Little Mandarin: Learn Chinese through culture and real life

A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me

In today’s episode, we’re celebrating the festive season with a fun exploration of beer (啤酒 píjiǔ) and cocktails (鸡尾酒 jīwěi jiǔ) in Mandarin.🍺🍹

We’ll take a look at how beer brings a casual vibe to gatherings in China, the growing popularity of cocktails among younger generations, and unique Chinese-inspired drink creations. Plus, we’ll learn how to toast like a pro in Mandarin with 干杯 (gānbēi) and explore key grammar and vocabulary to help you order your favorite drink with confidence.

Whether you’re sipping on a Mojito, enjoying a Piña Colada, or keeping it simple with water, join me as we toast to learning, laughter, and making memories together!

🎄 Key Grammar and Vocabulary Recap included in the description below.

节日特别版：和我一起的12天中文学习马拉松

在今天的节目中，我们将用中文探索节日里不可或缺的啤酒（píjiǔ）和鸡尾酒（jīwěi jiǔ）。

你会了解到啤酒如何成为中国聚会中的“常客”，年轻人为何偏爱鸡尾酒，还有一些充满创意的中国特色饮品。此外，我们还会学习如何用中文说“干杯 (gānbēi)”来为聚会增添氛围，并通过实用的语法和词汇轻松点单你最爱的饮品！

不管你现在手边的是莫吉托、皮纳科拉达，还是一杯简单的水，跟我一起举杯，为学习、欢笑和珍贵的节日时光干杯！

🎄 节目中涉及的语法和词汇复习请见下方内容。

Key Vocabulary

Key Grammar

A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me

Welcome to today’s festive episode of our Holiday Podcast Marathon! 🍷 Raise your glass as we dive into the world of wine—Mandarin style! In this episode, we’ll explore essential wine vocabulary, learn the grammar to talk about wine like a pro, and uncover the cultural differences between Chinese and Western wine traditions. From 白酒 to 红酒 and even 苹果酒, you’ll be prepared to toast in Mandarin wherever you are this holiday season. Cheers to learning, connection, and good vibes! 🎉

节日特别版：和我一起的12天中文学习马拉松

欢迎收听今天的有趣又节日感满满的特别播客！🍷 有什么比边喝酒边学中文更棒的呢？今天，我们一起探索葡萄酒的奇妙世界！从白酒到红酒，甚至苹果酒，我们会学习酒的相关词汇、语法技巧，还会聊聊中国和西方文化里那些独特的酒文化传统。无论你喜欢温暖的苹果酒还是优雅的香槟，这一集都会让你轻松用中文举杯干杯！🥂 为学习和节日气氛干杯！🎉

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A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me

Learn Mandarin vocabulary and phrases to talk about your favorite winter dishes, and discover the cultural stories behind these comforting meals. Whether you love steamy soups or sweet winter snacks, this episode will fill you up with both warmth and Mandarin knowledge! 🍲❄️

节日特别版：和我一起的12天中文学习马拉松

学习用中文描述你喜爱的冬天食物，并探索这些菜肴背后的文化故事。不管是热腾腾的汤还是甜甜的冬日小吃，这一集一定会让你的冬天和中文学习更有滋味！🍲❄️

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Grammar Summary:

A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me

Learn simple Mandarin vocabulary and phrases to describe your morning favorites, plus dive into the cultural stories behind these comforting dishes. Whether you’re team savory or team sweet, this episode will make you hungry for more—both food and Mandarin! 🍳

节日特别版：和我一起的12天中文学习马拉松

学习描述早餐的中文词汇和短句，同时深入了解这些美食背后的文化故事。不管你喜欢咸味还是甜味，这一集都会让你对食物和中文更“上头”！🍳

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A Holiday Special: 12-Day Learning Marathon with Me

Ever wondered why Chinese families might leave an entire fish untouched during a feast? Or what makes a French marron glacé so irresistible? Get ready for a mix of tasty stories, cultural insights, and a Mandarin lesson that’s as cozy as a holiday sweater.

Stick around for some laughs, learning, and the secret to frying leftover dumplings. Don’t miss this kick-off to our 12-day Mandarin marathon—your perfect holiday treat! 🎁

节日特别版：和我一起的12天中文学习马拉松

你知道为什么中国人过节会在桌上留一整条鱼不动吗？或者为什么糖渍栗子会让人爱不释手？准备好在笑声中，了解美味背后的故事，并掌握炸饺子的独门技巧吧！

加入我们这12天中文马拉松的第一步，让你的假期充满学习的乐趣与节日的温暖！🎁

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Key Grammar Summary:

“Can you feel it? Expressing emotions in Mandarin like a pro!”
Ever feel conflicted, relieved, or even a little nostalgic, but don’t know how to say it in Mandarin? In this episode, we break down advanced emotional expressions like 矛盾 (máodùn), 释然 (shìrán), and 心酸 (xīnsuān). You’ll also discover the unique Chinese way of expressing feelings—subtle, poetic, and rich in culture.

🎄 Special Holiday Announcement: Starting December 20, join our 12-day Mandarin Learning Marathon! From daily episodes to cultural insights, learn Mandarin with us every day until December 31. Let’s end the year on a high note together!

Don’t miss this heartfelt journey into Mandarin’s emotional world! Tune in now and learn to speak from the heart.

你是否曾感到矛盾、释然或是一些淡淡的伤感，却不知道如何用中文表达？在本期节目中，我们带你学习像矛盾 (máodùn)、释然 (shìrán) 和 心酸 (xīnsuān) 这样的高级情感词汇。同时，你还将了解中文表达情感的独特之处——含蓄、细腻、充满文化韵味。

🎄 特别预告：从12月20日开始，我们将推出**“圣诞特别节目：12天中文学习马拉松”！每天一集，带你探索中文文化与语言的魅力，一直持续到12月31日**！让我们一起迎接充满收获的假期！

不要错过这次用中文探索情感世界的机会！快来收听，学会用心说中文吧！

Updated Podcast Episode DescriptionEnglish Description

“Can you feel it? Expressing emotions in Mandarin like a pro!”
Ever feel conflicted, relieved, or even a little nostalgic, but don’t know how to say it in Mandarin? In this episode, we break down advanced emotional expressions like 矛盾 (máodùn), 释然 (shìrán), and 心酸 (xīnsuān). You’ll also discover the unique Chinese way of expressing feelings—subtle, poetic, and rich in culture.

🎄 Special Holiday Announcement: Starting December 20, join our 12-day Mandarin Learning Marathon! From daily episodes to cultural insights, learn Mandarin with us every day until December 31. Let’s end the year on a high note together!

Don’t miss this heartfelt journey into Mandarin’s emotional world! Tune in now and learn to speak from the heart.

“感受了吗？用中文优雅表达你的情感！”
你是否曾感到矛盾、释然或是一些淡淡的伤感，却不知道如何用中文表达？在本期节目中，我们带你学习像矛盾 (máodùn)、释然 (shìrán) 和 心酸 (xīnsuān) 这样的高级情感词汇。同时，你还将了解中文表达情感的独特之处——含蓄、细腻、充满文化韵味。

🎄 特别预告：从12月20日开始，我们将推出**“圣诞特别节目：12天中文学习马拉松”！每天一集，带你探索中文文化与语言的魅力，一直持续到12月31日**！让我们一起迎接充满收获的假期！

不要错过这次用中文探索情感世界的机会！快来收听，学会用心说中文吧！

Key Vocabulary

1. 激动 (jīdòng) – Emotional / Excited
2. 无奈 (wúnài) – Helpless
3. 伤感 (shānggǎn) – Nostalgic / Sad
4. 释然 (shìrán) – Relieved
5. 矛盾 (máodùn) – Conflicted
6. 委屈 (wěiqu) – Feeling Wronged
7. 感动 (gǎndòng) – Touched
8. 平静 (píngjìng) – Calm / Serene
9. 惊讶 (jīngyà) – Surprised
10. 心酸 (xīnsuān) – Bittersweet

Example Sentences

1. 激动 (jīdòng):

   • 听到这个好消息，我特别激动！
     (I’m so excited to hear this great news!)

2. 无奈 (wúnài):

   • 遇到这样的情况，我真的很无奈。
     (I feel helpless facing this situation.)

3. 伤感 (shānggǎn):

   • 每次听到这首歌，我都会觉得伤感。
     (Every time I hear this song, I feel nostalgic sadness.)

4. 释然 (shìrán):

   • 终于解决了这个问题，我感到释然。
     (I feel relieved after finally solving this problem.)

5. 矛盾 (máodùn):

   • 他心里很矛盾，不知道该怎么选择。
     (He feels conflicted and doesn’t know what to choose.)

6. 委屈 (wěiqu):

   • 他的话让我觉得特别委屈。
     (His words made me feel really wronged.)

7. 感动 (gǎndòng):

   • 朋友为我准备了惊喜，我真的很感动。
     (My friend prepared a surprise for me, and I’m deeply touched.)

8. 平静 (píngjìng):

   • 经过了这么多事情，我终于感到平静了。
     (After going through so much, I finally feel calm.)

9. 惊讶 (jīngyà):

   • 听到这个消息，我感到非常惊讶！
     (I was very surprised to hear this news!)

10. 心酸 (xīnsuān):

    • 听到他的经历，我觉得特别心酸。
      (Hearing his story, I felt a bittersweet sadness.)

In today’s episode, “When Words Fail: Mandarin for Expressing Feelings,” we explore essential Mandarin phrases to express common emotions like tired, happy, or annoyed. Learn how to naturally use words like 累 (lèi), 开心 (kāixīn), and 烦 (fán), while discovering cultural insights about how emotions are expressed subtly in Chinese.

🎄 SpecialAnnouncement: Starting December 20, join me for a 12-dayChristmas Mandarin Learning Marathon! I’ll post a short and fun episode every day until December 31 to help you boost your Mandarin during the holidays. Don’t miss it!

Tune in and learn how to confidently express your feelings in Mandarin! 😊

在今天的节目 《When Words Fail: Mandarin for Expressing Feelings》 中，我们将学习如何用中文表达情绪，比如累、开心、或者烦。我们会深入讲解常用词汇：累 (lèi)、开心 (kāixīn) 和 烦 (fán)，并了解在中文文化中如何含蓄地表达自己的感受。

🎄 特别预告：从12月20日开始，我将推出12天中文学习马拉松特别节目！每天一集，陪你一起学习中文，一直持续到12月31日，让你的假期充满收获！不要错过哦！

快来收听这一期节目，轻松自信地用中文表达你的情绪吧！😊

Key Vocabulary

1.         累 (lèi) – Tired

2.         开心 (kāixīn) – Happy

3.         困 (kùn) – Sleepy

4.         烦 (fán) – Annoyed

5.         兴奋 (xīngfèn) – Excited

6.         期待 (qīdài) – Looking forwardto

7.         难过 (nánguò) – Sad

8.         生气 (shēngqì) – Angry

Sentence Examples

1.         累 (lèi) – Tired

•          “我有点累。” (wǒ yǒudiǎnlèi, I’m a little tired.)

2.         开心 (kāixīn) – Happy

•          “听到这个消息，我很开心。” (tīngdàozhège xiāoxi, wǒ hěn kāixīn, I’m so happy to hear this news.)

3.         困 (kùn) – Sleepy

•          “我好困啊!” (wǒ hǎo kùna!, I’m so sleepy!)

4.         烦 (fán) – Annoyed

•          “这件事让我很烦。” (zhè jiàn shìràng wǒ hěn fán, This thing is really bothering me.)

5.         兴奋 (xīngfèn) – Excited

•          “我对周末的旅行很兴奋。” (wǒ duìzhōumò de lǚxíng hěn xīngfèn, I’m excited about the weekend trip.)

6.         期待 (qīdài) – Looking forwardto

•          “我很期待见到你。” (wǒ hěn qīdàijiàndào nǐ, I’m really looking forward to seeing you.)

7.         难过 (nánguò) – Sad

•          “我听到这个消息，心里很难过。” (wǒ tīngdàozhège xiāoxi, xīn lǐ hěn nánguò, I feel sad hearing this news.)

8.         生气 (shēngqì) – Angry

•          “别生气了!” (bié shēngqìle, Don’t be angry!)

What is love? In this episode, we dive deep into its mysteries and surprises, blending the delicate beauty of Chinese cultural expressions with timeless philosophical musings like “Is true love real?” Discover the charm of Mandarin words like 表白 (confession) and 一见钟情 (love at first sight), and learn how they reflect China’s unique take on romance. With a mix of humor, insight, and heart, we’ll explore how love shapes who we are, bridges cultures, and leaves us with unforgettable stories. Tune in for a delightful journey through the profound and playful world of love.

爱是什么？本期节目，我们深入探讨爱情的奥秘与惊喜。从中国文化中含蓄动人的爱情表达，到“真爱存在吗”这样经久不衰的哲学思考，你将发现爱情如何塑造我们的人生。我们还会分享中文里独具韵味的爱情词汇，比如表白（向喜欢的人表达爱意）和一见钟情（第一次见面就爱上对方），并解读它们背后的文化意义。幽默、深刻又温暖，快来和我们一起探索爱情的独特魅力吧！

Key Vocabulary:

表白 (biǎobái): To confess one’s love
Example: 他终于向她表白了。(Tā zhōngyú xiàng tā biǎobái le.) – He finally confessed his love to her.

心跳 (xīntiào): Heartbeat
Example: 第一次见到她时，我的心跳得特别快。(Dì yī cì jiàndào tā shí, wǒ de xīntiào dé tèbié kuài.) – My heart was beating so fast when I saw her for the first time.

牵手 (qiānshǒu): To hold hands
Example: 他们在公园里牵手散步。(Tāmen zài gōngyuán lǐ qiānshǒu sànbù.) – They held hands while walking in the park.

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

一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōngqíng): Love at first sight
Example: 他们是一见钟情。(Tāmen shì yī jiàn zhōngqíng.) – They fell in love at first sight.

暧昧 (àimèi): Ambiguous relationship
Example: 他们的关系有点暧昧。(Tāmen de guānxì yǒudiǎn àimèi.) – Their relationship is a bit ambiguous.

痴心 (chīxīn): Infatuation; deep devotion
Example: 他对她的爱一直很痴心。(Tā duì tā de ài yīzhí hěn chīxīn.) – He has always been deeply devoted to her.

真爱 (zhēn'ài): True love
Example: 真爱是无条件的。(Zhēn'ài shì wú tiáojiàn de.) – True love is unconditional.

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