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 #backtoschool

Link 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-Vck

Listen to this and other episodes on your favourite podcasting platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube: https://www.hackingchinese.com/podcast

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)

Should you learn Chinese characters from the start, or focus on speaking first? There are good arguments for both approaches, but one makes more sense for most students.

Please note: This is a rerecorded version of episode 1. That means that it's both episode 1 and episode 261.

#learnchinese #mandarin #hanzi #spoken #written

Link to article on Hacking Chinese: 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/

Chinese character learning for all students: https://www.hackingchinese.com/chinese-character-learning-for-all-students/

16 reasons to learn to write Chinese characters by hand: https://www.hackingchinese.com/reasons-to-learn-to-write-chinese-characters-by-hand/

Kickstart your learning with the Skritter character course: https://www.hackingchinese.com/kickstart-your-learning-with-the-skritter-character-course/

My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters: https://www.hackingchinese.com/my-best-advice-on-how-to-learn-chinese-characters/

Why is listening in Chinese so hard? https://www.hackingchinese.com/why-is-listening-in-chinese-so-hard/

Learning pronunciation as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/learning-pronunciation-as-a-beginner/

The Hacking Chinese guide to Mandarin tones: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-hacking-chinese-guide-to-mandarin-tones/

Focus on initials and finals, not Pinyin spelling: https://www.hackingchinese.com/focus-on-initials-and-finals-not-pinyin-spelling/

Anki, a friendly, intelligent spaced learning system: https://www.hackingchinese.com/anki-a-friendly-intelligent-spaced-learning-system/

Free and easy audio flashcards for Chinese dictation practice with Anki: https://www.hackingchinese.com/free-and-easy-audio-flashcards-for-chinese-dictation-practice-with-anki/

Introduction: Comprehension-based Chinese teaching and learning: https://www.hackingchinese.com/introduction-comprehension-based-chinese-teaching-learning/

The Input Pyramid: Chinese listening for any situation: https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-input-pyramid-chinese-listening-for-any-situation/

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/

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 to learn Chinese characters as a beginner: https://www.hackingchinese.com/how-to-learn-chinese-characters-as-a-beginner/

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)

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 #chinesecharacters

Link 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)

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 #input

Link 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)

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 #offline

Link 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)

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 #topic

Link 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 feedback

Improving 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 methods

Chinese 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 writing

Hone 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-chinese

The Complete Book of Questions (Garry Poole): https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/1827/the_complete_book_of_questions_1001.pdf

Random Questions to Ask People (TeamBuilding.com): https://teambuilding.com/blog/random-questions

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)

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 #chinesecharacters

Link 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)

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 #teacher

Link 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)

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 #student

Link 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)

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 #study

Link 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)