Love is universal, but the way we talk about it can be so different and fascinating! In Mandarin, love isn’t something you “fall” into – it’s something you 谈 (tán), or talk about. In this episode, we explore how Mandarin captures the beauty of romance with words that reflect subtlety, connection, and intentionality.

From the magic of 一见钟情 (love at first sight) to the sweetness of 牵手 (holding hands) and even the bittersweetness of 分手 (breaking up), we’ll teach you key phrases for every stage of love. Along the way, we’ll uncover the cultural values behind Mandarin’s unique way of expressing love – including the timeless beauty of 含蓄 (hánxù), or subtlety.

Whether you’re learning to express your feelings or just curious about how love speaks in Mandarin, this episode is your guide to the language of the heart. Practice these words, share your thoughts, and let Mandarin add a little romance to your day!

Key Vocabulary:

1. 喜欢 (xǐhuān): Like

   • Example: 我喜欢你。(Wǒ xǐhuān nǐ.) – I like you.

2. 爱 (ài): Love

   • Example: 我爱你。(Wǒ ài nǐ.) – I love you.

3. 谈恋爱 (tán liàn'ài): To be in a romantic relationship

   • Example: 他们正在谈恋爱。(Tāmen zhèngzài tán liàn'ài.) – They are dating.

4. 一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōngqíng): Love at first sight

   • Example: 这是典型的一见钟情。(Zhè shì diǎnxíng de yī jiàn zhōngqíng.) – This is a classic case of love at first sight.

5. 牵手 (qiānshǒu): To hold hands

   • Example: 他们第一次牵手。(Tāmen dì yī cì qiānshǒu.) – They held hands for the first time.

6. 暗恋 (ànliàn): A secret crush

   • Example: 她暗恋了他很久。(Tā ànliàn le tā hěn jiǔ.) – She had a crush on him for a long time.

7. 分手 (fēnshǒu): To break up

   • Example: 他们已经分手了。(Tāmen yǐjīng fēnshǒu le.) – They’ve already broken up.

8. 心跳 (xīntiào): Heartbeat

   • Example: 看见他的时候，我的心跳加快了。(Kànjiàn tā de shíhòu, wǒ de xīntiào jiākuài le.) – My heart raced when I saw him.

9. 约会 (yuēhuì): A date

   • Example: 今天晚上我们有一个约会。(Jīntiān wǎnshàng wǒmen yǒu yí gè yuēhuì.) – We have a date tonight.

10. 甜蜜 (tiánmì): Sweet or romantic

• Example: 他们的关系很甜蜜。(Tāmen de guānxì hěn tiánmì.) – Their relationship is very sweet.

《江城子·乙卯正月二十日夜记梦》

By Su Shi (苏轼)

十年生死两茫茫，
不思量，自难忘。
千里孤坟，无处话凄凉。
纵使相逢应不识，
尘满面，鬓如霜。

夜来幽梦忽还乡，
小轩窗，正梳妆。
相顾无言，惟有泪千行。
料得年年肠断处，
明月夜，短松冈。

Shí nián shēng sǐ liǎng máng máng,
Bù sī liàng, zì nán wàng.
Qiān lǐ gū fén, wú chù huà qī liáng.
Zòng shǐ xiāng féng yīng bù shí,
Chén mǎn miàn, bìn rú shuāng.

Yè lái yōu mèng hū huán xiāng,
Xiǎo xuān chuāng, zhèng shū zhuāng.
Xiāng gù wú yán, wéi yǒu lèi qiān háng.
Liào dé nián nián cháng duàn chù,
Míng yuè yè, duǎn sōng gāng.

For ten years, life and death have drifted far apart,
I do not think of you, yet I cannot forget.
A lonely grave a thousand miles away,
No place to speak of my sorrow.
Even if we met again, you would not recognize me,
With dust on my face and frost in my hair.

Last night, in a quiet dream, I returned home,
By the small window, you were arranging your hair.
We looked at each other, saying nothing,
Only tears fell like a thousand streams.
I imagine, year after year, the place that breaks my heart,
A bright moonlit night, the short pines on the hill.

What happens when Pu’er tea meets an Americano? In this episode, we explore how tea and coffee—two drinks with completely different vibes—bridge the cultural gap between East and West. From the refined elegance of Chinese tea culture taking Paris by storm to the vibrant coffee scene making Shanghai the coffee capital of the world, we uncover the stories, surprises, and shared passions behind these beverages. So, whether you’re sipping on a latte or brewing a pot of oolong, join us for a cultural adventure in a cup!

普洱茶遇上美式咖啡，会碰撞出什么样的火花？这一集，我们带你踏上一场关于茶与咖啡的文化冒险。从中国茶文化优雅地登陆法国，到上海成为全球咖啡馆最多的城市，我们将讲述这两种饮品如何跨越东西方的距离，成为文化交流的桥梁。无论你是拿着一杯拿铁，还是泡着一壶铁观音，都欢迎你加入这次“液体文化”之旅，一起发现杯中的无限可能！

Key Vocabulary:

• 冰咖啡 (bīng kā fēi) – Iced coffee
• 咖啡馆 (kā fēi guǎn) – Coffee shop, café
• 茶馆 (chá guǎn) – Tea house
• 加糖 (jiā táng) – Add sugar
• 加奶 (jiā nǎi) – Add milk
• 无糖 (wú táng) – No sugar
• 茶文化 (chá wén huà) – Tea culture
• 咖啡文化 (kā fēi wén huà) – Coffee culture
• 茶艺 (chá yì) – Tea art, the aesthetics of tea preparation
• 手冲咖啡 (shǒu chōng kā fēi) – Pour-over coffee
• 氮气冷萃 (dàn qì lěng cuì) – Nitro cold brew
• 普洱茶 (pǔ ěr chá) – Pu’er tea, a fermented tea from Yunnan Province
• 龙井茶 (lóng jǐng chá) – Longjing tea, a famous green tea from Zhejiang Province
• 拿铁 (ná tiě) – Latte, coffee with steamed milk
• 静 (jìng) – Tranquility, calmness
• 活力 (huó lì) – Energy, vitality
• 跨文化 (kuà wén huà) – Cross-cultural
• 全球化 (quán qiú huà) – Globalization
• 慢节奏 (màn jié zòu) – Slow-paced
• 快节奏 (kuài jié zòu) – Fast-paced
• 创意饮品 (chuàng yì yǐn pǐn) – Creative beverages

What’s your morning routine – a strong cup of 咖啡 (coffee) or a soothing 茶 (tea)? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the eternal battle: Tea vs. Coffee! Whether you’re a self-proclaimed coffee addict or a die-hard tea lover, we’ve got the perfect blend of fun and Mandarin for you. We’ll explore everything from 拿铁 (lattes) to 美式咖啡 (American coffee), and even dive into what makes each drink so special in its own right.

So, grab your favorite brew, sit back, and enjoy a cozy conversation that might just make you rethink your drink! Who knows – by the end of this episode, you might be craving a cup of tea and coffee. Tune in for laughs, language learning, and of course, some seriously brew-tiful discussions!

Key Vocabulary:

• 茶 (chá) – Tea
• 咖啡 (kā fēi) – Coffee
• 浓咖啡 (nóng kā fēi) – Strong coffee, espresso
• 美式咖啡 (měi shì kā fēi) – American coffee (black coffee)
• 拿铁 (ná tiě) – Latte
• 卡布奇诺 (kǎ bù qí nuò) – Cappuccino
• 冰咖啡 (bīng kā fēi) – Iced coffee
• 咖啡馆 (kā fēi guǎn) – Coffee shop, café
• 茶馆 (chá guǎn) – Tea house
• 加糖 (jiā táng) – Add sugar
• 加奶 (jiā nǎi) – Add milk
• 无糖 (wú táng) – No sugar
• 咖啡豆 (kā fēi dòu) – Coffee beans
• 咖啡因 (kā fēi yīn) – Caffeine

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Chinese table culture! From the do's and don’ts at a dinner table to the funny and quirky taboos, we cover everything you need to know about dining in China. Learn why certain behaviors might raise eyebrows, how to behave at different types of gatherings (business dinners, family meals, and casual hangouts), and discover some of the most interesting food traditions that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re an experienced food lover or just starting to explore Chinese cuisine, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a deeper understanding of Chinese dining etiquette!

在这一集节目中，我们将深入探讨中国餐桌文化的世界！从餐桌上的行为禁忌到那些让人忍俊不禁的有趣细节，我们会为你揭开中国餐桌文化的面纱。你将了解在不同场合下（商务宴请、家庭聚餐、朋友聚会）的餐桌礼仪，学会如何避免让别人觉得你不懂规矩，同时也会发现一些代代相传的有趣饮食传统。无论你是一个美食老饕，还是刚开始接触中国菜，这一集都会带给你很多有趣的启发和欢笑！

Key Vocabulary：

• 餐桌礼仪 (cān zhuō lǐ yí) – table manners
• 禁忌 (jìn jì) – taboo
• 商务宴请 (shāng wù yàn qǐng) – business dinner
• 家庭聚餐 (jiā tíng jù cān) – family meal
• 朋友聚会 (péng yǒu jù huì) – casual hangout
• 尊老爱幼 (zūn lǎo ài yòu) – respect for elders
• 共享 (gòng xiǎng) – sharing
• 社交仪式 (shè jiāo yí shì) – social ritual

Ready to dive into the world of Chinese food? In this episode, we’ll take you through the exciting journey of ordering at a Chinese restaurant. From the basics of Chinese food culture (中国饮食文化 zhōng guó yǐn shí wén huà) to the popular family-style dining (合菜 hé cài), we’ll help you navigate the menu (菜单 cài dān) like a pro. We’ll cover everything from savory dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi) and crispy Peking Duck (北京烤鸭 běijīng kǎo yā) to the spicy delights of Mapo Tofu (麻辣豆腐 má là dòufu) and hotpot (火锅 huǒ guō). Want to know the best noodle (面条 miàntiáo) dish or how to ask for a mild (不辣 bù là) meal? We’ve got you covered! Whether you're a fan of street food (街头小吃 jiē tóu xiǎo chī) or prefer a more refined dining experience, this episode will give you all the tips, tricks, and vocabulary to make ordering Chinese food a breeze. Tune in for some laughs, great food recommendations (推荐 tuījiàn), and a whole lot of fun!

Key Vocabulary:

• 中国饮食文化 (zhōng guó yǐn shí wén huà) – Chinese food culture
• 合菜 (hé cài) – family-style dining
• 火锅 (huǒ guō) – hotpot
• 点心 (diǎn xīn) – dim sum
• 街头小吃 (jiē tóu xiǎo chī) – street food
• 北京烤鸭 (běijīng kǎo yā) – Peking duck
• 饺子 (jiǎozi) – dumplings
• 麻辣豆腐 (má là dòufu) – Mapo tofu
• 糖醋里脊 (táng cù lǐ jǐ) – sweet and sour pork
• 面条 (miàntiáo) – noodles
• 辣 (là) – spicy
• 不辣 (bù là) – not spicy
• 菜单 (cài dān) – menu
• 推荐 (tuījiàn) – recommendation
• 米饭 (mǐ fàn) – rice

"Winter mornings are tough. Getting out of bed feels like a battle with your warm, cozy blanket, and your alarm clock becomes your worst enemy. In this episode, we dive into the age-old debate: Is it better to stay in bed a little longer or wake up early and seize the day? We'll break down the science behind winter routines, explore the pros and cons of sleeping in versus early rising, and share practical tips to find your perfect rhythm during the colder months. Whether you're a proud 'Stay-in-Bed Champion' or an ambitious 'Early Riser,' this episode will have something for you. Tune in for some laughs, insights, and actionable advice!"

冬天的早晨真的太难了！从温暖的被窝里爬起来简直是一场‘生死之战’，而闹钟更像是你的头号敌人。在这一集节目里，我们将深入探讨一个经典问题：是多赖会儿床更好，还是早起迎接新一天更有意义？我们会聊聊冬天作息的科学秘密，分析赖床和早起的优缺点，同时分享一些轻松实用的小技巧，帮助你在寒冷的季节找到属于自己的生活节奏。不管你是‘赖床冠军’，还是‘早起达人’，这一集都会让你受益匪浅。快来收听，一起笑着学习吧！

Key Vocabulary

• 赖床 (lài chuáng) – to stay in bed longer than necessary; literally, "rely on the bed."
• 早起 (zǎo qǐ) – to wake up early; early rising.
• 闹钟 (nào zhōng) – alarm clock; a device that wakes you up at a set time.
• 生物节律 (shēng wù jié lǜ) – biological rhythm; the natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioral changes in a 24-hour period.
• 褪黑素 (tuì hēi sù) – melatonin; a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
• 自律 (zì lǜ) – self-discipline; the ability to control one’s own behavior and habits.
• 冬藏 (dōng cáng) – winter conservation; a traditional Chinese philosophy of resting and conserving energy during winter.
• 早卧晚起 (zǎo wò wǎn qǐ) – sleep early and wake up late; a lifestyle adjustment for winter.
• 心理健康 (xīn lǐ jiàn kāng) – mental health; the state of one’s emotional and psychological well-being.
• 生活节奏 (shēng huó jié zòu) – life rhythm; the pace and structure of one’s daily life.
• 即时满足 (jí shí mǎn zú) – instant gratification; the desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay.
• 早起赢家 (zǎo qǐ yíng jiā) – early riser winner; a humorous term for people who wake up early and feel they achieve more.
• 赖床冠军 (lài chuáng guàn jūn) – stay-in-bed champion; a playful term for those who enjoy staying in bed.
• 适度自律 (shì dù zì lǜ) – moderate self-discipline; maintaining balance without overdoing strict routines.
• 睡眠仪式 (shuì mián yí shì) – sleep ritual; activities done before bed to prepare the body and mind for rest.
• 冬眠模式 (dōng mián mó shì) – hibernation mode; a humorous way to describe low-energy, relaxed winter living.

In this episode, we’re diving into the rhythms of our daily routines—日常作息 (rìcháng zuòxí)—as winter settles in. From early mornings to cozy evenings, we explore how our routines change with the seasons and how to talk about them in Mandarin. You’ll learn essential phrases for describing your day, fun examples of Chinese routines, and a comparison of daily habits in China and Western countries. Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, this episode will help you find your flow in Mandarin, all while embracing the chill of winter and the joys of a good routine. Tune in for some cozy Mandarin learning and a few cultural surprises along the way!

Key Vocabulary：

• 早上 (zǎoshang) – Morning
• 起床 (qǐchuáng) – To get up
• 刷牙 (shuā yá) – To brush teeth
• 洗脸 (xǐ liǎn) – To wash face
• 吃早餐 (chī zǎocān) – To have breakfast
• 上班 (shàngbān) – To go to work
• 学习 (xuéxí) – To study
• 午餐 (wǔcān) – Lunch
• 休息 (xiūxi) – To rest
• 回家 (huíjiā) – To go home
• 吃晚餐 (chī wǎncān) – To have dinner
• 锻炼 (duànliàn) – To exercise
• 看电视 (kàn diànshì) – To watch TV
• 熬夜 (áoyè) – Staying up late
• 睡觉 (shuìjiào) – To sleep

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of tipping cultures across different countries. Why is tipping mandatory in some places while frowned upon in others? From the United States to France, China, and the UK, tipping isn’t just about rewarding good service; it reflects each country’s culture, values, and social norms. Whether you’re used to adding a little extra or keeping things simple, there’s a story behind each tipping tradition. Tune in for a cozy and engaging discussion that will help you navigate tipping with ease on your travels!

在本集播客中，我们一起探讨了不同国家的小费文化——为什么有的地方小费是“必给”，而在另一些地方小费反而不被鼓励？从美国到法国，再到中国和英国，小费不仅是对服务的反馈，更是各国文化、价值观和社会习惯的缩影。无论你是习惯在账单上多加几个数字，还是选择简单结账，每个小费习惯背后都有不同的文化逻辑。来听听这集轻松又有趣的讨论吧，帮你在旅行时不再为小费而烦恼！

重点单词：

1. 小费 (xiǎofèi) - Tip
2. 文化 (wénhuà) - Culture
3. 价值观 (jiàzhíguān) - Values
4. 社会习惯 (shèhuì xíguàn) - Social Norms
5. 服务 (fúwù) - Service
6. 表达感谢 (biǎodá gǎnxiè) - Express Gratitude
7. 必须 (bìxū) - Mandatory/Required
8. 随意 (suíyì) - Casual/Optional
9. 收入 (shōurù) - Income
10. 鼓励 (gǔlì) - Encourage

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into theworld of tipping customs, or 小费 (xiǎofèi),across France, the U.S., the UK, and China. Tipping might seem like a small thing, but it’s full of cultural quirks and surprises! Join me as we chat about when and where tipping is expected (or not!), and explore why some countries have strict tipping rules while others are much more relaxed about it.

Whether you’re a traveler or just curious aboutdifferent customs, this episode is a light-hearted guide to understanding tipping around the world. And don’t worry—if you’d like to review any words or phrases, you’ll find the full transcript in the episode description to help youalong.

Grab a cozy drink, get comfortable, and let’s jump in!

Key Vocabulary

·  小费 (xiǎofèi)– Tip

·  服务 (fúwù)– Service

·  服务费 (fúwù fèi)– Service charge

·  礼节 (lǐjié)– Courtesy or etiquette

·  消费习惯 (xiāofèi xíguàn) – Spending habit

·  服务员 (fúwùyuán)– Server, waiter/waitress

·  必需 (bìxū)– Essential, required

随意 (suíyì) – Optional, up to one’s discretion

Key Vocabulary with Example Sentences (重点词汇与例句):

1.  小费 (xiǎofèi)– Tip 在美国，吃饭要给小费。 (ZàiMěiguó, chīfàn yào gěi xiǎofèi.) "In the U.S.,you need to tip when you eat out."

2.  服务 (fúwù)– Service   这家餐厅的服务很好。 (Zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwù hěn hǎo.)"The service at this restaurant is good."

3.  服务费 (fúwù fèi)– Service charge  法国的餐厅有服务费。 (Fǎguó de cāntīng yǒu fúwù fèi.)"French restaurants have a service charge."

4.  账单 (zhàngdān)– Bill or check 服务员，请给我账单。 (Fúwùyuán,qǐng gěi wǒ zhàngdān.) "Waiter, please give methe bill."

5.  消费习惯 (xiāofèi xíguàn) – Spending habit 中国没有给小费的习惯。(Zhōngguó méiyǒu gěi xiǎofèi de xíguàn.) "In China, people don’t have the habit of tipping."

6.  服务员 (fúwùyuán)– Server, waiter/waitress 服务员，很好，谢谢！ *(Fúwùyuán, hěn hǎo, xièxiè!) * "Waiter, very good, thankyou!"

7.  必需 (bìxū)– Essential, required 在美国，小费是必需的。 (Zài Měiguó, xiǎofèi shì bìxū de.)"In the U.S., tipping is required."

8.  随意 (suíyì)– Optional, up to one’s discretion 在法国，小费是随意的。(Zài Fǎguó, xiǎofèi shì suíyì de.) "In France, tipping is optional."

Dialogue (对话)

场景: Li Wei andSarah are eating at a restaurant in France and chatting about tipping.

Sarah:这个菜好吃吗？ (Zhège càihǎochī ma?) "Is this dish tasty?"

Li Wei: 好吃！不过，法国的餐厅没有米饭，有点奇怪！ (Hǎochī! Bùguò, Fǎguó de cāntīng méiyǒu mǐfàn, yǒudiǎn qíguài!) "Yes, tasty! But French restaurants don’t have rice; it’s abit strange!"

Sarah:哈哈，这里没有米饭，吃面包吧！ (Hāhā,zhèlǐ méiyǒu mǐfàn, chī miànbāo ba!) "Haha, norice here—have some bread!"

Li Wei: 好吧，那我们吃完要给小费吗？ (Hǎoba, nà wǒmen chīwán yào gěi xiǎofèi ma?)"Alright. So, do we need to give a tip when we’re done?"

Sarah:随意吧！在法国，给小费是随意的。 (Suíyìba! Zài Fǎguó, gěi xiǎofèi shì suíyì de.) "Upto you! In France, tipping is optional."

Li Wei: 随意？那我给还是不给呢？ (Suíyì?Nà wǒ gěi háishì bù gěi ne?) "Optional? Soshould I give or not give?"

Sarah:我觉得服务员很不错，可以给一点。 (Wǒjuéde fúwùyuán hěn búcuò, kěyǐ gěi yīdiǎn.) "Ithink the server was nice, so we could give a little."

Li Wei: 那我要给一块钱，还是五块？ (Nàwǒ yào gěi yī kuài qián, háishì wǔ kuài?) "Soshould I give one yuan or five?"

Sarah:哈哈，一块有点少吧！在美国，小费是百分之十五到二十。 (Hāhā, yī kuài yǒudiǎn shǎo ba! Zài Měiguó, xiǎofèi shì bǎifēn zhīshíwǔ dào èrshí.) "Haha, one yuan might be abit little! In the U.S., tips are 15% to 20%."

Li Wei: 哇，真贵！还好在中国，不用给小费。 (Wā, zhēn guì! Hái hǎo zài Zhōngguó, bù yòng gěi xiǎofèi.) "Wow, that’s expensive! Lucky in China, we don’t need totip."

Sarah:对呀，去美国吃饭会更贵！ (Duìya, qù Měiguó chīfàn huì gèng guì!) "Yes,eating in the U.S. costs even more!"

Li Wei: 好吧，那今天我就随意，给一点点。 (Hǎo ba, nà jīntiān wǒ jiù suíyì, gěi yīdiǎn diǎn.) "Alright, so today I'll just go with a little bit."

在本期播客中，我们将探讨购物这一既熟悉又矛盾的话题。每年购物季节的到来，从中国的双十一到西方的黑色星期五，各种促销活动让人眼花缭乱。我们会聊聊广告如何影响我们的购物欲望，以及在这股消费潮流中，我们追求的究竟是什么？购物不仅是物质的满足，更是一种心理和情感的体验。在这一集里，我们也会讨论如何在物质欲望与生活态度之间找到平衡，希望能引发你对购物和消费文化的思考。

重点单词总结

• 购物 (gòu wù): Shopping
• 黑色星期五 (hēi sè xīng qī wǔ): Black Friday
• 双十一 (shuāng shí yī): Double Eleven (Singles' Day)
• 打折 (dǎ zhé): Discount
• 特价 (tè jià): Special price
• 便宜 (pián yí): Cheap
• 商场 (shāng chǎng): Shopping mall
• 商店 (shāng diàn): Store
• 购物欲望 (gòu wù yù wàng): Shopping desire
• 广告 (guǎng gào): Advertisement
• 物质满足 (wù zhì mǎn zú): Material satisfaction