!

Example:
按照计划，我们明天出发。
(According to the plan, we’re leaving tomorrow.)

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At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

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Cats vs Dogs in China & the West | Learn 并 (bìng) | HSK4

Why are cats becoming increasingly popular in China? And how does pet culture differ between China and the West?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 并 (bìng) in common Chinese structures such as 并不 (bìng bù), 并没有 (bìng méiyǒu), and 并不是 (bìng bú shì).

These expressions help you emphasise a negative statement, correct misunderstandings, and explain that something isn't necessarily the way people think.

But that’s not all

We’ll also explore pet culture in China, Taiwan, and the West. Why do many people living in cities prefer cats? How do housing, busy work schedules, and different lifestyles influence the choice between cats and dogs?

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 并不, 并没有, and 并不是 naturally
✅ How to emphasise negative statements in Mandarin
✅ How to correct misunderstandings in everyday conversations
✅ Practical HSK4 grammar examples
✅ Cultural insights into cats, dogs, and modern pet ownership
✅ How lifestyle and living conditions influence pet preferences

Practice Challenge:
Write a sentence using 并不, 并没有, or 并不是 and share it in the comments!

Example:
这并不是一个好主意。
(This isn't actually a good idea.)

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Explore more languages:
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English, German, French & Italian:
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Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
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Renting an Apartment in China + Learn 原来 (yuánlái) | HSK4

Have you ever discovered something and thought: “Oh, so that’s why!”?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 原来 (yuánlái), a very common Chinese word with two important meanings.

原来 can be used to talk about:
something that was true before (“used to be”)
a surprising discovery or realisation (“it turns out…” / “so that’s why…”)

You’ll learn how to express ideas like:
“I didn’t know he was a doctor. It turns out he studied medicine.”
“This place used to be a restaurant.”
“So that’s why you didn’t answer my message!”

This structure appears frequently in real conversations and will help you understand how Chinese speakers express discoveries and changes.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore an important part of modern life in China:

How does renting an apartment work in China?

You’ll discover:
How young people find apartments after graduation
The difference between shared apartments and private rentals
Deposits, agency fees and rental contracts
What to check before signing a lease
Why choosing a home is also choosing a lifestyle

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 原来 to express “it turns out…” and “used to be”
✅ The difference between 原来 and other similar expressions
✅ Real HSK4 examples from everyday conversations
✅ How to talk about discoveries, surprises and past situations
✅ Useful vocabulary about renting apartments in China
✅ Cultural insights into housing and independent living in modern China

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 原来 and share it in the comments!

Example:
原来你也喜欢中国菜！
(It turns out you also like Chinese food!)

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

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Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
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English, German & more:
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Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
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LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
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Chinese Gift Taboos Explained + Learn 以为 (yǐwéi) | HSK4

Have you ever thought something was true… only to discover you were completely wrong?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 以为 (yǐwéi), one of the most useful Chinese words for expressing mistaken assumptions, misunderstandings, and situations where reality turns out differently from what you expected.

You’ll learn how to talk about ideas like:
“I thought he was Chinese.”
“I assumed the shop was open.”
“I thought it would be easy.”

This structure is essential for natural conversations because it helps you explain your thoughts, expectations, and surprises in Mandarin.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore an interesting part of Chinese culture:

Why can some gifts create awkward situations in China?

You’ll discover why certain gifts are sometimes avoided because of pronunciation, symbolism, or traditional beliefs — including clocks, umbrellas, shoes, pears, white packaging, and the number 4.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 以为 (yǐwéi) to express “I thought…” or “I assumed…”
✅ The difference between what you expected and what actually happened
✅ Real HSK4 examples from daily conversations
✅ How to talk about misunderstandings naturally in Chinese
✅ Why pronunciation and symbolism matter when choosing gifts in China
✅ Cultural insights about Chinese gift-giving traditions

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 以为 and share it in the comments!

Example:
我以为今天不上班。
(I thought we didn’t work today.)

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

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Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
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English, German & more:
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Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
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Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Prueba una clase de chino gratis → https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/clases/chino/

How do you say “no matter…” or “regardless of…” in Chinese?
En este episodio de HSK4 aprenderás a usar 不管 (bùguǎn) y la estructura 不管……都……, una construcción muy útil para expresar que, independientemente de la situación, el resultado o la actitud no cambian.

Además, exploraremos la cultura china de los regalos: qué regalar durante festividades como el Año Nuevo Chino o el Festival de Medio Otoño, qué llevar cuando conoces a los padres de alguien, cómo agradecer a un profesor y qué regalos son adecuados en contextos de negocios.

Lo que aprenderás hoy
• Gramática: cómo usar 不管 y 不管……都…… para decir “no importa…” o “da igual que…”.
• Expresión práctica: hablar de condiciones diferentes con el mismo resultado.
• Cultura china: normas y costumbres relacionadas con regalar.
• Vocabulario útil: regalos, festividades, relaciones personales y situaciones profesionales.

️ Frases clave del episodio
1) 不管你喜欢什么，我都支持你。
Bùguǎn nǐ xǐhuān shénme, wǒ dōu zhīchí nǐ.
→ No importa lo que te guste, te apoyo.

2) 不管下不下雨，我们都要去。
Bùguǎn xià bu xiàyǔ, wǒmen dōu yào qù.
→ No importa si llueve o no, vamos a ir.

3) 不管什么时候，你都可以找我。
Bùguǎn shénme shíhou, nǐ dōu kěyǐ zhǎo wǒ.
→ No importa cuándo, puedes buscarme.

Reto para los comentarios
Escribe una frase usando:
不管……都……

Por ejemplo:
不管多忙，我都要学习中文。
“No importa lo ocupado que esté, voy a estudiar chino”.

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At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
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Learn 首先……其次…… in Chinese + How Chinese Workers Relax After Work | HSK4

How do you organise your ideas clearly in Chinese? How do you say “firstly… secondly…”?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 首先……其次…… (shǒuxiān……qícì……), an essential structure for organising information, explaining steps, giving reasons, and making your Mandarin sound more natural and structured.

You’ll discover how Chinese speakers use this pattern in conversations, presentations, and everyday situations when they want to express ideas clearly.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore how Chinese office workers relax after a long day at work.

From singing KTV with friends, to escape rooms, book clubs, night cycling, and other ways of enjoying free time, discover how people in China balance busy work schedules with entertainment and social life.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 首先……其次…… to organise your thoughts
✅ How to introduce reasons, steps, and different points clearly
✅ HSK4 examples for work, study, opinions, and daily conversations
✅ How to make longer Chinese sentences sound more natural
✅ Popular after-work activities among young professionals in China
✅ Cultural insights into modern Chinese leisure and social life

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 首先……其次…… and share it in the comments!

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

Learn Mandarin faster with private tutors, interactive tools, transcripts, webinars, and practical lessons designed to help you speak more naturally.

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Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
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English, German & more:
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Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
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LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
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Learn 另外 in Chinese + Why Delivery Is Everywhere in China | HSK4

How do you say “besides,” “in addition,” or “another” in Chinese?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 另外 (lìngwài), a very useful word for adding new information, introducing another option, and talking about something different or additional.

You’ll discover how Chinese speakers use 另外 naturally in everyday conversations to organise ideas and make their sentences clearer.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore one of the most interesting parts of modern Chinese daily life: delivery culture.

In many Chinese cities, delivery is not only about ordering food. People can order milk tea, fruit, medicine, flowers, supermarket products, household items, and even late-night essentials — often arriving incredibly quickly.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 另外 to say “another,” “besides,” and “in addition”
✅ Common sentence patterns with 另外 in HSK4 Chinese
✅ The difference between 另外 and similar words
✅ Real-life examples about choices, plans, and daily conversations
✅ Why delivery has become such an important part of life in China
✅ How technology has changed everyday shopping habits

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 另外 and share it in the comments!

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

Learn Mandarin faster with private tutors, interactive tools, transcripts, webinars, and practical lessons designed to help you speak more naturally.

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Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
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English, German & more:
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Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
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Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HanyuSchool
LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

Learn 本来 in Chinese + Are Stereotypes About China Really True? | HSK4

How do you say “originally,” “at first,” or “I was originally going to…” in Chinese?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 本来 (běnlái), a very useful word for talking about original plans, expectations, intentions, and situations that later changed.

You’ll discover how 本来 appears naturally in everyday conversations when explaining what someone planned to do, what was expected to happen, or why something happened differently.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore some common stereotypes about China and Chinese culture.

Do all Chinese people know kung fu?
Do all Chinese students love maths?
Do Chinese people really eat dog meat?

Together, we’ll separate popular myths from reality and explore the diversity of modern Chinese society.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 本来 to express “originally” or “at first”
✅ How to talk about plans and expectations that changed
✅ Common sentence patterns with 本来 in HSK4 Chinese
✅ Real-life examples about decisions, surprises, and changes
✅ Cultural insights about stereotypes and misunderstandings about China
✅ Why understanding cultural diversity helps you communicate better in Chinese

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 本来 and share it in the comments!

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

Learn Mandarin faster with private tutors, interactive tools, transcripts, webinars, and practical lessons designed to help you speak more naturally.

Get your FREE class today:
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Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

English, German & more:
https://www.trainlang.com

Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanyuSchool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanyuschool
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HanyuSchool
LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

Learn 挺……的 in Chinese + China’s Concert Ticket Wars | HSK4

How do you say “quite,” “pretty,” or “rather” in natural spoken Chinese?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 挺……的 (tǐng……de), one of the most common structures in everyday Mandarin for giving opinions, describing feelings, and making soft evaluations.

You’ll discover how Chinese speakers use 挺……的 to sound more natural when talking about experiences, people, places, and situations.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore one of the most intense parts of modern entertainment culture in China: concert ticket-grabbing.

From tickets selling out in seconds, to fans preparing like they are taking an exam, to high-priced resales and ticket-buying strategies, discover why getting a concert ticket can become a real challenge for Chinese fans.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 挺……的 to express “quite” or “pretty” in Chinese
✅ The sentence structure 挺 + adjective + 的
✅ How 挺……的 sounds in real conversations
✅ HSK4 examples about opinions, feelings, and daily experiences
✅ Why concert tickets are so difficult to get in China
✅ How fan culture, technology, and competition shape modern entertainment

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 挺……的 and share it in the comments!

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

Learn Mandarin faster with private tutors, interactive tools, transcripts, webinars, and practical lessons designed to help you speak more naturally.

Get your FREE class today:
https://wa.me/34936940081?text=Hi%21%20I%20saw%20you%20on%20YouTube%20and%20I%27d%20like%20to%20ask%20you%20a%20question

Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

English, German & more:
https://www.trainlang.com

Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanyuSchool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanyuschool
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HanyuSchool
LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!

Start learning Chinese today with a free trial class:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

Learn 而 in Chinese + How China Sells Almost Anything Online | HSK4

How do you use 而 (ér) to compare ideas, show contrast, and make your Chinese sentences more natural?

In this HSK4 episode, you’ll learn how to use 而, an important connector that helps you express differences between two situations, compare ideas, and create more advanced Mandarin sentences.

You’ll discover how 而 is used in real conversations and how it helps you move beyond simple sentences to express more complex thoughts.

But that’s not all
We’ll also explore one of the biggest differences between shopping in China and many Western countries: live commerce (直播带货).

In China, livestreamers don’t just sell beauty products or clothes. They can sell seafood, cars, luxury goods, houses, agricultural products, and almost anything you can imagine.

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to use 而 to connect and contrast two ideas
✅ Common sentence patterns with 而 in HSK4 Chinese
✅ The difference between 而 and other contrast words
✅ Real-life examples about people, situations, and opinions
✅ How Chinese live commerce changed online shopping
✅ Why livestream shopping has become such an important part of modern Chinese life

Practice Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 而 and share it in the comments!

Learn Chinese with the Best Teachers at Hanyu Chinese School

Learn Mandarin faster with private tutors, interactive tools, transcripts, webinars, and practical lessons designed to help you speak more naturally.

Get your FREE class today:
https://wa.me/34936940081?text=Hi%21%20I%20saw%20you%20on%20YouTube%20and%20I%27d%20like%20to%20ask%20you%20a%20question

Explore more languages:
Japanese & Korean courses:
https://www.hanyuchineseschool.com/en/

English, German & more:
https://www.trainlang.com

Follow us for more Chinese language and culture:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanyuSchool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanyuschool
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HanyuSchool
LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/company/trainlang
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trainlanghanyu
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hanyutrainlang

At Hanyu Chinese School, we take pride in offering a unique approach to language learning. What makes our school special? Here are some highlights:

Learn more languages with Trainlang!

Visit our websites and start your language journey today!